The distinction between boss and leader might seem arbitrary, but knowing how to toe the line can make all the Effective Leadership Essay difference in a product manager's effectiveness. It's critical to understand this distinction and to be able to shift between the two mindsets as needed.
A great boss keeps her employees informed and armed with real-time accomplishments. This puts her in a better position to advocate for them at senior levels.
1. Be Clear About Your Expectations
If you're thinking about taking on the role of boss, it's important to be clear about what you're expecting from your boss. If you don't know what you're letting yourself in for, you might find yourself surprised by the challenges you face.
One thing that can be helpful is to ask for a copy of your boss's expectations. This can help clarify what your responsibilities are day to day and how they relate to the company's goals.
Another way to be clear is to keep the boss in the loop, Karnani says. This means letting her know about any projects you're working on and asking her to review your progress regularly. It also means keeping her informed about any major issues that are affecting your department.
2. Be Honest About Your Performance
Many people struggle with how to respond when their boss is yelling or criticizing them. Rather than bad-mouthing your boss or going to the press, follow proper NURS FPX 4020 Assessment 1 of reporting and ask for feedback on how you can make his job easier.
Most managers aren't mind readers, especially when they have other projects or concerns on their plate. Keep your boss updated on the good things that are happening in your department and also let him know if you have any concerns.
Build a network of managers at the same level as your boss, and those higher up in the company, to help you be more effective. It's one of the top qualities that employees look for in a manager, so you should strive to be someone they can trust.
3. Be Flexible
A boss needs to be flexible when it comes to managing their team. This means allowing for a degree of autonomy, working creatively to solve problems and encouraging staff members to take on leadership roles.
Flexibility is also key when it comes to overcoming limitations at work. You may find that you’re not as effective in your current role NURS FPX 3200 Assessment 3 if your commute is too long or you’re struggling with distractions at home.
If you’re able to demonstrate that you can handle your existing workload as well as added responsibilities, this could open the door for more flexibility in the future. It’s worth building a network of colleagues in the same position as you, as well as managers higher up in the organisation. You might be surprised at the ways in which these connections can help you when challenges arise.
4. Be Prepared for Pushback
If you disagree with something your boss is doing, it's important to voice your opinions in a respectful manner. That doesn't mean you have to unnecessarily argue with everything she says, but it does mean that you should be willing to stand up for your beliefs if they are relevant to your role and the company mission.
For example, if your boss assigns you an urgent task that would derail one of your key performance indicators, you should push back and explain why the additional work is not feasible given your current workload. You can also present her with data that supports your position or alternative solutions.
Pushing back can be challenging, but it's essential to training others that you will not be pushed around.