It’s natural to think of what you want from your company or—after all, you work hard and are a valued employee. But your manager is also thinking of what they need from you. Keep these four things top of mind and you’ll know what they want:
Solutions: Never take a problem to your boss unless you have at least one solution to offer. Why? If you bring up problems without solutions, you can easily be viewed as a complainer.
Positive Feedback: Let your manager know what she is doing right and what strengths you see in her. Why? Because your manager doesn’t hear positive feedback often enough from her boss.
Customized Communication: Some managers prefer the bullet points first and they don’t want the details unless they ask for them. Adapt how you communicate so it matches your manager’s style. Why? You will have greater influence and impact.
Explain the “Why” behind the “What”: When you make a request, frame it in the context of how it benefits your manager. Why? Address the “what’s in it for me?” and you will greatly improve the odds of getting your request approved.
– Alan Allard, Executive Coach To hear more from Alan, sign up for his newsletter at www.alanallard.com
