Peeling back the manager’s mask

By  PETER KAMURI

Miguna Miguna’s recently published book, Peeling Back the Mask: A Quest for Justice in Kenya, has made startling claims. The title has catapulted the author to a hero in some circles, even as other people castigate him for the way chose to criticise his former boss, Prime Minister Raila Odinga. And more still are questioning the veracity of his allegations.

Whether Miguna’s allegations are true or false, the revelations are unsettling considering that he worked for the Prime Minister as advisor on Constitution and coalition affairs. He was also an insider and what he says may have some whiff of fact.

However, while as it is not bad to criticise your boss when he is in the wrong, it should be done in a way that is corrective rather than retributive. That is why many people have had a gripe with Miguna’s approach.

Ignatius Mambo, a HR consultant working in Nairobi, says even when one’s concerns are justified, it is important to put a lot of thought before one criticises the  boss. The method you choose for the attack matters.

fix the  boss

“When criticising your boss, it is also important to have the right motivation. You should not just disparage to settle old scores or fix your boss. You should aim at helping him to correct past mistakes and do better in future. The tone you use in your criticism can easily reveal your intentions,” says Mambo.

“Sometimes you may feel it is difficult to have a face-to-face discussion with your boss. In such circumstances, look for somebody you trust and let him or her know your feelings. Such a person can communicate your feelings to your boss,” he advises.

He also points out that its best to start with positive view when criticising your boss.

“Although he may have done something that you feel is not right, he definitely has some positive attribute, since he is human. By highlighting them, he will conclude that your criticism is in good faith, and therefore he will be more receptive,” advises Mambo.

Mambo says where possible, you should not just criticise directly. Instead, offer solutions to the issues you consider as troubling.

“You need to focus on what you think can work without necessarily highlighting what is wrong. You may come up with several solutions and you may ask your boss to help you narrow down to the most appropriate one,” her says.

Never criticise your boss in public. Such public humiliation can lead the boss to conclude that he you are trying to court attention and embarrass him.

“ And if you are already working with him and you embarrass him or her like that, it may be just a matter of time before you are fired,” he says.

private meeting

 “The best idea is to meet with your boss in private and take the opportunity to candidly express your concerns. When you do it this way, he will be ready to listen to you and you are likely to come up with a workable solution,” Mambo notes.

But even as you seek a soft way to criticise the boss, do not let any issue fester and blow up later.

“Your boss will value criticism that comes early because if there is anything that needs to be done, it will be corrected in time. So timing is very important but you should do it when your boss is ready to listen and have enough time to digest what you have to say.”

Once you have explained the issue you your boss, do not go around the office discussing your boss with coworkers about his or her weaknesses. This is one sure way of killing teamwork.”

“In case you feel he is not ready to change and he may compromise what you believe in, you may opt to quit. However, so long as you are working with him, you must always remember he is your boss and deserves respect,” concludes Mambo.

 

 

How to relate well with your boss

• Always ensure you do your work on time and avoid crossing your boss’ path

• Admit mistakes rather than give excuses

• Do not just complain, come up with solutions to workplace challenges

• Understand the way your manager communicates

• Put some effort to improve your relationship with your boss

• Discuss with your boss when you are uncomfortable with a delegated task rather than decline to carry out the task