The Boss…

How should I deal with my Supervisor?

So far as common courtesy goes, you owe your Boss no more or less than you owe anyone else. Show your Boss that you understand what they need and that you value them. Let this guide your behavior towards your Boss, and you will find yourself climbing the ladder to success.

Two important hints:

• Never surprise your Boss – always make sure that he/she knows what you are doing and alert him/her as early as possible to potential problems, conflicts or opportunities related to what you are doing.
• Start the relationship with a new Boss by using their social title (e.g. Mr, Miss, Mrs, etc) and Surname. If, in response, they invite you to use a first name, smile and reply with thanks.

The Name Game:

When you introduce your Boss to others, use their full name even if you are on first-name/ nickname basis with them.

In the non-Executive business world, it is still customary to introduce men to women – Cecilia Edwards, this is Victor Raji; in Business, the person of lesser rank is introduced to the person of greater rank, regardless of gender – Mrs Pam (boss), this is Abu Nuhu (subordinate).

However, when making introductions, there is one person who still outranks your most senior Boss – The Customer. ‘’Mr. Jatt (Customer), this is our Manager, Mr. Sanusi’’.

Things to remember when talking to your Boss:

• Avoid interrupting. Ask ‘’ Is this a good time to talk?’’, or ‘’May I have a few minutes of your time?’’.
• Be mindful of your body language. Do not slouch or sidle towards your Boss. Do make eye contact, and keep your hands away from your face and mouth.
• Ask for feedback, help or advice. Then listen.
• Accept compliments graciously.
• Apologize straight forwardly. Acknowledge errors, thank your Boss for understanding, and offer (or promise to offer) remedies for the problem.
• Never gossip about other colleagues to your Boss. It only makes you look sneaky, disloyal and untrustworthy, even if your Boss acts like they do not mind listening.
• Offer value. Never allow talks with your Boss to be idle conversation. If he or she mentions a problem, listen and ask, ‘’What can I do to help?’’.

Key learning point: Bosses are entitled to know what you are doing, and should always be told about potential problems, conflicts, or opportunities related to your work.