What pressures, both personal and pro- fessional, does the supervisor face?
LEARNING KEY SKILLS IN NURSING MANAGEMENT
subordinates are equally appropriate. Managers should be organized and prepared to state their needs clearly, explain the rationale for requests, suggest benefits for the larger organization, and use appropriate channels. Listen objectively to your supervisor’s response and be willing to con- sider reasons for possible conflict with needs of other areas.
Working effectively with an administrator is important because this person directly influ- ences personal success in a career and within the organization. Managing a supervisor, or man- aging upward, is a crucial skill for nurses. To manage upward, remember that the relationship requires participation from both parties. Managing upward is successful when power and influ- ence move in both directions. Rules for managing your supervisor are found in Box 9-2.
One aspect of managing upward is to understand the supervisor’s position from her or his frame of reference. This will make it easier to propose solutions and ideas that the supervisor will accept. Understand that a supervisor is a person with even more responsibility and pressure. Learn about the supervisor from a personal perspective: What pressures, both personal and pro- fessional, does the supervisor face? How does the supervisor respond to stress? What previous experiences are liable to affect today’s issues? This assessment will allow you to identify ways to help your supervisor with his or her job and for your supervisor to help you with yours.
Influencing Your Supervisor Nurses need to approach their supervisor to exert their influence on a variety of issues and prob- lems. Support for the purchase of capital equipment, for changes in staffing, or for a new policy or procedure all require communicating with a supervisor. Your rationale, choice of form or format, and possible objections all are important factors to consider as you prepare to make such a request. Timing is critical; choose an opportunity when the supervisor has time and appears receptive. Also, consider the impact of your ideas on other events occurring at that time/