Articles From Previous Issues

How To Build A Better Relationship With Your Boss

BACK TO WELLNESS LIBRARY

Below are some ideas that can help you develop a more effective relationship with your boss:

• Schedule time to talk with your boss one on one. Try to get a sense of your boss' personality and when it’s best to approach your boss to talk. Make an effort to learn how to best communicate with him/her. Remember, bosses are people doing their job just like you.
  
• Bring problems to your boss in person and in private. Don't challenge him/her openly, in front of co-workers or other management.
  
• Let your boss know that you appreciate the things he/she does and how difficult many of his/her decisions are.
  
• If you disagree with a new procedure or rule, go to your boss with alternatives and solutions, not recriminations and a bad attitude.
  
• Do your job as a professional and build a reputation as someone who gets things done without complaint or problems. This type of reputation will give you credibility with your superiors that you cannot achieve in any other way. It also allows you to disagree sometimes, without coming off as a trouble maker.
  
• Learn to pick your battles. There are times when it is just better to keep quiet and do what you are told. Not every battle is worth fighting and winning can cost you more in the end than the battle was worth.
  
• Take responsibility for your mistakes and show your boss that you are big enough to admit when you are wrong.
  
• Be a team player. Bring positive information to your boss about co-workers or jobs well done and not always complaints and difficulties. Commiserate with him/her about a tough day or reminisce about common experiences that you shared on the job.
• Don't go over your boss’ head with an issue or problem without talking to him/her about it first. No one likes it when people go behind their backs. You wouldn't like it and your boss won't either.