Keeping your Manager in the Loop

In this present world, keeping your manager in the loop plays a vital role in the work environment. Most time you do not see the essence of updating your manager, or you think, it is very unnecessary to do so, and when they ask, you think they are bothering you. But that is not the whole point.

Communication with your manager promotes a healthy workplace and lays a good foundation for professional relationships. Your boss won’t have to go further in spying on the company to know how it is doing in his absence. Keeping your manager in the loop activates this sense of accountability within the team. In this article, we will go in-depth on what and how to keep your manager in the loop.

Understanding why Communication is Important

Good communication is the key to a successful organization. Communication is not just about changing information, it is about understanding the emotions and intentions behind that information. Here is understanding communication is important;

#1. Building trust

Building your boss’s trust is one essential thing you should do as an employee. Trust in the workplace is one thing that should be seen and also one thing that can be destroyed quickly in your workplace. Consistently keeping your manager in the loop builds trust. Tell them the truth, tell them how it is, do not think you can handle it on your own. The first step in building their trust is to be committed. Be committed to showing up. Regular updates build trust between you and your boss, helping them see your progress and reliability. Develop a strong reliable reputation for yourself.

#2. Avoid surprises

Keeping your boss in the loop reduces the risk of unexpected problems arising that they are unprepared for. Instead, ask your boss how often he wants to be kept to date. Do not be the bad news breaker, like it’s only when there is an issue that you reach. Endeavour to always keep your manager in the loop to avoid any form of surprises that might come along the way. Take the initiative to keep your manager in the loop no matter the status of the workplace.

Source: Freepik

#3. Alignment on goals

It ensures you are aligned with the company’s goals and strategies, preventing miscommunication. Ensure that your manager is well informed to align him with the gross so far. When everyone understands and works towards the same goals, the entire organization moves in a unified direction. Alignment is essential for an organization’s success because it provides a holistic view of the team’s activities, provides guidance, offers support, and makes informed decisions.

How to Effectively Keep Your Manager in the Loop

First of all, you have to understand your boss and know if he’s a good listener or he prefers to talk. Know how he reacts to messages or reports given. Then you move to ask him about his schedule to know how effectively you will update him. Set up regular check-ins like weekly or bi-weekly to always keep him in the loop. Stick to the schedule given and effectively follow it.

Be mindful of the type of content you send to your boss. Let it be concise, well-structured, and clear via emails or reports. Do not overload them with information that they won’t need. Go straight to the point and indicate the urgency of the message. Be mindful of their time, as they are busy people. Focus on what is important and prioritize your information.

When something urgent happens, inform them immediately rather than waiting for scheduled updates. You must inform them on time before they hear it from another place.

Finding the balance

Effectively communicating with your boss is a very critical act, that needs balancing. Sharing too little can leave your boss in the dark and may end up asking questions, while too much can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Avoid overcommunication as it makes it difficult for your boss to know the important and urgent information.

Focus on key points. Prioritize your information and focus on information that impacts decisions, timelines, or resources. Cut down every minor piece of information that will make your report or emails less valuable.

Source: Freepik

Keeping Your Boss in the Loop: Using Communication Tools

Communication tools are apps that allow employees and employers to communicate effectively.

Various communication tools can be used to keep your boss in a loop like; Slack, Email, Zoom, Google Meets, Trello, and so on.

All these platforms are made available to have effective communication with your boss or your colleague at the workplace. These tools can used at their own convenience.

Make use of bullets to highlight important messages or summarize a particular message.

Addressing Potential Concerns

When keeping your manager in the loop, it is essential to be mindful of potential concerns and also to address them properly. You have to be direct about the problems, don’t beat around the bush, and state the problems as it is. Some managers may feel overloaded and even miss the problem, so you must clarify your concerns for an easy decision-making process. Be mindful and careful when negative feedback comes in. If your manager complains about your communication style, you need to adjust to their preference and make sure you clarify that you are just doing your work by keeping them informed.

Dealing with Pushback: Some managers may feel micromanaged or overloaded. It’s important to clarify that the intent is to keep them informed for better decision-making.

Navigating Negative Feedback: If a manager is critical, view it as an opportunity to adjust your communication style to their preference.

Benefits of Keeping Your Manager in the Loop

Keeping your boss in the loop increases your visibility within the organization. Your contributions are more likely to be recognized, leading to opportunities for advancement, and career growth and opening doors for potential promotion.

Keeping your manager updated, will make it easier for them to provide support for you when you are in need. Whether it’s additional resources, advice, training, or guidance, an informed manager is more equipped to help you succeed and overcome any form of challenge.

It also enhances team collaboration, as everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.

Wrap-Up: Keeping Your Manager in the Loop

Effective communication is essential for an organization to grow and work well. Keeping your manager in the loop helps him/her to know how your part is running even as his occupied with other things. Effective communication fosters trust and transparency, reduces risks and challenges, and keeps everyone towards the goals of the company.

By regularly updating your boss on your work, you can contribute to a more productive, efficient, and satisfying work environment for both you and your team.