Effective upward management

The rare books that cover the topic of managing the relationship with one's boss generally address the question from two main angles, namely "What are the psychological flaws of your boss that make things difficult for you?” and “How to manipulate your boss to your advantage?”

The publications that we have selected in drafting this synopsis take a more constructive look at the question. These books first incite people to gain perspective by deciphering why hierarchical relationships are frustrating by nature and thereby likely to generate conflict. More importantly, they emphasize the active role that subordinates can play to strengthen the quality of the relationship with their boss.

We discovered four important recommendations:

– Become aware of your natural attitude toward authority, and take care to adapt it according to the style of your boss and circumstances.

– Take the initiative to clarify your boss’s expectations, as many conflicts are caused by erroneous assumptions.

– Define a mode of interaction that takes account of differences in style.

– Rather than wishing your boss were perfect, focus your efforts on areas in which you are complementary.