In a perfect world, you and your boss would always be on the same page. You’d have similar communication styles, and be able to come to an agreement quickly, with a minimum of fuss. Needless to say, he or she would never undermine or micromanage you, and you would always be able to take any criticism in the spirit in which it was intended. (And the spirit, of course, would always be constructive.)
That’s the fantasy. The reality is that bosses are human, just like we are, and that working together sometimes takes a little trial and error. If you’re having trouble with your boss, this week’s lead story might help. Learn how to manage your manager — plus whether to take a freelance gig that doesn’t pay your rate, and what to consider before signing an NDA — in our roundup.
Lolly Daskal at Inc: 7 Smart Ways to Effectively Manage Your Boss
“We spend most of our waking hours at work, and if your relationship with your boss is a difficult one, it makes all those hours arduous,” Daskal writes. “Some people approach the situation by gritting their teeth and toughing it out, but it’s hard to do good work under those circumstances. Others engage in manipulation and games, but that turns out badly more often than not, and it takes an ethical toll. Being the best we can be at work is largely a matter of successfully managing our relationships–including our relationship with the boss.”
Want to know how to do it? Heed Daskal’s advice.
Kat Boogaard at Hustle&Co: Don’t Neglect These Non-Monetary Perks of Freelance Gigs
Maybe you’re a full-time freelancer, or maybe you just have a side gig to make some extra cash. Whatever your situation, you want to get paid — preferably your set rate or higher. But sometimes, clients can’t come up with the cash. So, should you take the job, or walk away? Before you decide, consider Boogaard’s list of non-monetary perks of freelancing gigs and whether this job offers any of them. (Examples: new challenges, beneficial relationships, and yes, exposure.)
Rachel Ryan at TalentCulture: 7 Things To Consider Before Signing That NDA
“Whether you are an every-day office worker, or a computer professional at Booze Allen Hamilton, you will likely be required to sign an NDA,” writes Ryan. “Next time you are presented with an NDA, you should be prepared to analyze it with a cool and collected approach, ensuring your best interests are preserved.”
Here’s what you need to know.
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