✎ Lead.
How do subordinates skillfully manage their superiors?
The workplace is like a battlefield, but sometimes, it seems like you're not competing with your colleagues, but you're playing a delicate "game" with your boss, and you never know if the next moment will be a sunny day or a stormy one.
But have you ever thought that there are also skills in getting along with leaders, and it can even be said that you can also "manage" your leaders.
01
Leader-type leadership
The result is king
There is a kind of leader, they are the commanders, they act decisively, and the decisions are made quickly.
They focus on the outcome and the achievement of the goal, which we call "leadership leadership".
In the face of such a goal-oriented and controlling leader, you must learn to "cut through the mess quickly".
1. Produce results
"Time is money, efficiency is life."
This phrase couldn't be more apt to describe working with a leader-type leader.
They usually don't have the patience to listen to your long explanations, and they are more concerned about: What have you done?
So, instead of taking the time to explain, show your worth with practical actions.
For example, be efficient in the implementation process, report problems in a timely manner and seek guidance.
After completing the task, feedback the results to the superiors as soon as possible, so that they can make the next step arrangement, etc.
Remember, actions speak louder than a thousand words.
2. Keep a low profile
"Be a low-key person and do things in a high-profile manner."
Don't try to challenge the authority of such leaders, they often have a strong desire and self-esteem, and challenging their authority is tantamount to digging your own grave.
Even if you have a good idea, learn to present it in an appropriate way instead of directly contradicting it.
Keeping a low profile and respecting their decisions is the key to getting along with them.
My former client, Xiao Wang, works for an Internet company, and his immediate supervisor is a typical leader-type leader.
Whenever there is a new project, the leader always asks the team to come up with the best solution in the shortest possible time.
Xiao Wang is well aware of the style of leadership, so he is always fully prepared in advance and speaks with data and facts.
Once, when the company wanted to develop a new APP function, Xiao Wang and his team worked overtime and came up with a detailed plan in only three days.
At the report meeting, Xiao Wang directly used data and simulation demonstrations to explain the feasibility and advantages of the program, and the leaders were greatly satisfied after listening, and the project was successfully passed.
In short, in the face of leadership leadership, execution is the key.
First, do not procrastinate, and complete the task in strict accordance with the requirements and time nodes of the leadership.
The second is to do more facts, talk less nonsense, and use performance to prove their ability.
And timely communication and feedback to ensure that leaders have a clear understanding of the progress.
Third, maintain a low-key and humble attitude, and do not try to challenge the authority of the leader, after all, "arrogant soldiers will be defeated".
02
Impactful leadership
Emotionally driven
Impact leaders are like speakers on stage, they are passionate and motivate their teams.
The most important thing about working with this type of leader is to learn to praise and create opportunities.
They tend to enjoy the praise and approval of others, so it's a good idea to give them some positive feedback.
1. Don't hesitate to compliment
Impact leaders often enjoy praise and recognition.
So, when you find something they're doing well, give them a generous compliment.
This will not only make them happy, but it will also bring you closer together.
2. Close the distance
In addition to interacting at work, you can also talk about life, and you can also try to create some opportunities to get along outside of work, such as participating in team-building activities or having dinner together.
Not only will this bring you closer to your leaders, but it will also give you a better understanding of their ideas and needs.
Xiao Li's department manager is a highly influential leader.
He always motivates the team at critical moments and gives everyone confidence.
Xiao Li is well aware of this advantage of leadership, so he often publicly praises the leader's decision-making and ability in team meetings.
At the same time, he also actively participates in various team activities and has established deep friendships with leaders.
This close relationship has allowed Xiao Li to get a lot of support and help in his work.
03
Scholarly leadership
Logic is king
Scholarly leaders demand near-perfection, they are detail-oriented, critical and reflective, but they can also be slow to move because they strive for perfection too much.
In the face of such leadership, you need to:
1. Be careful and logical
"The big things in the world must be done in detail."
When working with scholarly leaders, you have to be very careful and never miss every detail.
At the same time, your plans and ideas should also be supported by rigorous logic and data.
Don't talk or be perfunctory in front of them, otherwise it will be easy to attract criticism.
2. Let the numbers speak
"Keep your word, make a promise."
When communicating with scholarly leaders, don't make promises or exaggerate easily.
They are very fact-oriented and logical, and once what you say is proven to be false, then your trust in their minds will be greatly reduced.
To better communicate with scholar-type leaders, you can try to use data to back up your ideas or showcase your work.
This will not only make them more receptive to your point of view, but also reflect your professionalism and competence.
Xiao Zhang works at a research institute, and his leadership is a rigorous scholar-type leader.
Before each report, Zhang double-checks the data and logic to make sure everything is safe.
Once, the institution wanted to apply for a national research project, and the leader asked Xiao Zhang to be responsible for writing the application.
Xiao Zhang knew that the requirements of the leader were extremely high, so he worked overtime, consulted a large amount of information, and completed the application with detailed data and strict logic.
In the end, the project was successfully applied, and the leaders also highly recognized Xiao Zhang's work.
You have to remember that for scholarly leadership, precision and logic are crucial.
When reporting work, it is necessary to pay attention to the presentation of data and facts, avoid subjective assumptions, and avoid running the train with all your mouth.
Because "talking the truth" is more likely to win the trust of the leader than "rhetoric".
At the same time, work carefully and minimize the worries of the leader.
04
Supportive leadership
Goal-oriented
Supportive leaders, who are more focused on the feelings and needs of their employees, are willing to listen and provide support.
But such leaders often don't give you clear guidance, and you need to find your own direction.
How do you deal with such a leader?
1. Be clear about your goals
"If you don't have a will, there is nothing you can do in the world."
When working with supportive leaders, you need to be self-motivated and clear about your goals and plans.
Because they usually don't give you much direction and pressure, but more to give you support and help.
2. Proactive communication
"The master leads the door, and the cultivation is in the individual."
When working with supportive leaders, you don't expect them to give you clear guidance and commands.
They are more inclined to give you the freedom to play and create, so you need to have enough self-management and self-drive.
In a startup, the CEO is a supportive leader.
He always encourages his team members to come up with their own ideas and suggestions, but at the same time rarely gives concrete implementation plans.
Xiao Zhao realized that to work with such a leader, he had to have his own ideas and plans first.
As a result, he took the initiative to undertake the planning of a new project, detailing the project objectives and implementation plan.
At the team meeting, he reported his ideas and plans to the leader, which was strongly supported and appreciated by the leader.
✎ Write at the end
"Manage" leaders are not about controlling or changing them, but about learning to adapt and adapt to their styles and needs to achieve the best team results.
Remember: "survival of the fittest" is an eternal rule in the workplace.