The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, says that building up your own credibility is a big step in getting colleagues and superiors to buy into your ideas. Also, don't bad-mouth your boss. Be loyal to people in their absence. Then watch how others begin having more faith and confidence in you, because they know that you won't be talking about them behind their backs. And finally, understand the place from which your boss is coming.
Nothing is more validating and affirming than feeling understood.
And the moment a person begins feeling understood, that person becomes far more open to influence and change. Michelle Neely Martinez is an Alexandria, Va.-based writer specializing in workplace and management issues.