A recent Kronos survey revealed that 69% of employees believe their managers set a good example in the way they behave and 92% of those employees also believe their managers adhere to those values on a regular basis.
Joyce Maroney, senior director for Kronos, a Mass.-based workforce management software and services company, says, the boss-employee relationship is much like others we need to manage in our lives, “If both parties aren’t clear in communicating their expectations and giving feedback when expectations aren’t met, little issues can snowball to the point the relationship is no longer viable.”
“But setting a good example for behaviour doesn’t always translate into a strong relationship. Employees might not get the direct and constructive performance feedback they need to elevate their career–or the boss isn’t all that invested so he or she doesn’t push the team to consistently achieve and grow.”
According to a recent Spherion “Emerging Workforce” study, most workers rate their relationship with their supervisor as good, great or excellent (84%). “However, for the small amount of people that rate their relationship as weak, it could be related to trust. Strong relationships are based on trust from both parties, and it takes an open line of communication from both the employee and the supervisor to make that happen.”
Here’s 7 ways how to strengthen your relationship with your boss:
- Put yourself in your boss’s shoes Figure out the challenges your boss will encounter that day and be prepared to offer solutions. Think ahead and anticipate the questions that your supervisor may ask and have the next steps at the ready.
- Know when and how to communicate with your boss Does he/she like brief e-mails or prefer a detailed account of what’s going on?
- Show value They hired you for a reason, so make sure that you’re adding value to the organization and/or position. Be the person that speaks with facts, confidence and reasonable suggestions that produce results.
- Keep them informed No one likes surprises, so if you are experiencing challenges in your work, communicate those.
- Ask for feedback Too many people shy away from speaking up for fear of the unknown. 61% of survey respondents indicated they’d prefer that management invest in their professional development rather than spending on creating a fun environment.
- Get to know your boss personally It doesn’t hurt to ask your boss how their weekend was, or find out what their hobbies and interests are outside of work.
- Establish a line of open communication If you are honest and communicate openly with your supervisor, this will help build transparency and trust in the relationship. If you’re working for a boss that lives and believes in the values of the company and recognizes and rewards their employees for adhering to those values, then it will be a successful relationship.
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