<img alt="How to Effectively Work for a Manager You Never See" data-asset-url="/photo/43969236.cms" data-chomp-id="aoeockqpxtnf8oy4458t" data-format="jpg" height="357" src="/photo/43969236.cms" width="636" />

	Whether you work from home or your boss works remotely, the workplace today is much different from the centralized offices of the past. For many organizations, remote employees spread across the country are now the norm. Here's how you can effectively work with your boss, even if you aren't in the same place.

	This post originally appeared on <a href="http://www.levo.com/articles/career-advice/working-with-remote-managers" target="_blank">Levo League</a>.

	Between video conferencing, email, and instant messaging, physical proximity to the office is no longer a requirement. Companies are hiring based on talent and fit, not if someone can be in their chair 24/7. This change has led to entire teams being spread across time zones, states, and even countries. While it can be tricky to report to a remote manager, I'm here to tell you it's possible.

	I work for a non-profit in Washington, D.C., but my manager works from her home in southern California. I've been working with her remotely for over a year, and in that time have expanded the responsibilities of my role and received a salary increase. Here are the tips that have helped me succeed:
<h3>
	Establish Regular Communication</h3>

	<img alt="How to Effectively Work for a Manager You Never See" data-asset-url="/photo/43969237.cms" data-chomp-id="b4fgrl0erziwoeom8az9" data-format="jpg" height="357" src="/photo/43969237.cms" width="636" />

	If you don't have a scheduled weekly call or Skype session with your boss, set one up right away. My boss and I talk every Monday morning for about 45 minutes about my priorities for the week. I discuss what I finished from last week, what I have planned for the upcoming week, and also ask her if she has any projects or tasks that she would like me to work on.

	While I personally think phone calls are the best if you can't meet face to face, even a weekly update email could get the job done. The adage "out of sight, out of mind" rings true here: You don't want to forget about each other just because you don't see each other in the office every day. Another communication tip-send an email to your boss at the end of each week listing what you've completed. This is especially helpful if your relationship with your manager is new and you want to show them that you're effective. Be sure to ask your manager their preferred methods of communication-you certainly don't want to annoy them!
<h3>
	Build Trust to Avoid Micromanagement</h3>

	<img alt="How to Effectively Work for a Manager You Never See" data-asset-url="/photo/43969239.cms" data-chomp-id="acdiau1krbgqbrhqigpf" data-format="jpg" height="357" src="/photo/43969239.cms" width="636" />

	My relationship with my manager succeeds because she trusts me, having already demonstrated my effectiveness. My boss isn't a micromanager at all. This isn't to say that she doesn't communicate with me during the week,but she doesn't constantly send emails asking for status updates.

	Once a project is assigned she gives me the space to complete it. Building trust can take time, which is why communication is so important. In the beginning you'll probably want to err on the side of more frequent communication and taper off as you see trust being built. Also, just because you manager isn't in-office, or you <a href="http://lifehacker.com/the-beginners-guide-to-working-from-home-733412770" x-inset="1">work from home</a><inset id="733412770"></inset>, with you doesn't mean that you can't come to them with problems or questions. Picking up the phone every five minutes is probably over the top, but go to your manager when you have issues with project prioritization or need help with a task. Showing your manager that you depend on them and view them as more than a person to take directions from will help build mutual trust. And being proactive when you have a problem or are stuck will show your manager that you tackle problems as they come-and aren't too proud to ask for help.
<h3>
	Be Respectful to Each Other's Roles</h3>

	It's easy to feel like you don't have a boss if your boss isn't in your office every day, but this <a href="http://lifehacker.com/five-things-i-wish-i-had-known-when-i-started-working-f-1497900668" x-inset="1">doesn't give you free reign</a><inset id="1497900668"></inset> to shirk responsibilities. I still ask my manager for permission on days I work from home, or if I plan to go meet a donor for lunch. It's important to share your schedule and have transparency. Respecting your manager's authority, even when they aren't physically there, will help them respect you as an employee and ultimately lead to increased responsibilities and freedom.

