There are plenty of bad bosses running teams or departments. There are control-freak bosses, too-nice managers, bosses who specialize in theatrics, and of course, seagull managers. Unfortunately, the list goes far beyond those lousy boss traits and what these bad managers have in common is that they need employees like you to coach-up and provide feedback.
How do you coach your boss? First, it is crucial to understand that coaching your boss is an art because you could derail your career if you do it wrong. Conversely, doing it right could result is a fast track to a promotion.
Level-up your understanding of the business
You know more about your specific role than your boss does. Conversely, they are more intimately familiar with the overall business than you are. Knowing what you don’t know will help you level-up your understanding of the bigger picture. That in-depth knowledge is a crucial point to be aware of when coaching up your boss. When coaching up, it can’t be about what is right for you, but rather what is good for the business.
Ask permission to offer feedback
“May I offer you some feedback?” is the best way to start a coaching session with your boss. When you ask permission, you gain agreement and lower resistance. However, you are creating an opportunity to decline the feedback. Make sure the feedback you offer will benefit the greater good and not you personally.
Ask questions rather than stating directives
The best way to start a discussion is with questions. Asking questions will tell your boss you are trying to understand something, rather than flat out disagree with them. Even if you disagree, you will make more progress by demonstrating curiosity than you will by making demands.
Avoid using “I” statements and instead use “we”
Using “we” and “us,” tells your boss that you want to discuss concerns that affect the team or the broader organization rather than your perspective. It also demonstrates that you are vested in the decisions the organization is making. Additionally, the use of “we” will increase your rapport with other people in the business.
Don’t skip-level to your boss’s boss
Wouldn’t it be great to run to your boss’s boss and tell them how badly your boss is screwing up? Yeah, it might be great but don’t do that unless their offense is egregious.
Never coach your boss when you are upset or excited
When you are at your most passionate regarding an issue, avoid your boss. When you approach a coaching conversation with your boss, it is best to be calm. Plus, you will be more thoughtful about what and how you bring up the issue when you are calm.
Attempting to coach your boss is a sign that you are a valuable employee. Coaching up is a great experience to share in your job interviews. The best bosses crave feedback, especially from their teams. Unfortunately, there are bad bosses out there but don’t allow them to make you think differently about providing feedback back up the chain of command.
