Secrets to Developing a Good Relationship with Your Boss

Author: Sandy Dsouza

Good relationships between a boss and employees can bring transformations in the productivity of a company and can be a contributing factor in its success. While any boss would root in for employees who are hardworking and dedicated towards achieving company's vision, he/she will also prefer workers who have much more than superficial relations with their employers. If you want to be in the good books of your boss, it is important to build healthy relation with your boss. It helps in keeping your job secure and ensuring growth in the long-term. Having a professional relationship with boss can help you in career advancement and even turn him/her into a person who will speak highly of your capabilities and recommend you for a new position. The following points suggest how to develop good relations with the boss.

    • Watch and learn from your boss
When you have recently joined an organization, observe your supervisor and understand the company's work culture before giving an opinion on the very first day. As your boss has been in the industry for a long period, he /she has better experience and a good idea about how things function. Take your own time to understand things and engage in open communications to get answers to your smallest doubts. When you approach for a query or an advice, he or she will appreciate your willingness to learn and even take out special time to assist you.

    • Keep your ego aside
If you are experienced, don't hold attitude and act indifferent to suggestions of improvement from coworkers, employees from senior positions or your boss. You should always be willing to improve and incorporate changes and thus lead your team by setting a perfect example.

    • Be honest about work
When you have made a mistake, always remember that honesty is the best policy. Never try to cover up your faults or put the blame on others. Instead of hiding the mistake, approach your boss directly and mention the efforts you are going to take to amend the problem. It will increase your respect in the eyes of coworkers and the boss. Also, never take credits for someone else's work.
    • Take initiative
With a lot of work on the plate, it is impossible for a boss to meet every employee, keep a tab on each individual, and interact with all workers. At such times, you should take initiative to set up an individual meeting with your boss and discuss work and concerns. It conveys that you are sincere towards work and have kept a proper track of projects. If your workplace appreciates pitching of new ideas, introduce your innovative approaches in monthly meetings and lead from the front.
    • Understand your boss's communication style
Each boos will operate with different mindset. While some might check on employees frequently, others might interact with them occasionally. Whichever style he/she prefers, you must establish and maintain a line of communication for discussing work. Understand the ways in which your boss answers queries from employees – whether it is over the mail, phone or via texts using a chat box, or in person.
    • Act professional
While being on good terms with your boss is necessary, you must also value and respect his/her time. Do not go out of the way to flatter your boss just to create an impression. It can affect your credibility and also hamper career growth. At the end, it is necessary to build a positive relationship with your boss if you want to have a successful and happy career. As you are going to spend maximum part of the day at work, it is essential to have good relationship with your boss. This would give you timely promotions and fast career advancements as well as better job satisfaction.