	<a href="http://www.levo.com/articles/career-advice/working-with-remote-managers" target="_blank">Working With Remote Managers</a> | Levo League
<hr />

	Cynthia Bell is a Development Coordinator at Reason Foundation, a non-profit think tank that advances a free, open and prosperous society. From planning events to meeting with donors, she helps Reason's development team with its day-to-day fundraising duties. She blogs at <a href="http://www.cynthiacbell.com./" target="_blank">CynthiaCBell.com.</a>

	Image adapted from <a href="http://lifehacker.com/wong salam">wong salam</a> (Shutterstock). Photos by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/brendanadkins/488202739/" target="_blank">Brendan Adkins</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/powerbooktrance/466709245/" target="_blank">Terry Johnston</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/95213174@N08/10329928973" target="_blank">blu-news.org</a> (Flickr).

	Want to see your work on Lifehacker? Email <a href="mailtandy@lifehacker.com">Andy</a>.
<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

How to Effectively Work for a Manager You Never See

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/42898650.cms" /> 
 
Let’s face it. We’re all addicted to technology. Scuttling around, trying to do something productive every minute. We’re also the first generation in the history of mankind with a plethora of apps and devices to help us maximize our productivity, and our potential. Thanks to my ever-handy smart phone, my brain 24x7 processing all the bits of information I feed into it, churning them into useful bits. 
 
Life is short. Time is money. Perhaps that’s why we’re all running around like crazy trying to squeeze the most out of our day. Possibly this is why we all constantly check our mails to stay on top of issues – last thing at night, and first thing when we get up in the morning. Or the way we’re constantly browsing on Pulse or Zite – to stay on top of trends and learn something while we’re on the go, waiting for the lift, or standing in line. What would happen to the world if, god forbid, we didn’t see that mail, or post that comment, or hit the like button right now. It’s not that we’re consciously trying to increase the valuations of Evernote and the hundreds of other ‘productivity’ apps out there, but it’s just so pre-historic to not have one, or a few, of them installed on your smart phone filled with ‘To-do’ lists. 
 
The more I add to my day, the more items I check off from my to-do list. Strangely, the more I ‘get things done’, it seems, the less I enjoy them. 
 
The wise son came to my rescue. One rainy afternoon, as I was frantically typing away at my laptop, he called out from the balcony. “Mumma, come here. Come here fast”. As usual, I dallied, while I sent out that mail. When the yelling became rather frantic, I went out grudgingly. You know, I have *important* work to be done. 
 
“Mumma, come sit with me. Come watch the dinosaur in the cloud”. And he made me sit there with him. For the next 27 minutes, I was doing nothing but watching the clouds and smiling at each other. Honestly, they were the most satisfactory 27 minutes of my day, rather week. Months later, I still remember it. I don’t remember the mail I was so frantically working on. Sometimes, perhaps, the most productive thing is to do nothing. 
 
It’s easier said than done. My rational brain doesn’t like sitting idle. I try to reason with it, like I always do – with data and research. I started looking around for data and studies to back up my thoughts and found pointers everywhere. Sleeping longer, being more mindful of your breathing, can amongst things, it seems improve your creativity, and even <a href="http://www.metaboliceffect.com/doing-nothing-to-increase-your-productivity/">increase your metabolism</a>. There’s even a study by <a href="http://pss.sagepub.com/content/25/3/772.abstract" target="_blank">Psychological Science</a> showing that just having the option to do nothing, increases our productivity. 
 
Even Peter Drucker pointed out, “<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=OpANHFNUrK8C&amp;pg=PA383&amp;dq=%22decision+really+necessary%22+inauthor:Peter+inauthor:Drucker&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=I1syU42NK5D-oQS83YKQAg&amp;ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&amp;q=%22decision%20really%20necessary%22%20inauthor%3APeter%20inauthor%3ADrucker&amp;f=false" target="_blank">There is one question the effective decision-maker asks: ‘Is a decision really necessary?’</a> One alternative is always the alternative of doing nothing. If the answer to the question ‘What will happen if we do nothing?’ is ‘It will take care of itself,’ one does not interfere.” 
 
