Code Complete, 2nd Edition

Managing Your Manager

In software development, nontechnical managers are common, as are managers who have technical experience but who are 10 years behind the times. Technically competent, technically current managers are rare. If you work for one, do whatever you can to keep your job. It's an unusual treat.

	In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.
	--The Peter Principle

If your manager is more typical, you're faced with the unenviable task of managing your manager. "Managing Your Manager" means that you need to tell your manager what to do rather than the other way around. The trick is to do it in a way that allows your manager to continue believing that you are the one being managed. Here are some approaches ...