A lot of the recommendations in this series revolve around pushing back to your client and boss and doing so in a way that is firm enough to push what you need through, but gently enough to not cause unmanageable problems.
While you push back to your boss or client, there is an important point that you have to keep in mind and constantly bring up to him or her. This is to constantly bring up in your verbiage that he or she is still the boss.
The boss already knows that, but regularly reminding him or her of that achieves a few goals.
It conveys that you know your place in the hierarchy.
It conveys that you’re not a threat—you’re not implying you should have the upper hand in the hierarchy.
It conveys that he or she can over-rule you—you’re not a little despot within your area of influence.
It conveys that you want, to listen, and acknowledge his or her input on relevant matters.
It feeds his ego. Never underestimate the power of the ego!
But what does reminding your boss or client of his or her authority look like in practice?
Basically, the easiest way to implement this is two-fold. The most important way is this: when decisions need to be made, you make your recommendation, but remind him that he has the final say. “Hey, John, I think that we should do XYZ. I understand risks QRS, and we’re doing ABC to minimize those risks. Of course, it is your call, so let me know if you object to this.”
Note that this wording reminding John that it is still “his call” but also (as I’ve recommended before) framed a default option, which continues pushing the action forward and making a pause less likely.
Of course, this works on the way up (and down.) While this series is about making your boss or client fall in love with you, this suggestion, in particular, works well for your reports as well. You hire someone, and you empower them to make a decision. But they likely won’t feel confident really making the decision. So, it is only good to constantly remind them, “You’re in charge of this, so you make the decision and I’ll go along with it.” Words like that are music to the ears of your best employees.
