It is also deadly for your corporate career.
The common expert career advice (my own included) is that we get out of our relationships what we put into them. It actually doesn’t need two people to make a relationship great. Although it can significantly help if it is reciprocated.
One person, “you“, taking full accountability for creating a better working relationship with your boss can make a big difference. It will make a difference to your ‘promotability’ and your team dynamics. Also for your sense of fulfillment and lots more. What we do and the problems we can solve aren’t the only things that makes us valuable. Our ability to get along and support others is also very crucial.
How to Support Others At Work is the Question
If you’re looking to have a great relationship with your boss your first day on the job, it’s likely NOT going to happen. It would be like trying to force love at first sight. It doesn’t work. There are people who have been in their position for 2, 5, or even 10 years who still don’t have the working relationship they want with their supervisor.
Yet you don’t have to be one of them.
To get to a point where you and your boss have a working relationship other people aspire to, can take more than time; it takes a recipe of effort, strategy, and common sense.
7 ways to start down the road to career happiness and promotions
1. Know your boss’ schedule.
If you think you’re always working full out at work, understand that your boss is most probably doing even more than you. With a constantly full schedule, become aware of the gaps in time (or places) that they may have during the day for your questions or a quick pertinent conversation. That way you’re not in their way plus you get what you need.
2. Get a handle on how they communicate.
Everyone communicates differently; genders communicate differently as well as the different generations and cultures. The net of it is that you want to learn how your boss communicates best. Does he/she prefer phone calls, email or text? Scheduled meeting time or on-the-fly? Step-by-step all along the way or all the facts up front? Find out! By adapting to their style of communication not only will you get your points across to them easier, yet it will show your boss that you’re flexible and quick to adapt. Adaptability is a key ingredient in a world that is changing faster by the decade. It is also a key ingredient in being promoted.
3. Don’t be a “kiss up”.
Yes, you want to make a great impression on your boss, yet it’s not worth the sacrifice in professional dignity or reputation. Plus it can often backfire. When talking to your boss, be yourself. You wouldn’t have been hired if they didn’t believe in you. If you have an opinion, speak your mind – if you have a question, ask. Stand on your own two feet, be authentic, do what you say you will do and your boss will take notice. Don’t expect a formal pat on the back – it isn’t really their job to give accolades for you ‘doing your job’. It is a nice bonus if they do however so accept it gracefully.
4. Take the “intelligent initiative”.
When you take intelligent initiative on a task, it says many things to your boss. It says you’re a self-starter, a leader, and that you take pride and accountability for your work. By showing you possess these qualities, you will set a strong foundation with your boss and potentially stand out from your co-workers for more leadership roles, and ideally a promotion. Remember though, I wrote “intelligent initiative” – make your initiative count for solving a problem that needs to be solved or a task you have thought through.
“There are no refunds for being stupid or lazy”
Anonymous
5. Take a walk in their shoes.
You may dream of being the boss one day, yet really take some time and figure out what that might mean. Endless meetings, constant phone calls, more stress, more responsibility? … the list can be long. When you think about all the stuff they have to deal with throughout their day, you start to think about them not as your employer or boss yet as a fellow worker whose work directly impacts your perception in the company. Empathy is one of the key factors in improving your communication with anyone you come across.
6. Keep it mostly professional, plus a little personal.
Once you can start to see your boss as a human being, start treating them like one. Occasionally ask them how their weekend was. Strike up a conversation about something interesting you read that might interest them or help them with a project that is in the works. Yes, you ALWAYS want to remain professional, yet being a little personal as well, is how you build strong relationships. Strong relationships are how you have a long and prosperous career and a great circle of influence. You want to get to know them so they can get to know you. You want to ask questions, listen and hear their response. They are usually the boss for a reason.
7. Do it in person – don’t just communicate via text or email.
Nowadays we are hiding behind our smartphones and our work from home policies. It is getting worse in that people often don’t want to physically relate. The genders and different generations often want to communicate differently. However, get up and look up from your technology and get in front of the person or people who can help you ignite your career. Show up and be seen.
Learn to Permanently Avoid Behavior that can Kill your Career
Creating a strong and enduring relationship with a person can be hard and when that person is your boss it can seem even harder. Get past the number one behavior that can kill your career. Learn to manage expectations, ask for support professionally and listen well. Take some time to find some common ground with your boss. Your wallet will thank you as well as your stress level.
Looking for some professional corporate- based career coaching support, contact me for a free career strategy session.