Managing Your Boss

Today I asked my boss for my performance review yet again and while she resisted at first, once we started talking she did give me some real pats on the back and also a few things to work on. AHHH... what a great feeling just to know that she knows that I am interested in improving and advancing to the next level. Just putting it all out there and having the conversation has not only taken a big weight off my shoulder but also has put a spring in my step because now I know that I am well positioned in her mind to take the next step for career advancement!

The lesson to be learned here is that so often we are so afraid to ask and push for what we want and deserve that we end up creating more of a divide filled with frustration than should ever even exist. So many managers today are simply not managers - plain and simple, they are good at what they do but not necessarily good at managing people! So, you owe it to yourself to manage your manager. If you need some feedback on something, do not be afraid to ask for it. If you are looking for some guidance on career development, patiently remind them that it is their job to get you promoted. Nothing reflects better on a manager than the ability to get their direct reports ready for the next step.

So, get out there and ask for what you need and you will be rewarded... I sure was and for the first time in many months I am actually excited to go to work tomorrow!