In challenging times, sometimes your bosss behavior becomes erratic. She may overmanage or undermanage you and your work. She may lose sight of all the things you are working on. You may not be sure what your bosss priorities are; they change daily.
The costs associated with this business malady are many including: missed deadlines and opportunities, working on unimportant tasks, avoidance, frustration, the appearance of incompetence, stress, and burnout.
What can you do? You have three options:
Option #1: Get in Front
Take time to understand your bosss:
Goals: What are his aspirations? How can you help him achieve them?
Problems: What common problems prevent your boss from being more effective? Are any of your bosss problems your strengths? Can you take responsibility for meetings, communication, planning, follow-up, etc?
World: Describe the world from your bosss perspective. Who are the players?
Pressures: What pressures are placed on your boss? How might these pressures affect him? How might they affect priorities? How might they affect your job?
Boss: What kind of a boss does your boss work for? ...