It’s always a wise idea to build a positive relationship with your boss at work, as doing so will only make your life easier and give your career more opportunities. However, that’s no easy feat, and if your boss is notoriously hard to work with, here are some tips that help you foster a more positive relationship with them.
Respect Their Time
Another way to foster a positive relationship with your boss is to acknowledge that they have a lot of demands on their time. Schedule meetings judiciously and come prepared with concise, relevant information; the last thing you want to do is waste their time, showing respect for their schedule and that you value their time.
Provide Solutions, Not Problems
When you encounter an issue at work, try your best to think of possible solutions before approaching your boss. This shows that you are solution-oriented and capable of critical thinking. It also makes their job easier, which they will likely appreciate. However, don’t be afraid to reach out if you have a serious problem, as they’ll likely want to know about this.
Seek Feedback Regularly
Many employees fail to ask for feedback from their boss, which can be detrimental to their personal and professional growth. Actively seeking constructive criticism shows that you value their opinion and are eager to improve, so aim for regular feedback sessions and make sure you act on it to align yourself better with your boss’ expectations and goals.
Understand Their Communication Style
Each boss has a unique way of communicating, so LinkedIn advises that you take notice of “how often they want to hear from you, what format they prefer, and what level of detail they expect.” Even if you disagree with their preference, just adapt to communication style, which will no doubt lead to clearer and more efficient interactions, making it easier to stay on the same page.
Show Initiative
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t always wait around for your boss to give you orders. Taking the lead on projects or tasks shows that you are proactive, and when you consistently go beyond what is expected, it demonstrates your commitment to the organization. This quality is highly appreciated by most leaders, who value employees who do not need constant supervision.
Be Reliable
Perhaps the most valuable employee trait to any boss is dependability; it’s absolutely essential in any professional relationship. So, try to consistently meet deadlines and deliver quality work, and your boss will trust you more. This trust can lead to greater responsibilities and career advancement opportunities, as well as a generally more positive and relaxed working relationship.
Treat Them Like a Human
Due to their high status in the workplace, many people make the mistake of forgetting that their boss is human. Obviously, you should still speak to your boss respectfully and as your superior, but that’s no reason to be overly formal and neglect pleasantries. Work hard for them, but there’s nothing wrong with having a casual chat with them and exchanging pleasantries as you would with any other friend.
Align with Their Goals
Your boss’ goals are always going to reflect the best interests of their business, so make sure you understand and align with your boss’s objectives, which will help to create a stronger connection. When your work supports their goals, it shows that you are a team player, an alignment that will no doubt also lead to better collaboration and mutual success.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
No boss is going to enjoy working with a negative Nancy, whereas a positive outlook can be contagious and create a more enjoyable work environment. Being optimistic and solution-focused helps in overcoming challenges, so try to keep positive; your boss will likely appreciate the uplifting effect it has on the team.
Communicate Clearly
It should go without saying that to build a strong relationship with your boss, you need to keep communication clear and concise. Keep your communication straight to the point and easy to understand, free of ambiguity. This reduces misunderstandings and ensures that tasks are completed correctly and efficiently, without your boss wasting their time on clarifications.
Be Respectful
It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the workplace or not; respect is fundamental in any relationship. Treat your boss with the same courtesy you expect, which includes being polite, listening attentively, and valuing their opinions. Mutual respect will always help to build a more harmonious and productive work environment.
Show Appreciation
A simple thank you can go a long way, so don’t forget to express gratitude for your boss’s guidance and support to show them that you value their efforts. This appreciation can strengthen your relationship and create a more positive atmosphere at work. Sadly, many employees take their boss’ hard work for granted, so don’t be that person.
Keep Personal Issues Separate
While it’s important to be personable in your working relationships, it’s equally crucial to maintain professionalism around your boss. Avoid bringing personal problems into the workplace whenever possible, keep a clear boundary between personal and professional matters, and show maturity and respect for your work environment.
Stay Organized
Nothing will ruin a working relationship with a boss like having poor organization skills, which reflect your ability to manage tasks efficiently. To avoid this from happening, keep your work and workspace organized to show that you are responsible and capable. Simply by keeping on top of things, you will earn your boss’s confidence and trust.
Be Honest
Both inside and outside of working relationships, honesty builds trust and credibility, so if you make a mistake, remember to confess this to your boss and learn from their subsequent criticism. Even if it feels scary, being transparent with your boss is always the best course of action as it shows integrity and helps build a solid foundation for a positive relationship.
Support Their Decisions
Even if you disagree, it’s important to support your boss’s decisions. Offer constructive feedback when appropriate, but respect their final call. This support fosters a collaborative environment and shows that you are a reliable team member. The last thing you want to do is undermine their authority.
Take Responsibility
As we briefly mentioned earlier, accountability is crucial in any professional setting. Taking responsibility for your actions, both successes and failures demonstrates reliability. Meanwhile, hiding any mistakes or information is going to be discovered by your boss eventually and ruin your reputation, so show that you are mature and dependable by being responsible.
Adapt to Their Preferences
Every boss has their own preferences for how tasks should be done, so pay attention to these details and adapt accordingly. This will undoubtedly make your interactions smoother, whereas taking a one-size-fits-all approach will only cause rifts. Show flexibility, and your boss will see that you are attentive and willing to meet their expectations.
Stay Professional
Above all, the best way to foster a positive relationship with your boss is simply to maintain professionalism, regardless of the situation. This includes being punctual, dressing appropriately, and adhering to workplace norms, such as using professional language. Professional behavior will always earn respect and set a positive example for others, keeping you in the good books of your boss.