Who am I to argue with the greatest management guru! Or my son. So I’m trying out this new productivity hack - the forgotten art of doing nothing. My son even helped me find an amazingly clutter-free app on my mobile specially designed for this. What’s more it works with just a single button. They call it the “Power” button. The moment I switch it off, I feel a heady rush of the power. My focus, my productivity, and my contentment increase immediately—without any lag. It feels simply awesome. Go ahead. Try it out for yourself. And do your friends a favor – spread the word! 
 
Sometimes, our brain, our hearts and our souls, just need that little void to recharge. 
<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

The Forgotten Art Of Doing Nothing

<img alt="Seven Ways to Be a Good Employee and Make Your Boss Happy" data-asset-url="/photo/40587952.cms" data-chomp-id="o5fl2dqf0rccuparmy47" data-format="jpg" height="357" src="/photo/40587952.cms" width="636" />

	Aiming to please your boss isn't about kissing up. When your goal is to make your manager more successful-rather than just yourself-you'll grow as an individual performer, as a professional, and as a part of the team, especially if you're just beginning your career.

	This post originally appeared on <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/7-ways-to-become-your-boss-dream-employee" target="_blank">The Muse</a>.

	When my client Angela needed help sorting out a number of career-related issues, her relationship with her manager was at the top of the list. Frankly, it was in shambles. Their working relationship was terrible, they couldn't get along, and Angela even admitted she <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-13-worst-hiring-mistakes-to-avoid" target="_blank">thought her boss regretted hiring her</a>.

	While I'm sure Angela's boss had his own faults, I began to realize that Angela had forgotten the fundamental rule of employment: You are there to make your manager successful. Angela was contentious and argumentative, and I could see how her boss might not consider her someone who made his life any easier.

	On the other hand, when I look back at the best staff I had as a manager, they were the ones doing whatever was needed-and with a great attitude-so that we could all be successful together. In short, they made my life easier.

	The good news is, aiming to do the same doesn't just help your boss out. When your goal is to make your manager more successful-rather than just yourself-you'll grow as an individual performer, as a professional, and as a part of the team. You'll <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-strategies-that-will-turn-your-employees-into-leaders" target="_blank">learn a lot about what it takes to be a leader</a>, expand your empathic skills, and develop your capacity for leadership. Plus, your boss will likely become your mentor and advocate-which will put many more opportunities within your reach.

	It's not complicated; it just requires a decision and commitment on your part to make it happen. Here are some starter tips for making your manager's life-and job-easier on a daily basis.
<h3>
	1. Get to Know Your Manager</h3>

	You can't make your boss' life easier if you don't understand how he or she fundamentally operates. So, your first step is to figure out what he needs from you-and how you should deliver it.

	Does he prefer updates delivered in written form or verbally? Spreadsheets or PowerPoint slides? Does he want information conveyed via email, during a team meeting, or on a voicemail?

	Getting to know your manager and his preferences will help you <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/will-this-app-change-the-way-we-communicate-in-the-office" target="_blank">deliver the information he needs, the way he needs it</a>. And who doesn't appreciate that?
<h3>
	2. Know Your Boss' Goals</h3>

	As an employee, you may be so focused on your own goals that you forget that you're actually there to support your manager achieving her goals. So, make it your job to understand the goals, numbers, projects, and other deliverables your boss is accountable for.

	It's as simple as <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/8-questions-you-should-be-asking-your-boss" target="_blank">asking your manager as part of your one-on-one meetings</a>, "If I'm aware of your goals and priorities, I can better support you in achieving them. Can you share these with me, so that I can help you succeed?" Once you understand her goals, you'll be able to produce deliverables that support her success.
<h3>
	3. Never Let Your Manager Be Blindsided</h3>

	One rule I always asked my teams to abide by was to never let me be blindsided. In short: No surprises.

