How to Develop a Good Relationship with Your Boss

A good relationship with your boss can make all the difference to how you feel about your job. A supportive, approachable boss is able to get the best out of their team – you feel like you can talk to them about a problem you have, ask for a morning off to go to a school play or that they will listen to your reasons for wanting a pay rise at your annual review.

An egotistical, judgemental boss is quiet the opposite – they make you feel as though your personal life is of no importance, you should be grateful for the job and that you do not deserve for your career to progress. Of course, there are plenty of bosses in between.

Let’s look at some different ways to build a good relationship with your boss and how to maintain it – without looking like teachers’ pet.

Work Hard
– OK, this may seem like a simple one but it is very rare that the worst performer in a team gets on well with the boss, or certainly not for long.

Arrive on Time
– again, this is pretty obvious, but don’t forget that however well you perform in your job, if you are late all the time, or even some of the time, you wont be taken seriously.

Have Good Ideas
– in meetings, whether it be about the Christmas party or a new marketing strategy, make sure you have something to say. Meetings are not just a break from your desk and a chance to have free sandwiches.

Don’t Gossip
– if your boss considers you to be one of the team that spends more time hanging around the water cooler than actually working, they are unlikely to be your biggest fan.

Be Prepared
– if you attend a client visit or presentation with your boss, make sure you have your laptop loaded with a copy of the presentation, have back ups printed and have the client’s phone number in your mobile in case of hold ups.

Dress Like You Mean Business
– this does not mean wear a full-on power suit if you work in a primary school, but at least dress suitably to your role. It is too easy to get complacent and not iron your top or letting your suit jacket get a bit too ‘eau de pub’.

Take an Interest
– this goes for personal and professional details You don’t want to look like a creep by bringing your boss flowers for their birthday, but at least ask about their children, holiday or dinner parties if they tell you about them. When there is a project meeting, ask how it went.

Don’t Make a Fool of Yourself
– this goes for Friday night drinks, office romances and the Christmas party. Don’t drink too much at office functions, even if there is a free bar, it does not mean you should act like you are out with your friends – you’re not, it’s work, even if it is held on a Saturday night. Don’t let your colleagues see you fawning over Barry from accounts, either. Swoon in private.