HBR 20-Minute Manager Boxed Set (10 Books) (HBR 20-Minute Manager Series)

Managing Up

14

If you recognize a bit of yourself in either of these

profi les, consider how your natural reaction to au-

thority in general may be damaging your relationship

with your boss. Then think about ways to respond

more constructively, as in the previous example,

where offering to help your boss leads to a more ef-

fi cient division of labor and the chance to contribute

to a desirable project.

Strengths and weaknesses

Once you know your manager’s strengths, you can

fi nd ways of working together that bring out the best

in both of you. You can also appreciate how she’s us-

ing those strengths to support team and company

goals—and tactfully promote those accomplishments

to others in the organization. Bosses appreciate, and

often reciprocate, ...