How can you develop a constructive relationship with your direct superior? An essential point consists in knowing when to solicit them so that they can bring their added value at the right time. Indeed, when entrusted with an assignment by our N+1, our reaction is often to try and progress alone as far as possible, to deliver an accomplished deliverable. By doing so, we run the risk of being disappointed. Instead of bringing the so hoped-for validation, it is common that the superior embarks on a hunt for details or suggests other ways of addressing the project, to the greatest frustration of both parties.

To minimize this risk, it is more valuable to seek the contribution of your N+1 throughout the course of the project. Delegating an assignment does not mean that we don’t want to hear about it! Solicit your superior regularly, at key moments, to further your thinking: at the beginning, reformulate the challenges and ensure that your boss is in tune with you; present your different scenarios to check that they are coherent with the strategic priorities; ask for rapid feedback on a report structure before finalizing it in detail. This regular exchange dynamic will enable you to better understand each other and to avoid many frustrations.

Source: Designing Jobs Right, Roger L. Martin, Harvard Business Review, January-February 2023.