In 2011, we’re focusing on peace of mind, thinking the best of people, and avoiding frustration. Inevitably, though, a giant percentage of our frustration at any given time is work-related. The bald truth is that most managers earn rank through their professional accomplishments rather than their managerial skills. Whether you love or hate your job, dealing with difficult managers is often a fact of life. “Managing up” is about more than making your boss like you in the hopes that she’ll stop bugging you; it’s also about managing your own reactions to the things she does—whether they’re constructive, crazy, hurtful, or even a little verbally abusive.
Your Boss Can Be Insecure, Too
Above all else, remember that most of the annoying office politics you experience are the results of fear or insecurity. Ask yourself whether your boss is just trying to stay in the good graces of her boss. Is it possible that her heinous power trips are just a result of insecurity about whether people take her seriously? This doesn’t justify anything, but anticipating your coworkers’ secret motives will help in nearly all your interactions with them. Even if someone is being incredibly obnoxious, try your hardest to stay positive and resist the urge to complain, since this nearly always backfires by making people think you’re a complainer. Instead, even when you’re not feeling it, try to show your appreciation and be constructive.
Deal with Face Time
Although we feel strongly that everyone needs to master the ability to say no, we also understand that some workplaces really do judge employees who leave earlier than everyone else (even if they’ve finished all of their work). Watch what your coworkers are doing. Don’t be the first one out the door every day—but also don’t play into the whole game. Competing for who can stay the longest will not only support a work culture that values time over quality, but it’ll also teach your managers that you’re always on call. If they frequently see you at work until 9 p.m., are they really going to hesitate to call you for something the one day you actually go home on time? Set boundaries. Plus, leaving when you’re supposed to speaks to the fact that you are capable enough to get stuff done in a timely way.
