They then vanish before you have time to ask them clarifying questions about it.
That’s the dreaded drive-by manager.
Here are a few ways to do that.
What Is a Drive-By Manager?
It’s important to note that a drive-by manager isn’t necessarily abadone.
He wasn’t trying to be frustrating, he was just busy (arent we all?).
In other cases, that drive-by behavior can be purposefully malicious.
After a certain point,there’s no redeeming a toxic work environment.
With luck, you might avoid having to manage yet another bad boss.
Plus, the best bosses will trust you to do your best and deliver great results.
That said, you’ll still have questions, run into problems, or need to adjust deadlines.
If you see them glued to their phone between meetings, email them or send them text messages.
Don’t attempt to pin them down for a meeting or a chat unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Instead of just getting frustrated, give your boss a little of their own medicine.
Ask them something they can answer in a minute or two, and then save the rest for later.
It may sound petty, but if your boss is super busy it can actually be helpful.
You’ll have to pick your questions carefully, but some guidance is better than none.
Take the lead, set an agenda, and stick to it.
Use every minute in those meetings wiselythey may be all you really get.
Work on their behalf.
Learn to pick your battles.
There are times when voicing your frustration can help, and times when it’s pointless.
If you’re just fed up, find a healthy way to vent.
Just don’t play that card too often.
It’s important to only draw a busy boss in when you really need them.
Learning to manage your manager is only half of the battle when you deal with a drive-by boss.
Still, it’s the most important part, to be sure.
It’s not all you’re free to do though.
Anticipate Your Boss and Adjust Your Work Style
Next, turn your attention to your own workload.
Tackle the big wins and priorities first so you’re not stressed at crunch time.
Be mindful of your time and workload.
Set your boundaries and stick to them.
In those cases, you need tobecome a prioritization master.
ensure you reset expectations with anyone involved any time you have to shuffle work around your plate.
In short, be the master communicator your boss doesn’t have the time to be.
It may seem unfair, but you’ll be better off for it, both personally and professionally.
We also can’t understate how important it is to get organized.
Finally, verify to take care of yourself.
Working with a drive-by manager can be frustrating and stressful.
Be proactive and assertive.
If you’re really stuck, take a break.
kill the laptop, lock your screen, get up, and go for a walk.
Go vent to someone you’ve got the option to trust.
If they’re willing to compromise and help when they can, you’re in good shape.
Remember though, most job listings say “able to work independently” for a reason.
You get the freedom to be independent and take credit for your own work.
You just have to learn when to trust your judgement versus when to ask for help.
Just don’t hesitate to do either when the time is right, and you’ll be fine.
Title photo byjesadaphorn(Shutterstock) andOpenClips.
Additional photos byKurt Bauschardt,flik, andLeonardo Rizzi.
