Reporting Manager: 7 Surprising Tips To Deal With A Reporting Manager

Introduction 

In a job scenario, there will be people around who will always hold us accountable. Most often, these people are our bosses or managers to whom we report. These people train us, give us targets, and push us to achieve these targets with constant feedback. Having a healthy and positive relationship with your relationship manager can change how you see your job. I remember that in one of my job stints, my reporting manager was like a friend rather than just a boss. I loved that job space, and I genuinely grew as a person and even professionally. However, there can be toxic reporting managers as well, and they can scar us for the rest of our lives.

“Practice One Golden Rule of Management in everything you do. Manage others the way you would like to be managed.” – Brian Tracy [1]

Who Is A Reporting Manager?

Imagine an office space without someone to report you, with no targets, reports, or accountability. Do you think such an organization will last even a month? It won’t. That is why we need reporting managers.

Remember the character ‘Michael Scott’ from ‘The Office’? Although there were a lot of decisions and situations where we could question how he became a manager, he was empathetic, supportive, and knew how to lead by example as a salesperson.

Reporting managers check if everyone is following all the processes or not. As a reporting manager, you would have to collect, analyze, and interpret data on the functionality of the processes. Once data gets interpreted, the company can check the reports and make informed decisions about what changes are needed.

To collect and interpret the data correctly, a reporting manager has to work along with various other departments, specifically data analysts or specialists [2]. In a company, there is never a department working independently. So as a reporting manager, make sure to have a welcoming personality and be open to seeing mistakes. However, remember to remain calm and be helpful.

What Is The Role Of Reporting Manager?

If a reporting manager were not there, a company would not know where and what needs to be changed or corrected. However, there are a few specific duties they have to perform [3]:

1. Data Collection and Analysis: Reporting managers gather data from a number of sources and ensure that it is accurate and complete. Your role as a reporting manager would be to see if everything is working as per the current trends and patterns in the market and what good things are happening in the organization that can contribute toward growth.
2. Report Generation: As a reporting manager, one very important task is to create reports that are understandable by all. You can generate these reports after analyzing and interpreting data properly. The reports generated by the reporting manager can help the management and stakeholders make relevant decisions for the benefit of the organization. So, essentially, the growth of an organization is dependent on how accurately you are providing the report.
3. Stakeholder Collaboration: Another role you have to play as a reporting manager is to work side-by-side with stakeholders and leaders of different departments. Working together ensures that the target numbers and actions go hand-in-hand with company goals.
4. Data Quality Assurance: As a reporting manager, you have to make sure that the data is authentic and accurate. There are certain processes you can use to verify the accuracy and consistency before submitting it to decision-makers.
5. Continuous Improvement: Finally, if there are any changes needed to make the processes or systems better, it is your responsibility as a reporting manager to suggest the same to the higher authorities so that they can effectively look into it. Once the policies are in place, then it will be your job again to make sure the new policies are implemented and giving the desired results.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Reporting Manager?

Having a reporting manager in an organization has a number of benefits [4]:

1. Data-driven Decision Making: When there is a reporting manager in the organization, they provide accurate and reliable information on how the organization is functioning. The management of the organization, then, can make a well-thought and strategic decision to improve processes and reallocate resources.
2. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: One of the best ways to generate accurate reports is when the reporting manager tracks key performance indicators, which are the specific areas of concern for a particular department. For example, the sales team has to keep sales targets in mind, the finance department has to keep revenues in mind. So, reporting managers help them in doing that.
3. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: Reporting managers work with different departments, which means that they can work as a bridge. Marketing can get bridged with sales, sales can get bridged with finance, all through the help of reporting managers so that information flows correctly and company targets are met.
4. Process Improvement and Efficiency: Every organization works on processes. Without a streamlined process in place, the whole organization can go haywire. It is your responsibility as a reporting manager to check which process is working and which is not. For processes not working, they can present the report to the management. Doing this can help save money and increase the performance of all departments.
5. Compliance and Risk Management: Businesses need to have some regulations, either self-created or given by the industry or the government. Your task as a reporting manager would be to ensure that these regulations are in-check and identify any possible risks.
6. Accountability and Transparency: A major part of the organization is accountable for providing correct data and information to the reporting manager. If that happens, they will be able to provide clear and transparent information to higher authorities for the whole organization to grow.

