How to Handle a Difficult Manager
About a decade ago I learned who you report to has a massive impact on your mobility and your ability to level up.
I have had the pleasure of working for managers who were force multipliers - the kind of managers who lift everyone around them, and I have had my fair share of 'less than perfect' managers.
If you are experiencing the latter, keep reading.
This week's question is all about dealing with a challenging manager:
Okay, this is going to be a long one.
The way I see it you have two options:
1. Invest time and effort to change your relationship with your manager for the better.
2. Find a new job.
I usually start with the first option, I do my best for 3-6 months and if that doesn't work I refresh my resume and start looking.
➡️ If you are like me, let's talk about building a better relationship with your manager.
The first thing I want you to remember is that your manager is a person. They have feelings. They get hurt. They question themselves. They get scared. They worry about their job.
It's easy to forget, but as one of my previous CEOs told me: "I'm your manager but I'm also a human being".
I'm telling you this upfront because I want you to have empathy. You'll need it.
Step #1: Define your goals
Looking at D's question I assume her goals are to:
1. Have authority and decision making power
2. Have direct access to the SVP
3. Be able to deliver great results
Step #2: Figure out what is (actually) blocking you
1) D doesn't feel like she is in charge. Why?
Her manager is intimidated by her (she has more experience)
Her manager wants to look good in front of his boss (SVP)
Her manager doesn't trust her