Do you hate your manager?
Dislike your manager?
Don't worry.
Many people do.
The most effective way I've seen people change their work environment is simple (but painful).
Here's how:
A) Set up a time with your manager.
Template:
“Hey name - I hope you're having a great day.
I'm enjoying XYZ project, but have a few challenges I'm dealing with that I'd like to talk to you about.
Are you free at X time on Y day?”
Notice:
The email leads with something kind. This primes the reader into a positive emotional state.
The email ends with a simple clear call to action. When writing, try to clarify the exact action you want the person to take. (For example, you'll notice I link to my sub stack at the end of this post so that I can get you to subscribe there, if I've done a good enough job creating value for you here)
B) Ask a series of questions centered around what he wants you to change.
Questions include:
- How do you think I'm doing?
- What would make me a better performer?
- What is 1 thing that's keeping you up at night?
Notice:
This has nothing to do with expressing your issues.
The only way to influence your manager to change things about your work experience is to first listen to their thoughts and make them feel heard.
Don't believe me?
Think of who you're most receptive to.
Is it people who you think understand you well?
Or is it people who you think don't?
You're more likely to fall into the former group if you spend time listening to your manager before proposing anything.
C) Identify and agree on a few actions you can take and set a deadline for them.
For example, if you learn that your manager's biggest gripe is that he isn't sure where to take the team for an offsite, create an action item like "Identify an offsite location and create an agenda to present to manager next week during out 1 on 1"
D) Do the actions
E) During your next check-in, tell your manager what you want changed and get them to agree to an action much like you did yourself in C!
For example, if you articulate that you're annoyed with your compensation, create an action item for your manager like "Talk to CEO about increasing your compensation by X amount before next week's meeting"
P.S. Want more advice on how to influence? Check this out: https://kareemabukhadra.substack.com/p/the-simplest-way-to-negotiate-an