	So, if you suspect that <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/keeping-the-peace-how-to-deal-with-an-angry-client" target="_blank">one of your customers is getting really ticked off</a> and is about to escalate over you-and over your boss-to the VP of customer service, you need to let your manager know. Otherwise, she'll be completely blindsided by the situation, unprepared to handle it, and likely, not too happy with you.

	A blindside creates frustration and chaos that usually ends up in a major time-wasting fire drill. Avoid it, and believe me, your manager will thank you.
<h3>
	4. Don't Expect Your Boss to Spoon-Feed You</h3>

	It may sound harsh, but no manager wants to babysit an employee. So if you have questions about health insurance, where to find the pencils, or how to file an expense report, find a colleague who can help you get your answers.

	Save one-on-one time with your boss for <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/15-ways-to-impress-your-boss-on-day-1" target="_blank">work-related matters that require collaboration</a>; issues that allow you to flex your intellectual muscles and prove your worth as an employee.
<h3>
	5. Meet (or Beat!) Your Deadlines</h3>

	When you get an assignment from your manager, enthusiastically commit to the deadline (this means "I'm on it!" not, "I'll see what I can do"). Then, aim to deliver it at least a day early.

	This gives your boss time to flex and adapt in case something comes up-and it always does-rather than sweating it out for you to deliver something at the very last minute.
<h3>
	6. Offer Solutions, Not Problems</h3>

	Your job is not to constantly point out problems that arise, but rather, to proactively start thinking about what solutions could help address those challenges.

	For example, you should never walk into your boss' office to <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-complain-to-actually-get-what-you-want" target="_blank">complain about how the shipping department can never get anything out on time</a>. Instead, you should first go to the shipping department, have a conversation about what can be done to improve the situation, and see what you can do to help.

	Then, when you do go to your boss about it, you'll be able to let him or her know the action you've already taken to start solving the problem.
<h3>
	7. Do What You Say; Say What You Do</h3>

	If you say you'll finish a report by Friday for the team update, but you come in Friday morning <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-excuses-you-should-never-use-at-work" target="_blank">unprepared because "other things came up,"</a> people will probably complain to your manager.

	And if that's not enough, if your manager was counting on that report to take the next steps on a project or to present to the executive team, it will inconvenience (read: annoy) him or her even further.

	People who are accountable for their actions and follow up on their commitments are dream employees-and their bosses know they can count on them, no matter what.

	Employees who work to make their managers successful are golden. Your manager has a tough job-the stress and pressure of which may not be abundantly evident to you. So, help your manager out and develop your own skills at the same time, by doing everything you can to make your boss' job easier. When you're a manager, you'll appreciate the same.

	<a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/7-ways-to-become-your-boss-dream-employee" target="_blank">7 Ways to Become Your Boss' Dream Employee</a> | The Muse
<hr />

	Lea McLeod coaches people in their jobs when the going gets tough. Bad bosses. Challenging co-workers. Self-sabotage that keeps you working too long. She's the founder of <a href="http://www.leamcleod.com/job-success-lab" target="_blank">the Job Success Lab</a> and author of the <a href="http://www.degreesoftransition.com/resume-coloring-book" target="_blank">The Resume Coloring Book</a>. Get started with her free <a href="http://www.leamcleod.com/21-days-to-peace-at-work" target="_blank">21 Days to Peace at Work e-series.</a>

	Image adapted from <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=175197431&amp;src=id" target="_blank">JrCasas </a>and <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=149027882&amp;src=id" target="_blank">Sergey Nivens</a> (Shutterstock).

	Want to see your work on Lifehacker? Email <a href="mailtandy@lifehacker.com">Andy</a>.
<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Lifehacker India

Latest Stories from Lifehacker India

How to Effectively Work for a Manager You Never See

Lifehacker India

The Forgotten Art Of Doing Nothing

Lifehacker India

7 Ways To Be a Good Employee and Make Your Boss Happy

Lifehacker India