Managing the manager

Project management doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and probably wouldn’t be as interesting if it did. It’s all about establishing objectives, solving problems, and ultimately realising business benefits. None of these things are theoretical and all rely very much on engagement with all those surrounding the project team. One of the most challenging relationships to manage is that with your boss. They are frequently the gatekeeper to most of the information, support and resources that you require but their priorities are often very different from yours. Key to your success is to understand situations from their point of view. Gaining an understanding of their perspective will bring rewards to both parties. Get things wrong though and at best you will waste time and resources ‘working around’ them. At worst you will commit career suicide. How do we ‘manage up’ effectively? 1. Understand their strengths & weaknesses: We all have them and try to get to know what your bosses are. It may, for instance, be that they have little grasp of the finer points of financial planning and budget tracking and any volunteering to help in these areas will be sure to get their attention and earn you a favourable disposition when dealing with other issues. 2. Be familiar with their priorities, agenda and perspectives: Don’t be surprised if you don’t share priorities with your boss – your jobs are very different. Try to at least have an understanding of what their priorities and perspective are and why they are what they are. If you find they frequently cancel meetings with you, it may be so that they can keep engagements with clients. These would obviously be harder to reschedule, so don’t take it too personally! 3. Adopt their working style: If your working style conflicts with your managers preferred style then your relationship is never going to be harmonious. If your Agile Project Management style leaves them floundering and concerned about losing control of the project then adopt the Waterfall approach instead and get everything thoroughly document and planned before you start. Being constantly at odds with your boss is no good for your long-term career prospects! 4. Remain honest, loyal & trustworthy: Do not talk behind your bosses back and you have every right to expect the same in return. The senior managers are chosen to set the tone for the rest of the organisation. If you find there are intractable differences between your views and theirs then it may be time to think about moving elsewhere. Going above your boss’ head is something to be done only as a very last resort as it effectively terminates your working relationship and the mutual trust you should have. Only really to be considered if illegality or lawsuits would be involved otherwise. 5. Bring them on board and work together to achieve the results you both want: It is likely that your boss has your immediate and future career within their influence so do all you can to nurture the relationship! To a large extent much of this is common sense, although it is taught on some project management courses, with the critical element of managing up simply boiling down to having due respect and consideration for your manager and their position. None of these things should be considered to class you as a ‘toady’ either. It is simply about working together towards mutual goals. rnIt does your career in project management no harm though!