Managing Your Boss

by John J. Gabarro, John P. Kotter

Effective managers need to take time and energy to manage their relationships with their bosses. This effort can simplify their jobs by eliminating potential problems. The boss-manager relationship is one of mutual dependence between two fallible human beings. Managers must have a good understanding of themselves and their bosses and use this information to develop a healthy relationship compatible with both persons' work styles and expectations. They must seek out information about their boss's goals and pressures by being alert for opportunities to question the boss, and by paying attention to clues in his or her behavior. McKinsey Award Winner.

Genres: Management, Business, Nonfiction, Leadership, Personal Development, Self Help

56 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first this may seem counterintuitive; your boss manages you, that is what most employees have been told since their first job. But there is a relationship that you can manage, and if you do so goals/objectives can become more translatable for both of you. This book looks at ways to more transparently manage the expectations that often get lost when management styles clash.

[Mosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Managing your boss" by John Gabarro and John Kotter begins like this: 'To many people, the phrase "managing your boss" may sound unusual or suspicious. Because of the traditional top-down emphasis in most organisations, it is not obvious why you need to manage relationship upward - unless, of course, you would do so for personal or political reasons. But we are not referring to political maneuvering or to apple polishing. We are using the term to mean the process of consciously working with your superior to obtain the best possible results for you, your boss, and the company.' True to its sentiments, the book reveals that your boss isn't always wrong, but neither are you. The checklist on the last page acts a great guide for you to do your best to work in the office. But that doesn't mean you should skip to the last page!

Have an amazing, insightful read about one of the most important relationships in the world.

[Sherif Gerges · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, although it reads more like an essay than an actual book. I felt the lessons embedded here are well worth thinking about and would serve any young professional tremendously.

[Scott Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Managing up” has become a part of work culture over the past 20-or-so years, but that scenario hasn’t always been the case. This article, originally published in Harvard Business Review (HBR) in 1993 and 2005, represents some of the first voices to discuss this topic at length. Thus, the HBR Press has compiled this article into a brief book for sale. Had I known of its prior distribution, I would not have purchased the book since I have access to HBR’s archives, but I also would not have known about the article were it not for this publication.

In it, the authors make the concise case that this relationship is crucial both to individual and corporate success. They also persuade that relations with one’s superior often take a different shape than those with direct reports. Then they coach readers how to understand their boss’s professional personality. For example, they suggest categorizing your boss as a “reader,” who gathers information primarily by text, or as a “listener,” who gathers information primarily orally. Ultimately, individuals must know themselves and how they relate to authority to become more effective.

Managing authority figures is an inescapable, universal challenge for anyone involved in society. Frankly, there’s no one right way to do it, but it must be done. I’m concerned that the art of healthy relationships is, in recent years, losing out (in the individualist United States, at least), and this book can address those skill deficits by encouraging reflection about core issues.

[Ioana Lily Balas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book feels a bit dated, I understand that it was originally published in the 80s when hierarchical, top-down organisations were very much the norm, as was the word 'subordinate'. It's a small half an hour read that tells you why it's a strategic decision to consider how you work together with your boss and how to best align with them. The author insists that this is not only for political reasons, but so as to achieve success that is in line with both your goals and those of your manager.

They suggest observing what their communication style is, for example in writing or spoken, and making sure that discussions are held in a way that embraces that. You should also look at how they prefer to engage with their teams: would they rather be involved from the very beginning and help tackling issues hands on? Or would they instead like to only hear how you yourself solved it?

Nothing groundbreaking, but totally reasonable.

[Nir Altmark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mmm... this book is more a blog post than a book. It is as small as the palm of my hand it contain only 42 pages. It was first published in 1980 and they use the word subordinate alot. The reasons I gave it two stars are:
1. I like the title - as a leader it is in you to take responsibility, you can manage your employees you can manage your interfaces and you can manage your "boss". Which mean if you feel or know you are a good manager and failed to understand why you can't impact your manager/interfaces as you impact your employees is because you are managing your employee and not "managing" your manager/interface. You can't use the same managing technique to to do both and you need to learn how.
2. The list at the end of how to make sure you and your manager are aligned.

[Paul Bard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been fortunate to have had many wonderful bosses, and this short guide evokes many reflections on why those relationships have been so successful.

I think for me the big aspect of maintaining a good relationship with my bosses is that I have admired, appreciated, empathised and had genuine goodwill for them - that is, for my immediate superiors.

Basically, this is about knowing when to stop and start, when to ask and avoid, and when to engage wisely. The need for one-on-one reports is underlined here, because in the hustle of daily work it's impossible to appreciate the differences appropriately.

Altogether a good general reflection on the boss-subordinate relationship.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

its very informational it is 3/5 because its just in my preference, i dont know if it will fit my personality. however, a good book. a good sjort book, finished it in one sitting but if i have my own copy, maybe it will be 2 sitting. good good, very ratuonal thinking/approach love it might apply the others things i learned from here loved it

[Mario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Managing Your Boss

A quick review of a very common problem: the humanity of coworkers. The book gives advice and illustrates with examples.

[Omar M. Khateeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and actionable book that provides some key themes on how to manage your boss and get the most out of your relationship.

[Andy Wijaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must-read book for subordinates who is always complaining how bad their boss by posting it on Social Media.

[Héctor Iván Patricio Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandes cobnsejos para lidiar con jefes o clientes.

[Sofía Rodríguez Pinedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

very usefull, i think everyone should read it no matter your field or position at work.

[Adam Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, very simple, makes a lot of sense! Well structured - a good breakdown of the manager/subordinate relationship and how both parties can optimise the relationship and the results

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave a good clear description through examples of real world situations that take place everyday in the office between a manager and their subordinates. However for a refreshing change it gave the subordinate power over how to control their manager in a few simple steps. First step understanding your managers working style. Second step is to understand your managers weaknesses in order to compensate with a strength of your own. Lastly understand your managers objectives in his or her position what are they trying to achieve, so that you can make sure you are aligned with his goals. Great read!!!

[Meliza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Handy guidebook. I like the idea behind this book:
- compatible work styles ( listeners or readers, each other's strengths weaknesses, decission-making style)
- mutual expectations ( how to spell out the expectation )
- information flow ( how much information needed, bad or good news )
- dependability and honesty ( level of trust )
- good use of time and resources

[Muhammad Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, a quick read and good advice, although if one has worked for a while in a professional enviroment then most of this should be common knowledge anyway. Better get a copy online rather that buy the hard-copy.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent, short read. It's just a HBR article repackaged as a book, so buyer beware.

[Jatin Sethi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title is quite catchy but certainly not what comes in mind at a glance.
Book is quite handy. Nice examples are used and contains no discursive material.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read

Some really good information on what can be a difficult situation. I will be using the checklist that is included at the end of the book.

[Susairaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book on boss management

I like this book as it helps you to understand your boss and his expectations . And how as a team you could achieve organisation goals

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy these little tomes. They always have great insights.

[Amit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Read. Unlike the title which may appear suspicious, this book is about understanding the boss's working style, the pressure they have, their expectations, etc and how managers can adapt in order to work towards the common objectives of his boss, his own and ultimately the organization's goals.

[Ján · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice and useful reminder, worth the quick read. However, most of it is common sense, nothing really groundbreaking.