Like Your Boss: 4 Ways to Build a Strong Working Relationship

When you don’t like your boss, is quitting your job really the best solution—or the easy way out?

Every year, millions of workers quit their jobs because of a bad relationship with their direct supervisor or boss. In fact, it’s one of the top reasons employees leave jobs.

And to give you some perspective, in November, 3.4 million workers voluntarily left their jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Millennials make up half of these voluntary separations, followed by Generation X at 25 percent and Baby Boomers at 19 percent.

Admittedly, an extremely low unemployment rate is driving part of this job hopping, providing plenty of opportunities for better pay or promotions elsewhere. But “bad managers” is consistently cited among the top issues that push employees to voluntarily change jobs, according to Roy Maurer for shrm.org.

Now consider this: It’s a boss-employee relationship. Half of the responsibility for making it work falls to the employee. Is there something you can do to build a better relationship with your supervisor?

Undoubtedly, there are a few less-than-perfect bosses. But often bosses are capable, intelligent people—just like you or me—working hard to do a good job, maybe rushed and possibly unaware that you’re not happy.

Creating a good working relationship with your boss takes strong communication, time and effort. Intentionally working to make it stronger means your life in the office will be more enjoyable.

Here are some relationship strengtheners:

1. Be loyal and make your boss look good

Ultimately, we all want our bosses to have our backs. For that to happen, we have to have theirs.

Consider your boss’s strengths and weaknesses. How can you help make his or her job easier?

Speak highly of your boss. Tell people about the good things your boss does. With the horizontal organizations of today, as your work crosses departments, mention your boss to others. “Cathy has been a great resource in helping me to understand the history on this project.”

Don’t badmouth him or her. Sidestep conversations and gossip that makes your boss look bad. Consider if your roles were reversed. What would you (as the boss) want your employees to be saying about you?

2. Communicate well in your boss’s preferred communication style

How does your boss prefer to communicate—phone, email, text or in person? Maybe this varies depending on the subject, approaching deadlines, etc.

Most bosses have swirling responsibilities, projects and people to oversee and report to. Keep your boss in the loop without being asked.

For bosses, helpful employees recognize when a boss needs to be included in the conversation, e.g., when something out of the ordinary is happening. Taking a moment to pop by his or her office and say, “Hey do you have a minute for me to catch you up on what’s going on with the Williams account?” Bosses appreciate and rely on these insightful individuals for updates. Conversely, if your boss hears about mistakes, problems or successes from someone else and has to go to you to pry information, a boss naturally develops less trust toward you.  

If your boss doesn’t specifically tell you how often or when to update him or her, ask. When your assignments and projects don’t include daily interaction with your boss, consider emailing with regular updates. Steady communication helps your boss understand where you’re spending your time. Your boss undoubtedly has a boss. When discussion turns to your projects, he or she will be grateful for knowing where you stand.

If you’re thinking to yourself, “I have no interest in making my boss look good,” consider this: Making your boss look good makes you look good. Yes, you’re both in this together.

3. Work hard and show initiative

Show your boss that you’re someone who can be relied upon to complete projects and tasks on schedule. When possible (and time allows), go a step beyond what’s asked for.

Show initiative when you encounter problems by considering possible solutions before you alert your boss. Look for ways you can help and demonstrate that you’re truly invested in doing your best and helping your organization grow.

4. When you disagree, be respectful

Solid relationships include honesty and trust. If you don’t agree with a suggestion your boss is making, speaking up is important. Believe it or not, your boss relies on your expertise to help in decision making. Before speaking, however, carefully consider why you disagree and what suggestions you can make instead, suggests themuse.com. Use solid, logical facts to support your case. And don’t expect to get your way. Your job is to provide the facts and offer expertise. Your boss holds the decision-making authority.

 

A low unemployment rate makes it easy to walk away when you have a poor relationship with a boss. But turning things around is at least partially in your hands, and well worth the effort. Take charge of your half of this equation. Build a better relationship with that human—your boss.