The 7 most common types of managers, and how to deal with each one
Getting along with your manager, and learning to work with him or her effectively, is key to your career success — and pretty necessary for your day-to-day sanity.
Luckily, determining how to communicate with your boss is as easy as determining his or her management style. Once you know that, you'll have the tools you need to deliver the results she wants, in the way she wants.
Here are seven of the most popular types of managers you'll encounter in the workplace — along with the best ways to work alongside them, according to experts. Heed their advice and you'll soon be the boss' favorite — no sucking up necessary.
The Amiable Manager
How to work with them: This boss seeks to connect on a personal level and likes to spend time getting to know employees, says Corrie Shanahan, CEO of The Beara Group, a consulting practice specializing in leadership and communication. "If this is not your own preference, find an area where you can share and connect — like a love of sports or dining out — and use that as the topic you discuss with your boss, before getting down to business," she suggests.
The Follow Through Manager
How to work with them: According to small business expert Lisa Baker-King, who has more than 20 years of experience coaching small business owners, this management style values having a clear, established road map. (Some common phrases you might hear from this boss: What process did you follow? or Where is the project plan?) "When working with this style, be sure that you can show your boss what steps you took," Baker-King advises. "If you want to deviate from the process, and you might have a good reason to do so, let her know your logic and explain what is remaining the same."
The Directive Manager
How to work with them: This type of boss cares about the bottom line — and moving quickly. "Get the point as soon as possible and keep your emails super short and clear," Shanahan says. "Nothing drives this boss crazier than lots of superfluous background and detail. She doesn't need it."
The Analytic Manager
How to work with them: All about numbers and evidence, this boss will not respond well to a hunch or a vague idea. Do some research, however little, and get some statistics to back up your suggestions — even if it's something minor or non-work-related, like having healthier options in the vending machines, Shanahan advises.
The Quick Start Manager
How to work with them: "This boss may say something like, 'I have a bunch of new ideas' or 'Give me the high level version,'" Baker-King says. Since he or she will be itching to get started, your job is to figure out the solution or implementation and present that first, before giving any details on how and why, she advises.
The Implementer
How to work with them: This management style is very hands-on. "This boss wants to see the work more than you telling them about the work," Baker-King says. "She can be recognized by saying things like, 'Show me how you did that,' or 'Walk me through it.'" Baker-King adds that when working with this boss, remember that she values high quality work — no shortcuts!
The Expressive Manager
How to work with them: This boss is all about concepts, possibilities, and ideas. This style is full of enthusiasm, so do not bog your boss down with too many "yes, buts…," Shanahan says, because that will drive her nuts. Instead, share in her enthusiasm and suggest you come back with some ways of taking things forward. "When you want to nix something, make it part of a larger trend or idea and persuade her in your enthusiasm for a different course of action," she advises.
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