The 5 Bosses You’ll Meet in Internal Communication
Internal communication (IC) can find a home in many different areas of an organization. Your function may be housed under marketing, corporate communications, human resources, operations, or really anywhere. I once heard of an IC professional who reported in to finance. A little odd, but I bet it made it easier to get budget requests approved. No matter how your reporting structure is organized, there’s a high probability you’re reporting to one of the following five types of bosses.
The Collaborative Boss—This type of boss believes in teamwork and collaboration. They value your input and encourage you to share your ideas and suggestions. They work with you to develop communication strategies that benefit both the company and the employees. Be proactive in seeking their input and feedback. Work closely with them to develop communication strategies and keep them informed about your progress. Be open to feedback and suggestions and strive to be a collaborative team member.
The Micro-Manager—This boss likes to be in control of everything and may have difficulty delegating tasks. They may closely monitor your work and provide constant feedback, which can be helpful but may also be overwhelming. Keep them informed about your progress and provide regular updates. Be receptive to their feedback and suggestions, but also communicate any concerns you may have about their management style. Show that you can handle tasks independently, but also be open to direction.
The Hands-Off Boss—This type of boss trusts you to do your job and provides minimal guidance. They may be difficult to reach when you need input or feedback, which can lead to delays in completing projects. Keep them informed about your progress and provide regular updates, but also be prepared to work independently. Be proactive in seeking their input and feedback when needed, and make sure to keep them informed of any issues or challenges that arise.
The Visionary Boss—This boss has a clear vision for the company and its communication strategies. They provide direction and guidance but may not be as involved in day-to-day operations. Be receptive to their vision and work closely with them to develop IC strategies that align with their goals. Keep them informed about your progress and provide regular updates. Be open to feedback and suggestions and strive to be a collaborative team member.
The Reactive Boss—This boss tends to respond to crises or issues as they arise rather than being proactive in addressing them. They may not have a clear communication strategy in place and may be difficult to work with when urgent situations arise. Be proactive in identifying potential issues and developing communication strategies to address them. Keep them informed about any challenges that arise and provide regular updates. Be prepared to respond quickly to urgent situations, but also work to develop a proactive communication strategy that can prevent crises from arising.
Remember, every boss is unique, and you may need to adjust your communication style based on their management style. Being adaptable and open to feedback can help you build strong working relationships with your boss and achieve success in your role in internal communication.
