Working for a high-performing boss can either make you happy or make you want to tear out your hair. It depends on how ready you are to meet the many challenges this type of boss can present. Highly focused bosses are out to change the world, and that's why so many of them end up on the management fast track.

High-performance bosses are goal-focused, often charismatic, visionary and brutally direct. They're driven and expect you to be too. Doesn't sound so bad, does it? But wait! On the other hand, these high-maintenance bosses can be confrontational, impatient, demanding and rudely blunt. They often appear to lack empathy because, as highly focused bosses, they want and need details, timelines and solutions--not maybes, problems and "I don't knows." They tend to be very intense, and the more stress or pressure they're under, the less likely they are to communicate effectively.

Here are tips that will help you keep communication lines open with your high-maintenance, high-performing and highly focused boss:

• Focus on important details
  Trivia is not of interest to this boss. Don't waste time giving your boss details. What she wants to know is how it will benefit the company, her department, herself and her workers.



• Offer solutions to identified problems
  Don't go to this boss with a problem unless you have a clear solution. He sees this as part of your job description and expects it of you.



• Establish clear and specific priorities and deadlines
  When this type of boss asks for something, she wants it yesterday. Be sure to cut off unrealistic deadlines at the pass by providing a realistic deadline yourself.



• Try not to take criticism personally
  Highly focused bosses seldom take the time to worry about someone's "feelings." Plus, this type of boss thinks out loud in a rapid manner, and he may say something before he has thought it through. Keep in mind that you likely aren't the only one being subjected to your boss's "foot-in-mouth" disease.



• Decide when the stress is too much
  If working for this type of boss is too stressful for you, it's time to look for a new job. No job is worth your health and sanity.

Learning how to get along with your boss--no matter what his or her type--is important to your career success. Learn other valuable skills that will help you climb that success ladder by attending a SkillPath seminar, coming soon to a city near you.