How To Have A Better Relationship With Your Boss

Bosses, either you absolutely love them…or absolutely loathe them. I have had two incredible bosses throughout my tenure as an employee. They were very patient, receptive to employee ideas and suggestions, considerate of employee personal obligations, always exposing us to new and better ways of handling work matters and also very honest and forthcoming when dealing with company and employment issues. I have also had some not so pleasant bosses who lied, utilized horrible language in the workplace, exposed employees to personal matters going on within their family and also were completely dismissive about employee’s personal and professional growth.

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Whether or not you are currently working for the devil who wears Prada or your boss subscribes to the Google method of a “chill” work environment, here are six tips to assist in improving and/or maintaining a positive work relationship with your boss.

1. Do Your Job, and Do It Well

Positive and beneficial contributions to a company will never go unnoticed. Be certain you put your best foot forward in all of your projects and assignments so your star can shine bright. One thing that can’t be denied is raw talent which assists in the fulfillment of company goals. You will gain positive attention from your superiors by simply doing good work.

2. Communicate Effectively

Bosses hate surprises, especially when the surprises can be detrimental to a desired goal. If you are having issues with a difficult co-worker, or if you do not totally comprehend the work that was assigned to you, respectfully request time to discuss this with your boss so you and your department may stay on task with any deadlines and goals.

3. Get to Know Your Boss Personally

I am not suggesting you and your boss attend weekly happy hours together (if that is not the culture of your company), however, pay attention to their interests and hobbies and attempt to engage in small conversation about these topics at an opportune time. Conversations about outside topics may assist in getting to know each other on a more personal basis and can assist in bringing down any walls that may hinder communication and understanding of each other.

4. Be Respectful

I had an issue with a not so favorable boss when I was in my twenties. His communication style was not something I was accustomed to, and I sometimes took his verbal tirades personal, even though that was just how he communicated with everyone. He would yell, make unreasonable demands and was very controlling. The not-so professional side of me wanted to go “North Memphis” on him; however, I requested a time to speak with him and, in a calm and respectful manner, informed him that his tone made it difficult for me to do my job effectively. As I was not accustomed to his style of communication, he was not accustomed to anybody speaking up against how he talked to his employees. As I returned home after that workday, I received an email from him apologizing for his behavior. That scenario could have gone totally “left” had I allowed his disrespect to affect how I later approached him.

5. Stand In The Gap

Your boss may be your superior in the workplace; however, that does not mean they know all and think of everything on the spot. If you see an area that may be improved, or if there is doom on the horizon that may be avoided, bring it to your boss’ attention discreetly. They will thank you for being a forward thinker, dodging a bullet and being respectful enough to not outshine them or cause embarrassment in front of others.

6. Ask For Advice

Bosses want to know that they are valued and respected. Asking your boss for his or her advice on a serious matter in the workplace shows that you respect their opinion and authority. Be cautious to not ask constant trivial and/or moot questions because that can be time consuming and irritating. Show them that you care what they think and also put their advice to good and effective use.

Rashida Maples, Esq. is Founder and Managing Partner of J. Maples & Associates (www.jmaplesandassociates.com). She has practiced Entertainment, Real Estate and Small Business Law for 9 years, handling both transactional and litigation matters. Her clients include R&B Artists Bilal and Olivia, NFL Superstar Ray Lewis, Fashion Powerhouse Harlem’s Fashion Row and Hirschfeld Properties, LLC.

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