Want to Improve Your Relationship with Your BOSS ?

By Steve Stadler

I attended Seminar a couple of weeks ago and in one of the breakout sessions the typical small talk about what you do for a living where you live and all that, bla bla bla. I explained that my job was to improve people’s lives. The silence as they all stared at me was deafening. How do you do that? Why do you do that? What do you get out of that? As I explained what we here at Elite IT Services do, one of my new friends asked if I could help her with a problem she is having with her boss. In short here is the problem. They do not trust each other.

Click the continue reading link below to view a few suggestions on improving your relationship with your boss and oh by the way you will also build trust between each other as well.

1. Come with a Solution not just the Problem

Most managers believe it or not, do not live and breathe for new problems. Most are not waiting for that call or for you to drop by with new issues to be resolved. If you discover a new issue or problem it is your duty to report it but, also come with at least one way to resolve it. Managers get so tired of having a problem dropped into their lap but no alternatives on resolving the problem. Be the one who reports the problem and also has a positive suggestion to resolve it, you will be looked on as being proactive, service oriented and creative.

2.  Keep Your Commitments

If your boss comes to you with a request to complete a project or task and you agreed to take on the assignment. Complete it on time and make sure your boss is aware you have done so. Pretty simple right? Well how well has it worked for you in practice? Missed deadlines are very common in technical projects. Make sure you fully understand what is required of you and the commitment you are making. A great supervisor will work with you to so that you are stretching your commitment but not setting you up for failure. Meet your commitments and you will be the one that gets the better projects.

You are now the “go to” talent on that manager’s team.

3.   Expand your Knowledge

This one is short READ A BOOK. Okay maybe I should expand on that. If you are considered a subject matter expert an assumption on the manager’s part is that you are so stay abreast of the latest technologies and processes in your particular service area. If its .Net, Database Development, Project Management, or Help Desk read up on that subject and be the informed person for your team. Also, broaden the areas you know about. At one time in my career I had a manager who was nuts about gardening. I’m no gardener, but I did read a few books and articles so that she and I could have a conversation outside of workplace topics.

4. Customer Service

This and number 3 go hand in hand. Your boss is one of your primary customers. Take care of him or her. Find out what they need to be successful in their position. This is not sucking up to them, but being of real service and support in the difficulties of the job they have. My most treasured employees I have ever had were also some of the best friends I have ever had.

If you're using these principles and your relationship does not improve, you may have to move on to another department or to another company. Pay attention to how many times you have moved on.  The problem could be with you and not your boss.