Unless you’re ready to start you own business, then this article applies to you! In today’s workforce, it is more important than ever to have a healthy relationship with your boss. Since your boss has the potential to shape your entire career and to determine the level of happiness and comfort you experience in the workplace, it is important to maintain positive communication with them.
Here are a few simple ways to improve your relationship with your boss.
Ask for Feedback
A great way to let your employer know that you are engaged with and passionate about the work you are doing and committed to learning and making corrections where necessary is by asking for feedback about your work. Many people shy away from asking for feedback from their boss due to the unknown circumstances surrounding such a conversation, but it is important to remember that even negative feedback can be turned into a positive as it can tell you exactly what areas you need to improve – plus, asking your boss for feedback directly shows that you care and you are less likely to receive negative feedback in this situation than if your boss had to come to you with feedback first.
Communicate Effectively
The key to maintaining positive communication with your boss is by determining how they best communicate in certain situations. If your boss is the easiest to reach via email or text, this can be a good way to relay information or to ask for in person meetings if needed. If your boss is always in the office and accessible to employees, dropping by their office might be a better option than clocking up his or her inbox or messages. Determining the best way to communicate can help you get off on the right foot when you need to have a chat with your boss.
Let Your Boss Know What You Need
If there are any aspects of the workplace or your personal work load that can be improved, be sure to let your boss know. Whether you need a new desk setup or could benefit from some additional training from HSI, be sure to let your boss know what you need before your work is hindered.
Offer to Help
Make it a habit to frequently ask your boss what you can do to help them or other coworkers, especially if your workload is lighter than others or if you find yourself finished with a particular project or with an excess of spare time.