The HBR Guides Collection (8 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

Managing Up

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have to get,” says Sutton. Figure out which of your bosses

has the most power, and prioritize her assignments. “The

smart employee doesn’t ask. Instead, do your own calcula-

tion of who is more powerful and who would hurt you the

least,” says Sutton.

Don’t Take It Personally

Sutton notes that it’s easy to assume that your bosses are

out to get you, but usually that’s not the case. They’re

probably just pushing their own agendas, and you’re get-

ting caught in the middle. Try not to feel persecuted. In-

stead, identify the confl icts and work to resolve them.

Reap the Benefi ts

Despite the challenges, having more than one boss can

also be an advantage. For example, you’re likely to get

more robust feedback. If your bosses come from different ...