Staying One Step Ahead of Your Line Manager


By Julia Mcvey


The word manager is defined in the Oxford dictionary as “person in charge of a business” and in today’s world this can mean many things. Most managers not only carry out the role, they also experience the role via their line manager.

So how can you make this experience as pleasant as possible and maximise what you get from the relationship with your manager?

As with every relationship there will be pressure points and one of the best ways to avoid pressure points is to understand them.

For example, are you frustrated when you present a four page report to your line manager and it is dismissed without being read? Your first assumption may be that your idea or project was not good enough, or that your manager does not value your work. The reality could be that your line manager does not like to read lengthy reports, struggles with pages of data, and would much prefer a one page diagram of the concept and a quick chat to answer any questions.

Have you ever pulled out all the stops to deliver a task only to be told that this was not what was required?

Or have you been so angry at your boss for something that it has consumed every waking moment of your life over the last three days that your work has suffered as a consequence?

The solution lies in one word ‘communication’. Once you master effective communication relationships are always more productive.

Here are some top tips:

•Sit down with your manager to discuss your goals and establish what your line manager’s goals are. This will allow you to understand what is important to your manager and anticipate peaks and troughs in your workload.

•Try to figure out what type of communication your line manager prefers. For example some managers have high energy levels, plan everything to the second and when they say you have ten minutes to brief them on something this is exactly what they mean. There are others who are more laid back and will want to chat for an hour when ten minutes will do. Some prefer detail and others like broad concepts and charts.

•If you are unhappy with something don’t stew – speak to your line manager and explain your situation. Even if nothing happens at least you will have got it off your chest.

•Always check your understanding of what is required. Misinterpreting language is one of the biggest causes of conflict. For example how many different meanings has “Good Morning”. Is it hello or goodbye?

•Clarify deadlines and if you cannot deliver communicate why and re negotiate expectations.

•If you are asked to deliver something that takes you out of your comfort zone ask your line manager to mentor you on the task. Everyone likes to be flattered and if they cannot mentor you they will find someone who will.

•Don’t forget that management is a two way process that can go up as well as down. By taking some time to establish good communication you will always exceed expectations and make your line manager look good!

Julia McVey is a professional coach with many years experience working at senior management level. Her passion in life is to release the hidden potential in people. http://www.u-canlifecoaching.com


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