Change Yourself rather than expecting the boss to change- Two people in the world are never wrong, the customer and the Boss. Donot expect him to change for you, you will have to change first to make him change for you. Thus the recommended attitude is to treat the boss as a difficult customer who is going to complain and crib, but who needs to be marketed skillfully, so that he buys your ideas thinking that they are really his own.
Understand his highs and Lows- Get to know what makes him rant and what makes him rave. Understand when, how and where to feed his hobbies and interest. If he likes golf or cricket make sure that you stir up the topic and thereafter become an animated listener. He will take an interest in your interests if you take an interest in his interests.
Adjust your Style-If he is a numbers guy talk and present with logic and facts; if he is philosophical guy get into anecdotes and examples. Use his language and vocabulary and give him the credit of teaching you new ways of professionalism.
See the good in the bad- If he is a tough boss look at how tough and strong you are becoming to deal with such a difficult boss. Learn to look at his strengths rather than weaknesses and understand that growth comes only if two people are different. If two people are the same, learning and growth stalls; thus take a cheerful note of a good thing you have learned from him, rather than just scowling over his flaws.
Earn his Trust- Work on becoming his trustworthy partner. Whenever he comes up with a new task, instead of resenting, have a “why not attitude” to convince him of your ever readiness to go along with him into areas of uncertainty. Eventually he will become dependent on you and will accede to your requirements knowing that he cannot do without you.
