What to do when your manager is not around

"Have you ever had a manager who is not around much? Maybe they are busy, sick, or just not answering messages. This can make work hard. You might have many questions. You might not know what to do next. You might feel stuck. This write-up will help you. It will give you answers and tips. You can use these tips to do better at work, even when your manager is not there."

"When your manager is not around, you might feel lost. You might not know what to do. You might not know if you are doing the right thing. Sometimes, you want to ask your manager a question. But they do not answer. This can make you feel sad or worried. You might think, "Why is my manager not here?" or "How can I do my job without help?""

When a manager is frequently absent, individual contributors can feel uncertain, stuck, and unable to confirm decisions. Common effects include unanswered questions, worry about correctness of work, and decreased momentum. Workers can build autonomy by learning to work independently, seeking answers from peers, and presenting work to others for feedback. Emotional responses such as sadness and anxiety are normal. Practical actions include asking other colleagues, documenting decisions, escalating when needed, using alternative communication channels, and developing habits that reduce reliance on a single manager. These strategies help maintain productivity, confidence, and clear progress despite limited manager availability.

Read at Medium