Here's how you can excel in power dynamics with your boss to advance your career.

Believe it or not, power dynamics are real. What if I said there's a way to be in your boss' good books by staying true to your core values? Here's how: Align your core work with your boss's and company's goals. Communicate clearly and actively seek feedback. Try your best to deliver high-quality work and offer to navigate challenges together. By staying true to your core values, you'll support your boss and contribute to the company’s success.

Nada genera más confianza que mostrarte capaz y dispuesto para resolver problemas. Tal vez no tengas autoridad para tomar decisiones pero si presentas la alternativa a la solución y le aligeras el camino a tu jefe, seguro la aceptará. Muéstrate proactivo y atento al desarrollo de nuevas iniciativas, implementaciones, cambios, todo aquello que te de la pauta para mostrar por un lado lo que has aprendido de tu superior y en segunda, la forma en la que podrías aplicarlo. Muéstrate también seguro y conocedor de los procesos. El poder no se delega en quien duda de si mismo, sino en quien confía al 100% en sus capacidades y a pesar de las dificultades o cambio, sepa redirigir el rumbo, ser resiliente y construir de nuevo un plan de acción.

When Jake started his new job, he quickly realized that power wasn’t just about job titles. He noticed how his boss, Sarah, used her expertise to influence decisions and how her charisma earned her respect. Jake paid close attention to these dynamics, observing when Sarah valued expert knowledge and when she responded to personal connections. By aligning his approach with these insights, Jake made sure his contributions were noticed and appreciated without overstepping boundaries. This understanding helped him navigate the workplace smoothly and build strong relationships with his colleagues and superiors.

Eu acredito que a ameaça pode ser bilateral ou não. Há muitos líderes que enxergam as pessoas como "ameaças". E entender que o processo de todo o trabalho conjunto depende da colaboração, ao invés da "briga" pelo poder é imprescindível para o sucesso de todo o time. Quando contribui-se genuinamente com os projetos em termos de agregar valor, a tendência é que estas contribuições sejam valorizadas sem serem vistas como ameaças, mas se o líder é uma pessoa insegura e tem autoestima baixa, pode enxergar que está em perigo e, por muitas vezes, sabota o seu interlocutor. Concorda?

Understand Your Boss's Preferences and Priorities Observe and Listen: Pay attention to your boss's communication style, preferences, and priorities. Listen carefully to their feedback and requests to understand their expectations. Seek Clarity: If you're unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Understanding your boss's expectations can help you align your efforts and actions accordingly.

When Emma joined her new team, she knew building trust with her boss, Mr. Lee, was crucial. She consistently delivered top-notch work on time and was always upfront about her progress. Emma made sure to handle sensitive information discreetly. Over time, Mr. Lee saw her as someone dependable and began assigning her more important projects and decisions. This trust not only boosted Emma's confidence but also elevated her role within the company. She realized that being reliable and transparent with her boss was the key to gaining respect and new opportunities.

Isn’t trust building always important? The most important thing is making sure your boss knows you aren’t going after their job. Build trust that your main goal is to grow and learn from them. There is a lot you can learn from your boss when trust is built. Don’t ever forget that trust is a two way street. You have to trust your boss in developing you properly and caring about your future.

Trust activates the brain’s reward centers, fostering stronger relationships and better cooperation. Be reliable and transparent. Consistency in your actions and communication builds trust over time. Always follow through on your commitments. If you promise to deliver a report by Friday, make sure it’s done by Friday.

Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and helps synchronize team efforts, engaging the brain’s language and executive functions. Tailor your communication style to your boss’s preferences. Some may prefer detailed emails, while others might like quick updates in person. If your boss likes concise updates, summarize your points in a few bullet points rather than long paragraphs.

Effective communication is essential to managing power dynamics. Actively listen to your boss, articulate your ideas clearly, and adapt your communication style to their preferences. By demonstrating understanding and adaptability, you position yourself as a valuable and insightful member of the team.

Our brains thrive on social connections. Leveraging networks can open up new opportunities and provide support. Build relationships within and outside your team. Networking can provide new insights and support. Attend company events or join professional groups to meet people who can offer advice or opportunities.

I leverage my networks to better understand my leader. I often talk with others to find what worked for them and also what did not when they reported to my boss. I'll ask what makes them tick, what annoys them, what is the sweet spot that will allow you to establish a good relationship with them. Why guess when you have resources around you that can give you sound advice from first hand experience. One piece of advice- keep it professional and direct the conversations so it does not become a gossip session.

Taking initiative engages the brain’s reward system and demonstrates leadership potential, making you more valuable to your boss. Proactively look for ways to contribute beyond your regular responsibilities. Identify a problem in your team’s workflow and suggest a solution, or volunteer to lead a new project.

Effective conflict management keeps the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) in check, fostering a healthier work environment. Approach conflicts with a calm, problem-solving mindset. Focus on finding a resolution rather than assigning blame. If a disagreement arises, take a step back and say, “Let’s figure out a solution that works for both of us.”

Navigating power dynamics with your boss is crucial for career advancement. I've found that understanding and respecting their leadership style is the first step. Clear, assertive communication about your career goals and seeking their feedback has helped me immensely. Building a relationship based on trust and reliability is key; consistently delivering high-quality work and being proactive in solving problems demonstrates your value. Additionally, showing appreciation for their mentorship and guidance strengthens your professional bond, paving the way for career growth.

Seek Feedback and Act on It Request Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your boss on your performance, areas for improvement, and career development opportunities. Use feedback as a learning opportunity to grow and excel in your role. Act on Feedback: Take constructive feedback seriously and use it to make improvements in your work and behavior. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow can positively influence your boss's perception of you.