Good communication allows many of life’s situations to run much more smoothly. However, there are some relationships that require a little extra attention, such as the relationship you have with your boss. You and your boss have very different roles, and when each of you fulfills these roles with a hard working and understanding attitude, you will both feel more fulfilled.
Get acquainted with your boss
As in all personal and professional relationships, it is important to understand how other people communicate.
Each individual has their own set of likes and dislikes, and every one of us has a unique personality type and communication style. Once you understand their preferences, you can adjust your style and methods of communication with them to best suit their needs.
Understanding the nature of your relationship
It is important to develop a good business and working relationship with your boss. Find out what they expect and what their goals for the business are. In that way you can both get on the same page, working toward the same goal.
1. Avoid being too friendly. It important to be friendly, but only to a certain extent. You are not true friends with your boss. While it may seem like a good idea at first, this can lead to some uncomfortable situations. Your boss (as friend) may have trouble giving you appropriate negative feedback, or your co-workers may develop jealousy about the relationship.
2. Schedule meetings. Your boss may or may not schedule regular meetings with you, some of this is a matter of style. But, in spite of this, you should take the initiative to schedule time with your boss if you feel the need it. This will help demonstrate to your boss that you are serious about developing your business relationship and that you really care about your job, the company, and your future together.
3. Help, don’t hinder. Find out if you can be of assistance to your boss with any problems that need special attention. While you need to avoid stepping on any toes, your boss will likely appreciate you taking the initiative to ask least inquire. Doing so affords you an opportunity to stand out.
4. Be patient. Maybe you think you would’ve done things differently than your boss, or you strongly feel that one of their decisions won’t turn out best. You need to develop the wisdom to know when and if you should keep your mouth shut and go with the flow, or if you should politely speak up.
5. Alter your perspective. You can improve your communication with your boss and feel less frustrated just by putting yourself in their shoes sometimes. Imagine what everything is like for them. They probably are carrying a few more burdens and pressures on their shoulders than you realized.
6. Stay Ready. Even if you are not quite sure of what to say all the time, as long as you prepared and honest in your communication, your boss will surely notice. So if you have to reflect and write down your thoughts ahead of time, go with it. This level of preparation will benefit you in the long term.
As with any relationship, good communication skills are a huge benefit. Strive to work on strengthening these skills every day and it will help your career to flourish. In the end, your positive attitude and willingness to work to understand others will help you forge stronger, more enduring bonds of relationship.
Thoughts?
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