Leadership Tip

How to build trust with your Type A boss

It's not easy working under high performers. While Type A bosses are driven and successful, they're also demanding and more likely to micromanage. But you can improve your relationship, and make your job more enjoyable.

  1. Speak up. If you disagree about something or have other concerns, be direct. Show that you're not afraid to voice opinions, and your boss will respect you.`
     
  2. Get to know your boss. Build an outside-of-work relationship by sharing some of your personal passions and goals. Do you both have kids? Play tennis? Finding similarities can help you two build trust.
     
  3. Know that it's not you. If your boss is piling more work on you and not giving enough credit, try to push your frustrations aside and ask how he [she] is doing. Chances are he is not trying to be dismissive; he's just lacking sleep or has a big decision weighing on him.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from Tips for Working Under a Type-A Boss by Melissa Raffoni. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Unlock your potential

Whether face to face, or over the telephone, we can develop your leadership skills, support you in making important decisions, and help you reach your potential.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 weekend habits of purposeful leaders

The most impactful leaders know that success doesn’t come from working around the clock - it comes from working with intention. And that includes how we spend our weekends. While weekdays often revolve around performance, the weekend is a chance to reset... read more

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

Leadership Tips

How to manage a perfectionist

A perfectionist on your team can be both a gift and a drain. They raise standards by default, yet can stall progress by obsessing over minor details. The leadership challenge isn’t to change them, but to channel them. Perfectionists care about quality,... read more

How to make a critical trade-off

Most meaningful leadership decisions involve trade-offs. To do one thing well, you often have to give up something else. The best leaders don’t shy away from these moments — they navigate them with clarity. Next time you’re facing competing priorities,... read more

How to make goals work together

Balancing work and life often feels like a trade-off. But it doesn’t have to. Personal and professional goals can support each other if you connect them. Done well, this approach boosts motivation, eases anxiety, and helps you lead a more integrated life... read more