Your boss can be a big factor in your success; that’s why it’s important to lay the groundwork for a strong relationship. Check out these five tips to build a stronger connection, and show your boss how much he or she means to you on Boss’s Day this Monday, Oct. 17.
Communicate to build trust. Develop a line of open communication. The best boss-employee relationships are those where you can disagree and be able to come to your boss when you’re stressed. If you can’t trust your boss, who can you trust at work?
Chamber tip: Be able to speak up if your workload is too much; learn how to tell your boss when you’re overwhelmed.
Treat your boss as a mirror. Do what it takes to make your boss looks good, because when your boss looks good, you look good. Your actions reflect on your boss. Try to avoid the office gossip and badmouthing colleagues or leadership; it will negatively affect you in the long run.
Chamber tip: Millennials will have four job changes by the time they are 32; make sure you’ve got someone in your corner if you want to take on a different role. Check out these tips for how to ask for a recommendation.
Bosses are human, too. Get to know your boss on a personal level. Understanding their life outside of the office allows you to better grasp their life inside the office. You don’t have to be best friends with your boss, but make the effort to ask about how their weekend was or learn about their family.
Chamber tip: The more you know about your boss, the more they can trust you with important tasks. Learn how to boost you career by getting to know your boss.
Take the initiative. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and take the initiative on a project. Demonstrating that you are willing to take on more is one of the best ways to position yourself for more opportunities and responsibilities.
Chamber tip: You never know if your idea is a great idea if you don’t speak up. Check out these nine ways to take more initiative at work.
Ask for feedback, but don’t wait for praise. Be confident in your job; your boss hired you for a reason. But don’t wait for recognition—you’re expected to do a good job at work, it’s in your job description. If want to hear how you’re doing, proactively ask for feedback. Feedback allows you to grow and shows your boss you care about your work.
Chamber tip: Feedback enhances your performance. Here’s how you can use your boss’s feedback to grow as an employee and a leader.
Laura James is the marketing and communications coordinator for the Denver Metro Chamber.