Timeout for Leadership-your one-minute leadership idea

Message from the Lead Dog Principal #7

Can you read your boss’ temperature?

I posed an interesting question. Reading your boss’ temperature is a real skill. It is almost like a sixth sense. And yes, I think it can be developed.

You may have an excellent idea.  An idea that you have spent a great of time pondering, researching and planning. It is now time to run it by the boss. And you are clueless as to how to read him or her. You wait for what you perceive is the right time and you quickly lay out your plan. Before you can even finish, they basically thrown it in the garbage. You walk back to your office dejected with your tail between your legs. It is a brilliant plan. BUT YOU PICKED THE WRONG TIME TO PRESENT IT. That plan is now filed away, maybe forever.

Was your boss out of line? Probably, but shame on you because you could not “read the tea leaves.” It doomed you to failure the minute you opened your mouth. Remember that your boss is human, too. He or she is subject to all the professional and personal stress that affects you.

You must invest your time in learning how to read your boss. Know his or her body language. Know his or her tone. Know his or her manner of speech. Invest some time in cultivating his or her secretary. This person will tip you off to the boss’ current state of mind. This person can give you an idea if you should approach or stay away.

You must be fully aware of the stresses and stains on your boss. Does he or she have an important deadline approaching? Does he or she have an important meeting approaching? A word to the wise, don’t approach a school superintendent with a new idea on the day of board meeting. He or she does not want to hear your thoughts on that day. The boss is too worried about getting through his or her own meeting unscathed. 

And yes, sometimes you must be the bearer of bad news to the boss. And yes, whatever happened is not your fault. Share this information but pick your time and method of sharing. Is this the time for a phone call? Is this the time for a face-to-face meeting? Bringing bad news to the boss should never be sent via email. You may feel insulated by this method, but I think it reflects poorly on your leadership skills. I always prefer the face-to-face method. Put your big boy, or big girl pants on and go look the boss in the eye. Your credibility will rise. I am sure of that. Those with a higher level of personal credibility will get more attention when speaking to the boss.

From the minute they hired you, begin learning to read your boss. Your sixth sense won’t develop overnight. It takes time. Be patient.

In summation:

• Read the body language, including facial expressions.
• Read the tone and pace of the boss’ speech.
• Build a rapport with the boss’ secretary. Use that relationship to gather facts.
• Know to stay away from deadlines or stressful meetings.
• Deliver bad news face to face.
• Build your own credibility. Make sure your boss knows you are clearly part of his or her team.
• When in doubt, pick a better time for this discussion.
• Work on the development of this sixth sense from day one.

Patience is a virtue. Preparedness is a virtue. Wisdom is a virtue.  Good luck!