5 Tips for a Better Relationship With your Boss
How is your relationship with your Boss?
Productive, respectful relationships between a boss and his or her employees is key to any company’s success.
While the boss’ top priority is likely to have hardworking employees who fulfill his vision for the company, it’s a safe bet that he’d also like to have more than superficial relationships with the people he works with every day.
After all, he probably spends more time with his staff than he does with anyone else.
Of course, there’s something in it for employees, too:
- The boss plays a key role in advancement opportunities, so the more he knows you, your work, and your work ethic, the more likely you are to be rewarded.
- A healthy, respectful relationship with your manager can improve your morale and productivity, and ultimately, it can boost your career.
If you want a relationship that goes beyond “we get along fine,” here are five suggestions for building a stronger alliance with your boss.
Take the Initiative to Set Up Monthly or Weekly Meetings
Your boss may be busy, but as an employee, you can and should take the initiative to meet with your boss one on one at least once a month. Not just the he or she wants it: Use that time as an opportunity to discuss the status of your current projects, to present your ideas for the future, and to check in to make sure you’re on track with your boss’ goals and strategies.
Demonstrate Your Innovation and Initiative
Every CEO or manager wants a company full of motivated and productive employees. Showing that you’re excited to take on new projects will help both you and your boss be more successful.
If you work in an office where people are constantly pitching ideas for new products, services, projects, or process improvements, don’t be afraid to raise your hand and volunteer to take the initiative on something. If suggestions aren’t free flowing, keep a running list of your own ideas and offer them up at your monthly meetings with your boss.
Being innovative and taking initiative shows your manager that you’re invested in growing with the company, and that is bound to lead to a better relationship between the two of you.
Strive for Open Communication
How many times have you told your boss that one of his or her ideas isn’t so great? It’s a scary conversation for any employee, so be careful but it’s an important one.
The key is to remember that you were hired because you have a specific set of skills that the company values and, often, can offer a different perspective than your boss can. Feeling comfortable enough to disagree with your boss and have an open line of communication will build a strong relationship—one in which you know the best ideas will always rise to the top.
Remember Your Boss is human, too
Most leaders come to work with their professional game face on, armed with a to-do list a mile long. They spend their days focused on moving the company closer to its goals. However, even leaders appreciate when their employees see them as something more than the guy or gal who signs their paychecks.
This isn’t about being best buddies or feeling like you need to hang out together outside of work—it’s about communicating on a more personal level.
Remember why you are there
It is important to remember that you there to work. Being friendly is an extra so don’t expect special treatment just because you have a good relationship. Your boss is there to work too so everything he or she does is about getting the job done. Your suggestions might be turned down just take it on the chin and move on. In all you always ask yourself, how will this affect the workplace.
Students of the Graduate Diploma for Senior Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants are spending a day working out how to manage their Boss.
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