Let’s face it, not everyone likes their boss. However, in order to be successful in your career, it’s essential that you try to build an effective working relationship with your supervisor. If you’re having trouble connecting with your boss, try these five tips.
1. Communicate. An effective relationship starts with effective communication. Talk to your boss and let them know your career goals, strengths, and motivators. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your tasks, and let your supervisor know when you need their feedback on projects.
2. Build Trust. Positive relationships are built on trust. If you say you’re going to do something, then do it. Keep your boss informed on your projects and never cover up mistakes or errors. Be honest and dependable. Let your boss know they can count on you.
3. Keep a Positive Attitude. A bad attitude can ruin anyone’s career faster than having a lack of experience. So, it’s important to always smile and maintain a can-do attitude, even when you don’t want to. Avoid people who may cause you to become negative, and instead, focus on how you can become a positive influence.
4. Listen. If you take the time to truly listen to what your boss is saying – without rolling your eyes – you might just learn something you didn’t know before. Face it, your boss got to their position for a reason, so listen to them so you can learn what you need to know to improve your career.
5. Offer Help. Bosses love an employee who offers to help on projects that aren’t their own. If you have time to take on additional work, let your boss know you can help them on that task they’ve wanted to get off the ground for months. Increase your value and show your boss that you’re a team player by offering a helping hand.
No matter if your boss is the world’s best or the world’s worst boss, ultimately, your career success is up to you. So, start by embracing the responsibility to take steps to get along with your boss to achieve your professional goals.
Do you have stories of how you’ve turned a negative situation with your boss into a positive one? Share your ideas in the comments section below.
Or, have you ever had a boss so bad no amount of trying has helped? If so, we want to know. Submit your story now!
one way i have come close to my boss is to listen and do things right the first time they dont like to see you doing things twice
Posted by: tim taylor | June 27, 2009 at 04:42 PM