Is it Possible to Deal with Multiple Bosses? 5 Strategies for Women Leaders

Dealing with multiple bosses can feel like juggling flaming swords. Each has their own expectations, priorities, and management styles. For women in leadership, this scenario presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Research by the Harvard Business Review shows that employees who effectively manage upward communication and navigate complex managerial structures are more successful in their careers. Hence, understanding how to strategically navigate this complexity is crucial for maintaining your sanity and advancing your career.

Read on and dive into tactics applied by many Iron Ladies to effectively tackle this complex situation.

Tactics for Effectively Handling Multiple Bosses

Managing four bosses simultaneously is daunting. Each boss may have different agendas, creating a web of conflicting demands. It’s essential to develop a strategy that allows you to identify the real decision-makers and manage their expectations effectively.

1. Know Your Real Bosses:

Identify the hierarchy among your bosses. Understand who holds the most influence and decision-making power within the organization. This will help you prioritize their directives appropriately.

Example: Map out the organizational structure and note down the influence each boss has. This can help you gauge who the ultimate decision-maker is in various scenarios.

2. Understand the Hierarchy and Power Dynamics:

Beyond formal titles, understand the informal power dynamics. Determine which boss is the power center (the one who makes key decisions) and which one is the energy center (the one who drives enthusiasm and morale).

Example: Pay attention to meetings and interactions to see who leads discussions and who others turn to for final decisions. This can reveal the true power hierarchy.

3. Avoid Trying to Satisfy All:

Realise that you can’t please all four bosses simultaneously. Focus on aligning with the primary power center and managing the expectations of the others as best as you can.

Example: Prioritize tasks and projects that align with the goals of the power center boss, while keeping the others informed and involved as necessary.

4. Use Collaborative Communication:

Instead of answering questions and making decisions on your own, involve all four bosses in the decision-making process. Use email to seek their input and gauge their responses.

Example: “Dear all, I need your guidance on the upcoming project timeline. Could you please suggest your ideas on how we can best allocate resources? Your input will help us move forward effectively.” This approach lets the true leader emerge and takes the burden of alignment off your shoulders.

5. Let the Bosses Decide:

Encourage your bosses to take charge and let them see who follows up and leads. This will help you identify the actual boss and understand their decision-making styles.

Example: After sending the collaborative email, observe the responses. The boss who takes charge and coordinates with others is likely the key decision-maker. Follow their lead and align your efforts accordingly.

At Iron Lady, we empower women with Business War Tactics to tackle tricky workplace challenges.