The relationship we create with colleagues in the workplace is an essential part of our work. Without this relationship, we can’t work and perform our duties because many jobs reach their goals through teamwork. Among the relationships we create with other colleagues, the relationship with the boss is more important than others. Our superior manager is decisive in our career development; what he thinks about us is crucial. So we should try to establish a professional and appropriate relationship with him. In this article, we want to suggest some points that will make it easier for you to have a good relationship with your boss. So stay with us until the end of the article.
The necessity of a good relationship with the boss
Career success is not only limited to performing work tasks. Establishing a professional relationship with colleagues, especially the boss, is also part of your career path. This issue is significant for those who have just entered the collection. When you start working in a new organization, you must devote time and energy to building an effective relationship with your boss. This relationship will help you better understand each other and become more harmonious.
Ten tips to build a good relationship with the boss
1. Imagine your future work
The first step to understanding your relationship with your boss is how you envision your future career. Imagine your career hopes, dreams, and fears. Consider the following questions:
- How will my relationship with my manager be?
- What do I want to learn from him?
- What kind of interaction would I like to have with him?
- What should be the tone of my conversations with him?
- What topics would I like to talk about?
- Does organizational hierarchy play an essential role in my relationship with my boss?
- What will be my red lines in this relationship?
Once you clearly understand the purpose of communicating with your boss, please write it down. Describe yourself and the relationship you want to build. Keep it somewhere and visit it occasionally to see how it is doing.
2. Believe in your ability
If you don’t build a relationship with your manager, he will, and you might not be happy with the result, so it’s better to take action instead of sitting on your hands. Be brave and believe in your abilities to create the desired relationship with your boss. According to research, self-confident employees are more successful than others in building effective working relationships.
3. Improve your communication skills
In addition to self-belief, you should also look at your communication skills. If you are weak in these skills, such as effective conversation, listening, and feedback, you should strengthen them. These skills will help you not only build a solid relationship with your boss but with anyone else as well.
4. Schedule a meeting with your boss
Your boss may be busy, but you should meet face-to-face with him at least once a month. Schedule an appointment and be a requester yourself. Perhaps this initiative will show him that you care about your work. Use this time to discuss progress, offer ideas, and check whether your work is aligned with your manager’s goals and desires.
5. Show your innovation and creativity
Every manager wants his employees to be motivated and active. When you show these qualities, your boss will count on you more. Put aside your fear and present your ideas in monthly meetings. When you develop new ideas or actively participate in discussions, you show him that you are interested in the collection and its progress. This is what will impress your boss.
6. Don’t be afraid of a critical and honest conversation
Criticizing the ideas of the head of a group may seem like a scary task, but it is necessary. Assuming your boss is vital, sometimes you must say what you think is wrong.
Don’t forget that he hired you because of specific skills, so if something is in your expertise, you should give yourself the right to express yourself. You will attract his positive opinion when you criticize him respectfully and at the right place and time. If you have a competent boss, he is unlikely to be interested in flattering employees.
7. Remember that your boss is also human
Maybe your boss usually shows himself as serious and professional but also human. So it’s not wrong to ask about his condition sometimes in addition to a business conversation. Asking how she spent her weekend or what hobbies she has will strengthen your connection and allow you to see her as someone else. Timing and understanding whether he is willing to ask such questions or not is something you have to discover for yourself. Perhaps it is better to let him ask such questions first.
8. be yourself
You and your boss aren’t supposed to become best friends, but you’re supposed to build a relationship based on respect and trust. So, it is essential to maintain your authenticity and avoid hypocrisy and concealment. If something bothers you or there is a problem, it is better to share it with him. For example, maybe you are a hardworking parent whose relationship with your child has been damaged due to work conditions. Negotiate with your boss to change the situation instead of hiding and putting up with the problem.
9. Do not neglect small tasks
Performing job duties alone is not enough to impress your boss. Paying attention to your manager’s points of view, helping him do some work, and even greeting him are among the small things that will make your relationship more robust over time.
10. Assess the state of the relationship
With the passage of time and increased responsibilities, you may move away from the goals and image that you imagined at the beginning. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate your relationship with your boss. For this, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I like and dislike about our relationship?
- What part of my assumptions about my relationship with my boss was actual? Which parts did not come true?
- What are the challenges in my relationship with the manager?
- Do my early visions still express my goals and values?
Use your manager’s feedback when evaluating the relationship. They should also assess their relationship with you.
you say
How is your relationship with your boss? What tricks do you use to improve your relationship with upper managers? Share your recommendations with others.