How To Find A Reporting Manager?

With the onset of the digital world, finding people who can fulfill a role is not difficult. Just like you would find a suitable candidate for a particular position in the organization, you can find a report manager also through the same places, like [5]:

1. Internal Recruitment: Check if someone from the existing team is a suitable candidate with the right skills and knowledge. That way, you will save time and money.
2. Networking: You can find suitable candidates by posting ads on platforms like Linkedin. You can even visit some business networking events to find the right people.
3. Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies: Recruitment agencies already have the data of people who are looking for jobs and those who are suitable for the role. You can outsource the task to them, and they can shortlist some candidates for you to interview and assess.
4. Internal Referrals: You can even ask the existing employees to refer some of their friends who might fit into the organization and have the right skills for the position.

How To Deal With A Reporting Manager?

Two colleagues in an organization can never be the same. Specifically, with the managers, you can have a difference of opinion. But, you can deal with them effectively [6]:

1. Open Communication: When we can openly talk to people, doesn’t that feel like you have won half the battle? Similarly, with your reporting manager also, create that bond where you can talk freely and openly. Maybe you can have scheduled daily or weekly meetings where you can discuss the issues and the progress. Even if there are some concerns, talking openly will only make sure that you get the support you need.
2. Understand Expectations: Every organization works on targets. So, when your reporting manager is you the targets, make sure that you understand the targets and the related deadlines accurately so that there is no miscommunication. Remember, no question is stupid.
3. Seek Feedback: Nobody in the world is perfect. However, we can avoid issues and problems in the organization when your reporting manager gives you feedback. Constructive criticism can help you do your job properly and also help you enhance your personality. Just be open to all kinds of feedback.
4. Provide Regular Updates: When your reporting manager feels that they know about your performance, the value of you and your work will increase, and you will be able to create a greater impact in the organization.
5. Collaborate and Support: Like everybody in an organization, even the reporting manager needs support. Nobody can make the business grow singlehandedly. If you have knowledge about a particular area, try offering your help. You never know how your one act of kindness can take you places.
6. Address Concerns Professionally: When two people work together, conflicts will arise. However, rather than screaming at each other in public, maybe you can schedule a private meeting and address the issues professionally. Calmness and patience in such a situation are the best tools to use. Talking calmly can help both of you to reach a middle ground and find a solution that works best for both.
7. Adapt and Be Flexible: We are different being with different people. This is there because being the same person with everyone may not work the best for you. So, in the initial few days, try understanding the communication style your reporting manager uses. When you start using their language, talking openly will become easier. In that case, you can discuss issues, expectations, and work-life balance.

Conclusion

Reporting managers are very important for an organization’s growth. They are pillars that provide supportive data for the management and stakeholders to know whether everything is on track or not. While working with anyone in a job can be challenging, you might have more trouble with your reporting manager if you don’t have a rapport and relationship with them. They might be prone to exhaustion and burnout, so as human beings, try to support them and help them with everything in your capacity. Along with that, also be open to feedback and greater learning. Working with a good reporting manager can help you grow professionally and personally.

If you want to learn how to deal with your reporting manager, consult expert counselors and explore content at United We Care! At United We Care, a team of professionals will guide you with the best personal and professional well-being methods.

References

[1] “Management Quotes – BrainyQuote,” BrainyQuote. https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/management-quotes

[2] “Reporting Manager,” Reporting Manager. https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/cfm/1.5.0.5?topic=roles-reporting-manager

[3] “Spotterful | Recommend candidates and earn rewards,” Spotterful | Recommend candidates and earn rewards. https://spotterful.com/blog/job-description-template/reporting-manager-responsibilities-and-required-skills

[4] K. Knutson, “6 Benefits of a Good Management Reporting System,” Envisio, Oct. 24, 2018. https://envisio.com/blog/6-benefits-of-a-good-management-reporting-system/

[5] “18 HR tips & tricks to master the art of human resource management | peopleHum,” peoplehum, May 10, 2023. https://www.peoplehum.com/blog/human-resource-management-tips-tricks-master-the-art

[6] “MindTools | Home,” MindTools | Home. https://www.mindtools.com/agor46t/managing-your-boss