How to Read Your Boss Work Habits to Get Ahead - The Muse

How to Read Your Boss Work Habits to Get Ahead - The MuseHow to Read Your Boss Work Habits to Get Ahead When you ask people for advice on how to get on your babo good side, the first thing they probably recommend is sucking up. Kidding. Maybe. No, the first thing a good friend would suggest is asking your boss about her work style, and then aligning it with your own.Thats not a bad suggestion- in fact, having that conversation can be beneficial for both parties involved.But lets be real Most of us are passive when it comes to our work relationships (just ask anyone whos ever had an annoying co-worker). And many times we dont have the luxury of a boss wholl take the time to tell us all their secrets. So, we take a guess at what they prefer us to do, hoping were doing a good enough job.If thats your approach, you could probably use a little guidance on analyzing your managers habits to get ahead.So, with that in mind, heres what we suggest you do when talking to them isnt an option1. G lance at Their CalendarIf you have access to their calendar, you can literally take a look at the times when your boss is busy. Maybe they block off time in the afternoons for heads-down work, or they always set their meetings earlier in the week, or they often have a one-hour private hold on Wednesdays. These signs can help you decide whens a good time to bother your boss with an assignment and when you should put it off for later. Itll also help you understand when your boss seems distracted or moody. If theyve had a lot of meetings that day (or one especially long meeting), youll know its not smart to schedule a one-on-one of your own- that is, if you want it to be a productive discussion.2. Understand How They CommunicateNext, focus in on their communication style. First, which medium do they tend to prefer? Are they more responsive on email or chat? Do they like to talk things out in person? Or, is it a mix, depending on the conversation? This can help you figure out where youl l get the quickest responses from them when you need it.Next, observe how they talk over email or instant message. Are they more formal, or do they use a lot of exclamation points? Do they prefer to use bullets, or is everything they send in paragraph form? You should mimic their habits (in your own style, of course) to ensure youre talking in their language- and thus making yourself look better in their eyes. Crystal is an awesome (free) computer plug-in for helping you do just this. Muse Writer Kat Boogaard says it helped her not only communicate better with others, but understand herself and her own email habits.3. Get Familiar With Their Body LanguageYou can probably see your manager from where you sit (or, you constantly walk by their office throughout the day). So, you know what they look like sitting at their desk, working.Maybe they wear headphones a lot. Maybe they each lunch at their desk. Maybe they lock themselves in their office all morning.Youre human, which means your e aware of when peoples body language says more than their words. Use this to observe the times when your boss is at their best and worst state- and thus when theyre good to chat and when they need you to leave them alone. Also, when they look like they could use some help (and when that help is warranted by you).4. Recognize When Theyre Not in Work ModeFinally, its quite possible your manager does more than sit at a computer all day, and its also possible they like to take breaks of their own. Sometimes, this can be great, because you can kick back knowing your boss is, too. Other times, it can hinder your productivity when you need them to get stuff back to you and theyre distracted.The best thing you can do is anticipate when this may happen and act accordingly. If you know Friday at 2 PM is when your supervisor tends to stop responding to emails, make sure you send any important ones earlier in the week. If you know a big client is coming in and your boss will be meeting with th em for the next couple hours, schedule your check-in beforehand.This not only ensures youre meeting deadlines ahead of schedule, it shows you respect their time.This of course isnt a fool-proof plan- when in doubt, its always better to ask upfront for their opinion.But when youre working alongside someone you cant always get a read on, it helps to become more aware of how the act, get organized, and communicate. Youll set yourself up for success, and youll create more productive and cohesive relationships.