A good relationship with your boss is critical for job success and career development. Supervisors have a great influence on your stress level, your team and company culture, and ultimately, whether you succeed or fail in a role. They’re also your best resource for support, problem-solving, and personal development. Building a strong relationship with them can be transformative for your work experience and professional growth, but navigating this connection can be complex. Here are five key values and characteristics that will help you along the way.
Be Authentic
It’s important to be yourself when building any new relationship. Don’t be over-the-top trying to impress or kiss up to a manager. Be authentic and try to build a genuine connection with them instead. This will be incredibly helpful when it comes to dealing with personal issues, having difficult conversations, and building trust.
Be Empathetic and Respectful
Bosses are human beings with their own professional pressures and personal lives, so it’s important to maintain empathy toward them. Strive to get to know them on a personal level; you don’t need to be best friends, but knowing the basics, like their family and hobbies, can be meaningful.
Managers are in their positions for a reason, so strive to always be respectful. Avoid arguing, correcting, and gossiping about your boss, and consider outside perspectives before making broad judgments or assumptions. Disrespectful behaviors are embarrassing, unnecessary, and ultimately damaging to your relationship.
Lastly, help your supervisor look good. Every leader wants a high-performing and successful team. By developing trust, understanding, and excellent communication, you can help your boss achieve their goals.
Build Trust and Add Value
Showing initiative will win you big points with almost any boss. Whether setting up regular one-on-ones, volunteering for new projects, or offering help, the benefits of this dedication are twofold. Proactivity makes leaders feel supported – like you are looking out for them. It also provides opportunities for your individual growth.
Whenever possible, add value beyond the limitations of your job description. Whether you have a special interest or extra capacity, find ways to support your team and relieve pressure. One simple way to embody this value is to offer solutions, not problems. Managers deal with problems all day long, and you can save them time and energy by brainstorming solutions upfront. Consider your problem, the resources involved, limiting factors, and other contributions. Bring your boss a summary of this information and a few possible solutions to consider.
By contributing to broader initiatives, anticipating roadblocks, and offering solutions to any problems you see, you stand out as an invaluable and efficient member of the team.
Be an Excellent Communicator
Establishing clear communication with a manager is absolutely critical to learning to work together. Everyone has preferred methods, styles, and frequency of communication, and it will benefit you to learn your boss’s preferences. Some people want minimal, direct communication, while others prefer detailed and frequent updates about projects. By catering to your supervisor’s unique communication style, you demonstrate thoughtful awareness and respect.
Additionally, be sure to clearly communicate difficulties before they pile up. Avoid unwanted surprises by giving your boss a heads-up about mistakes and confusion. Challenges and errors are a natural part of working on any team, so don’t feel the need to hide from that reality. Good communication around negative experiences will go a long way toward building trust.
Ask for Advice and Feedback
Your boss is your best resource. Be sure to understand what issues are worth getting their input on, to avoid running to them with every pain point every day. Asking for their opinion shows you value their expertise and goes a long way to developing a cooperative approach to strategy, process, and decision-making.
Asking for feedback is equally valuable. Many people are intimidated to ask for feedback, but also frustrated by a lack of attention and acknowledgment. Requesting feedback shows initiative and an interest in improving your performance.
Lastly, consider asking for coaching or mentorship. Managers are in a prime position to support your career development and are often enthusiastic about contributing in this way. Approach this idea as an evolution of your relationship, after establishing trust and positioning yourself as a valuable member of the team.
Maintaining a positive rapport with your boss is crucial for professional success and workplace satisfaction. A good relationship fosters trust, respect, and collaboration, which in turn creates an atmosphere of support and teamwork. Ultimately, the effort to build this connection, through the values and characteristics outlined, promotes both organizational prosperity and your personal growth as a professional.
