Are You Coaching Your Boss To Be Your Best Ally?

The underlying principle: We all have blind spots.

The end result: A deeper awareness of the intricate workplace relationships that govern successful companies.

The benefit to you: Since you're being the change there's a strong chance that you will achieve the growth you desire.

Understandably you may be hesitant to approach your boss and openly discuss the impact he or she is having in your work. This apprehension may actually be what's getting in your way to advancing in the ranks. Your boss may actually be open to receive candid feedback, in fact he may be in the dark and think everything is alright even when it's clearly not.

You must take the first step towards enhancing the relationship with your boss. Your boss is human, so are you; mistakes are bound to be made, by acknowledging that you share a common purpose it sets the stage for advancement.

Research shows that effective employees:

• Learn about their bosses: their goals, strengths and weaknesses and working manner.
• Understand the same about themselves.
• Use this knowledge to advance common goals.
• Understand the importance of feedback

This "coach and be coached" approach fosters trust and makes it easier to get the job done.

We've all assumed leadership roles at some point or the other. There's even a good chance that you've had to lead and make do even when you're not the one calling the shots.

In fact; leading without a crown is a very common situation in many modern workplaces. Group dynamics, cross-functionality and complexity have blurred the lines enough to not being able to tell where you stand in your company.

You understand leadership is hard; it's even harder when there's no gauge to measure your work. Coaching your boss then becomes an important tool that provides this needed feedback.

Different situations require you to respond differently, there's no cookie-cutter approach to coaching. Your talent as a coach will be in your ability to distinguish your boss':

• Attributes: What he brings to the table.
• His attitude: How he acts as a leader.
• His behaviors: What he actually does when leading.

Coaching your boss means doing your part in being upfront with him about these things, with honesty and respect. You'll find that the risk taken frequently opens doors that you may not be aware of.

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