I bought this book because I needed to after reading 'Who moved my Cheese' a book about facing change that prompted me as it said it would to move on and change job & I did.
However I was struggling to cope or 'Manage' my new bosses expectations and that was getting my back up. He was like a 'Mother Hen' watching my every move waiting to pounce if I didn't deliver as I said I would, being very picky and on edge.
I wasn't used to his style, especially the way he really really focused on delivery. Ghantt charts, Microsoft Project appeared to be the focus of his entire life, he read Technical Books and nothing else!
Questions like 'Geoff how long is this task going to take?’ 'When are you going to deliver?’ 'I must have that progress report', then five minutes later 'Have you checked that that task has been completed by X yet' turned into 'Why haven't you delivered when you said you would', 'We've failed to deliver on time and I've made a commitment to my BOSS from the milestones that you gave me'. Ughhhhh. I soon realised that he was covering his backside all the time and he I didn't deliver then I was going to be shot at Dawn!
This book got me focused and helped me adjust and manage my bosses expectations. My previous approach would have been to have a go at him for having a go at me and we've had gone head to head but it made me challenge my natural gut reaction and stop and think about 'Managing my Boss' so that in fact he could 'Mange his Boss'.
Now it doesn't mean that you have to do what he says after all I was telling that I would deliver something and wasn't but more importantly I wasn't understanding the importance that he was placing on what he expected me to deliver for him.
This book helps you understand the many different types of bosses that you could and will work for and helps you see things from their perspective so that you won't face confrontation but you will understand them and help them and ultimately you achieve your goal.
By the end of the book you should be able to face the following problems that might occur:
. My boss relies on me too much.
. I am better at the job than my boss.
. My boss is having an affair and I have to cover for him/her.
. My boss promised me a rise/promotion but it hasn't materialised.
. My boss never tells me what's going on.
. My boss doesn't seem to like me.
. My boss used to be my colleague - I can't get used to him being the boss.
. My boss is a control freak.
Under the heading of Communications Sandi Mann states that 'The whole key to managing your boss is to meet his expectations - make him happy and he will be inclined to keep you happy'.
But you will have to read the book to find out the answers, if you fail then you should have a copy of 'Who moved my Cheese by your bedside' just in case get it anyway.
Must get on and finish reading this first it's only 96 pages so for most of you you could have finished it faster than me typing this if you'd read another title in the series on Spead Reading.