Managing Multiple Bosses: The Art and Science of Managing Up

Most people find it challenging enough to work well with ONE boss. If you’re working with two bosses – or MORE – the challenge may seem insurmountable. Dealing with the workload is tough, but now you must manage multiple communications styles, sets of expectations, schedules, projects, and more. This can mean multiple headaches. Even if the “official” designation is 50% of your time for Mr. A. and 50% of your time for Ms. B., the reality is BOTH may act as if 100% of your time is devoted to them! Today, many businesses are organized so it is common to report to several different managers. For many professionals being assigned to 3 or more people is the rule rather than the exception. You can thrive in this new world and function successfully, effectively, and efficiently. Learn to manage up in a diplomatic, practical, and successful way, to get your work done and keep all your bosses satisfied.

Must Attend For

✓ Administrative Assistants
✓ Executive Assistants
✓ Team members and employees with more than one boss
✓ Supervisors/Managers/Directors
✓ Contractors/Consultants
✓ Bosses” who must deal with multiple bosses.
✓ Anyone with more than one boss

Objectives

• Use your talents and skills to work with more than one boss
• Communicate more effectively, efficiently, and successfully
• Overcome the special challenges of reporting to multiple bosses
• Define fully what each boss expects
• Promote communication among bosses
• Learn to FLEX your communication and work style to match each boss
• Reach the goals they set for you, exceed expectations, and continuously improve.

Highlights

Identify the preferred communication and work style of each manager
Flex your own style to be compatible with each boss
Maintain concrete expectations with each boss
Create clear plans and schedules up front to avoid crises, miscommunication, and frustration
Use aligned assertive communication to set boundaries, “manage up,” and define priorities
Develop strategies and tactics to resolve conflicts among different managers’ expectations
Convert the experience of multiple managers into a positive learning and growth opportunity to advance your career

Agenda

• What are your challenges and strengths working with multiple bosses?
• How will you navigate these challenges successfully?
• How will you build on your strengths?
• Understand your bosses’ communication and work styles
• Flex to work and communicate more effectively with each distinctive style
• Grow your multiple boss relationships; 3 steps to better relationships
• Managing your time more efficiently
• The hidden secrets of Aligned Assertive communication
• The difference between hearing and listening; Active Listening
• Growing yourself and your career

Presenter

Rebecca Staton-Reinstein

(Ph.D.)

Rebecca Staton-Reinstein, Ph.D., and President of Advantage Leadership, Inc. has worked with leaders and their organizations to increase bottom-line results through strategic leadership, engaged employees, and delighted customers in all economic sectors. For over 25 years, Rebecca has contributed value as an executive, manager, educator, and consultant, honored on four continents. She is a Ph.D. in organizational development and author of books on strategic leadership and planning.