The Upwardly Mobile

Whether you’re a low-level analyst or a C-Suite executive, everyone has a boss. Even CEO’s have to answer to the board and shareholders, and miscommunication and differing expectations can make interactions difficult, especially during times of crisis. If you find yourself in a situation with an abrasive investor, board member, or boss in the coming days, here are some tips for dealing with them and improving the situation:

1. Understand Their Point of View: While we may occasionally encounter people who are just out to get us, for the most part, leaders in any field are simply looking to accomplish their goals just like anyone else. Spend some time thinking about why a difficult boss is doing what they’re doing. What are the financial, social, and experiential motivations behind their abrasive behavior? If a boss has been making deadlines unreasonably short, is it because she feels pressure to conform to the expectations of her boss? If a board member was angry at the last shareholder meeting, was it because he feels pressure from the investors he represents?
2. Explain Your Understanding: The first step to getting an abrasive personality to change their behavior is conveying that you understand their motivation. While you may think your boss is an ass, and while you may very well be right, telling them so is rarely effective. If your boss is working on a shoestring budget without enough staff, explain that you understand that problem. This will allow you to gain leverage, and look pretty good doing so, when solving the problem.
3. Offer a Solution: If you’ve ever thought, “it would be easier for everyone if…”, this step should be right up your alley. In most cases, solving your boss’s problems will usual stop them from causing yours. Think about what you have that can help. What data can you give the board member that will help him ease the concerns of his investors? What steps can you and your boss take together to eliminate pressure from other executives? Can you sit in on a meeting and explain the validity of the current timeline or budget and how it will help meet the firm’s overall goals? Can you suggest a better area for your boss to look for cost savings?
4. Help Them Succeed: After you’ve offered a solution, it helps to go the extra mile to help the person in question succeed. In addition to the fact that your boss will likely feel indebted to you, what you’re actually doing is taking steps towards eliminating the root problem instead of trying to treat its symptoms. This sophistication is effective, and it looks good, too.
5. Follow Up: Don’t forget to follow up. While it may not be appropriate to say thank you in all situations, you’ll usually want to express your happiness about the solution. Ask if there’s anything else you can do to help. If appropriate, this may also a good time to suggest further steps for improvement.