3 Tips to Improve Your Relationship with Your Manager
Posted January 20th, 2016
Management is popularly understood as a one-way relationship but properly understood as a two-way relationship. Sure, your manager has more power than you and is mostly in control, but that doesn’t mean you don’t impact his behavior and decision making in big ways. The truth is that you manage your manager almost as much as he manages you. Use the tips below to improve this relationship and inject new life into your career.
Be Proactive
Subordinates have a natural tendency to put their head down, keep their mouth shut, and do what is asked of them without question. Overall, this is not a bad way to operate, but only as long as things are going perfectly. If there is an issue/problem it does no one any good for you to ignore it. Keep your eyes out for ways that things could be improved, and don’t hesitate to let your manager know. Conversely, if something comes up that might affect your on-the-job performance, let your manager know as early as possible. Being open, honest, and upfront helps keep you and your manager on the same page in a meaningful way.
Look Forward
Since employees get their marching orders from the manager, it’s tempting to just go with the flow and focus only on the present. But when you look down rather than forwards you end up running into obstacles and missing out on opportunities. Keep an eye on the future and keep your boss appraised of your observations. As a valued member of the team, you have a unique perspective and may be able to anticipate things that others can’t. Use that perspective to your advantage, and apply it so that it makes your life and the life of your coworkers and boss easier.
Speak Often
Communication is key. There is no way that you can effectively manager your manager if the lines of communication are not open between you. Use every means at your disposal – meetings, calls, emails, rundowns etc – and focus on making your communications as succinct as possible. The only way it’s possible to over-communicate is if the communications start to become a waste of time. Once there is a free flow of information between you and your superior you can get a better handle on what’s expected of you and keep your manager abreast of any progress and setbacks.
These ideas might sound abstract, but that’s only because every employer/employee relationship is different and no two offices are alike. Extract the principles and find ways to apply them to your own workplace. In short time you’ll notice a real impact on your career success and professional satisfaction. Learn more about remaining happy in your job by having a conversation with Bayside Solutions.
