Getting on the Good Side: 8 Tips on Interacting with Your Boss
Everyone wants to get on the boss’s good side. It not only makes your job experience more enjoyable, but when the boss likes you and your work, it’s more likely that you’ll be promoted. But building that relationship can be difficult when your manager isn’t the boss of your dreams. So first thing’s first, release those expectations. Unless you decide your boss is bad enough to quit your job or confront about the problem it’s time to make due. Here are 8 tips that will help you enjoy more positive interactions with your boss:
1. Speak the boss’s language
Listen to your boss. What words and phrases are prominent in his/her language? When you determine the work-speak your boss uses, you can begin to use it in your interactions with him/her. Whether or not your boss recognizes it, he/she will begin to feel that a connection has been established between the two of you.
2. Make it your business to know what’s on his/her mind
Again, listen to your boss, watch for prominent themes in his/her emails, topics of discussion in meetings, and assignments with priority status. You’ll quickly begin to recognize what’s important to him/her. Knowing that, you can focus your energy on doing what your boss feels is currently most important.
3. Make him/her look good
You’ll never make your boss happy by undermining his/her authority, talking behind his/her back, or ignoring his/her priorities. But when you make your boss look good, you win loyalty and, possibly, a brownie point or two.
4. Study his/her temperament and style
There’s no use rushing your boss when you know he/she works at a slow and steady pace. Recognizing your boss’s temperament and style will help you to interact more effectively.
5. Remember the rule of give and take
Don’t ask for any favors if you haven’t been willing to give some of your own. A needy employee is not appealing. But an employee willing to work overtime, take over a project, or go on that business trip is the employee more likely to get a little slack when needed.
6. Practice good communication
Keep your boss in the loop. Be sure to send updates on projects, share critical information, and respond to his/her requests in a timely matter. It’s not just good communication, but it good way to communicate your attentiveness as well.
7. Remember that your boss isn’t your babysitter, shrink, or buddy
Your boss doesn’t want to hear about your personal problems or listen to extensive complaints. When you have the chance to chat with your boss, use the time to build a stronger professional relationship.
8. Make your career goals clear
Don’t think you’re being too outspoken by expressing your career goals. Having strong ambition is seen as a positive characteristic in an employee. Clearly communicate you desire to learn, grow, and advance in your position with this employer. When your boss realizes your desire to take on more responsibility, you’ll be in the forefront of his/her mind when that opportunity becomes available.
You can get in the good graces of just about any boss, as long as you implement a few key strategies. The more conscientious you are of your boss, his/her wishes, and temperament, the more likely you are to enjoy a healthy interaction and, possibly, to earn that desired promotion.
