Career files; How to say no to your boss

How do you manage your boss? What do you do to make sure he knows you are on top of things? These working professionals let you in on their strategies.

<"I learnt to say No.”

Gareth Pereira, who works for a European management consulting firm says he has an aggressive, workaholic and brutally frank Italian boss. Naturally, Gareth had trouble managing his boss initially.

Gareth's lessons learnt:

I developed credibility and trust.

I would make sure I completed tasks within the allocated time even if it meant working overtime. Once I established that I was trustworthy, my boss started giving me more leeway.

I learnt to say 'no'.

I realised that though I wanted to do everything fast, there are some things that just can't be done in a very short time frame or with limited resources. I find it better to tell my boss that I can't do something upfront instead of over promising and under-delivering.

I put myself in my boss' shoes.

It just makes it easier to get where he is coming from and also makes him sound less unreasonable.

I never give my boss surprises.

I inform my boss in advance of critical situations. This gives him a chance to come up with a solution. If I tell him at the last moment, all hell breaks loose.

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<"I keep my boss in the loop always."

Smita Solanki, a 26-year old sales associate with a luxury goods store says in-store politics can really affect your work and also your relationship with your boss. It became very important for Smita to have a good rapport with her boss.

Smita's lessons learnt:

I make sure my boss is aware of my grievance.

If I have a problem with one of my colleagues that I can't resolve on my own, I make sure to tell my boss as soon as possible before it gets out of control. Also, I avoid complaining but instead just state the facts without being emotional.

I never overrule my boss' authority.

I don't approach a higher up authority. If my boss is not around, I wait till later to talk to him. One of my colleagues approached the big boss when he had a problem and that didn't turn out too well because my boss was unaware of the situation. His ego was hurt.

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<"I show interest in more than just my domain."

Sarfraz Ahmed, department head of a KPO says he tries to stay as involved as possible so that his boss knows he is interested.

Sarfraz's lessons learnt:

I stay updated.

I arrange for meetings with my boss as often as possible to discuss company policies. It helps me stay abreast of what is happening in other departments and shows my boss I am interested in the company.

I suggest ideas.

My boss is often open to suggestions. So when the situation calls for it, I give him appropriate ideas. But I avoid just saying stuff out of the top of my head.

I don't brown-nose my boss.

It's one thing being involved and sharing a good relationship with your boss and it's another to do it with the intention of getting special privileges from him. I try to keep our talk strictly professional.

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<"I prefer doing things her way."

Nishant Hirwani, a journalist says consulting his boss before he takes a major decision or does a major task works well for him.

Nishant's lessons learnt:

I discuss all important news items with her.

I do this at least once. It allows her to suggest an angle for the story and prevents me from doing double work in case she refuses my idea. Also it makes her happy that I thought of asking her first.

I keep all conversations on e-mail.

I think when you send out a mail, it is far more professional than an informal chat especially if the matter is of importance. Also, I mark a cc to all those concerned with the issue so that anyoone with an opinion can reply to the mail. It just keeps things out in the loop