Although the idea of Managing Your Boss has existed for some time, it remains valid today.
Recalling Gabarro and Kotter’s 1980 HBR post, they advised readers to devote time and energy to managing their bosses’ relationships. The authors do not advocate lavish praise for supervisors. Rather, they want readers to recognize that the manager–boss relationship is one of mutual reliance. Supervisors expect direct reports to cooperate, be dependable and honest. Managers rely on their supervisors to establish relationships with the rest of the organization, establish priorities, and secure critical resources. It is entirely reasonable to strive for as little friction as possible in the relationship.
Successful relationship management requires an in-depth understanding of both your supervisor and yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, work styles, and needs. Once you have identified what obstructs or facilitates communication with your boss, you can take steps to strengthen your relationship. You can establish a method of collaboration that works and benefits both of you in terms of productivity and effectiveness.
As it has been emphasized previously, communication among bosses, managers, and employees is critical because it could be the key to unlocking any door. Good communication results in job satisfaction, which potentially leads to a positive and supportive working environment. Increased job satisfaction and productivity allow businesses to maintain a low employee turnover rate. Further, a satisfactory workplace is not only enables them to achieve greater economic benefits but also lowers training and human resource costs.
Each party has a career path: employee advances to management positions, and so forth. As a result, managers must keep in mind that they were once employees themselves. Each employee begins as a junior, progresses to senior, is promoted to supervisor or team leader, and is finally promoted to manager or higher level boss. Managers or bosses should identify the competencies of their subordinates in order to develop new cadres. A manager in a department with his or her team is comparable to a coach on the field; managers must ensure that their team has equal opportunity.
How to strengthen your relationship with your boss?
- Exceed Expectations
One of the most effective ways to accomplish this goal is to not only complete your assigned tasks, but to go above and beyond in all of them. This will benefit you regardless of your position. Your positive actions will help your manager appear to be a more effective supervisor. If they are also the owner of the business, your efficiency and diligence will assist them in improving their standard of living.
2. Small Talk
This next hidden truth can be challenging because it only works when you are genuine. If you have a problem with your boss, being friendly to him or her may be difficult. Communicate with him or her and show an interest in his or her live. Learning about someone and showing your concern is an excellent way to establish a strong and lasting professional relationship.
3. Offer help
Your employer has his or her own career objectives and aspirations. Along with that, inquire them if they require any help in order to make their professional dreams come true. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to establish a mentoring relationship with your boss. When you inquire about someone’s need for help, particularly in a professional setting, they almost always accept your offer. Voila!
4. Keep Yourself (Productively) busy
By taking on new projects at work, you can show your diligence and initiative. Along with initiating and completing new projects, keep an eye out for any outstanding issues or problem areas within the organization. By brainstorming and proposing solutions to these issues, you eliminate an issue at work that your manager would have otherwise had to deal with.
5. Be Loyal
In business, loyalty goes far. It is critical to show this character trait as an employee who is attempting to develop a stable, positive working relationship with his or her boss. It would be ideal if you remain loyal to your supervisor and to your company. If you show your willingness to stand by your company and your manager, others in the organization will notice.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, as an old adage goes, “Treat others how you want to be treated,” and that includes treating your boss. Best of luck!
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