3 ways to manage up when you have a bad boss

3 ways to manage up when you have a schwimmbad boss3 ways to manage up when you have a bad bossOne of the tests of being a leader is knowing how to navigate a boss who doesnt score highly as a leader him/herself.1. Manage yYourselfStart from the perspective that the disconnect might be a miscommunication. I want to make sure I understand what you need from me. Then clarify.If you internalize a bad bosss anger, insecurity or lack of skill you could allow your weaknesses to show instead of your strengths to shine. Their lack of confidence, disorganization or lack of inclusiveness is about them. Not you. Dont mirror their insecurity. Be self-aware. Who are you when under fire? How do you demonstrate grace and grit executive presence? If your work life were a movie who would play you and what would he/she do in your situation?Be a mindful third-party observer of your own thoughts and feelings. Ask yourself what is really going on with you? What are you afraid of? That you wont get recog nition for your work? Is recognition the only qualifier of good work? What strength can you draw on that never lets you down?Before you act pause and take a deep breath. The sacred pause allows you to squeeze in between the moment you feel an emotion (frustration, anger, overwhelmed) and react to it (say something youll regret, get emotional, withdraw and doubt yourself.)2. Whats the driver?What is behind your leaders conduct? All bad behavior is the result of an intrinsic motivator. If you were to strip away the outside faades of bullying, apathy, criticalness, sweety nice, indecision, micromanaging, etc. what is left? Put yourself in her shoes?What is he afraid of?What keeps her up at night?What does he notlage understand that you can help clarify?What does he really care about?What would she like more of? Less of?How does he measure success?Deep listen for cues that demonstrate what he doesnt want. How do you position your work and interactions to accommodate her thoughts and fee lings?3. Have Their BackThis is the number one law of power. Have your bosss back. Trust is crucial especially for an insecure leader. If your boss is doing something unethical then you should look for another position because your values will be in constant misalignment with him/her, leading to stress and unhappiness. Otherwise, except that the situation is difficult and that you are self-aware enough to address it with a fresh perspective. Focus on having your boss trust you. Once he knows your top motive is to help position his success, he will expect only good things from you and stop leading from a fear perspective.Preface strained interactions with genuine statements that underscore that she can rely on you. Because I know that we want the team to______ or I know that this is a priority so ___ or I want you to be positioned well on this _____. Be straightforward. I have your back.If after executing these strategies nothing changes binnenseek informal mentors within the organi zation from whom you can learn. Have lunch with them once a month. Once they see your abilities and desire to grow they will become allies that can help position you for advancement to another role.MaryLeeGannon, ACC, CAEis an executive coach and corporate CEO who helps busy leaders get off the treadmill to nowhere to be more effective, earn more, bemore calm and enjoyconnected relationships with the people who matter while it still matters.Watch her FREE Master Class training on Three Things to Transform Your Life and Career Right Now atwww.MaryLeeGannon.com.