You spend a lot of time working – and a significant amount of that time is spent interacting with your boss.
You get out of any relationship what you put into it, so when it comes to the one you have with your supervisor, you need to be firmly committed to it. After all, your boss has a tremendous amount of influence over your level of happiness or stress at work: they can make each day something to look forward to – or dread. And, they hold the key to your advancement within your company, and sometimes outside as well.
You don’t have to be best friends or hang out on weekends. But you do need a solid relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
Take the initiative.
Show that you care about doing the best job possible and that you’d be excited to take on new projects to help your boss and the company succeed.
- Set up meetings with your manager at least once a month, or as needed to stay up to date. Schedule these sessions for a time and day that works best for your boss: your goal is to relieve their stress and make yourself stand out in a positive light, not be a pest. Use these opportunities to discuss your current assignments’ status, present ideas for the future, and make sure you’re on track with goals and plans.
Foster effective communications.
It takes open lines of communication to establish ongoing trust. Start by putting yourself in your boss’s shoes. Figure out the challenges they’re facing and be prepared to offer effective solutions.
- Show value. You don’t always have to agree with your boss, but either way, have facts and data lined up to support your position, and show how it will produce desired results.
- Offer to help with your boss’s projects. Demonstrating that you’re willing and able to take on more is one of the best ways to position yourself for advancement.
- Ask for help and advice. People like to be seen as subject matter experts. Make a point to ask your boss for advice every so often, and make it count. Don’t ask about something trivial, but by inviting them into the process of helping you find or validate a solution, you’re showing how much you value their opinion.
Be yourself.
You gain respect by being authentic.
- Don’t be the person perceived to be kissing up to the boss. Be sincere and authentic in your approach. If the two of you simply don’t click, then maybe it’s time for you to make a change. But you won’t make anything better by trying to “fake it till you make it.”
- Ask for what you need. For instance, if spending too many hours at the office is taking a toll on your personal life, propose a more flexible schedule. Be willing to compromise. Your relationship will be stronger as a result.
As you advance in your career, consider partnering with PrideStaff Fresno. We can help you reach greater heights in your current role – or find a new one that’s just the right fit for you. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.
