4 ways to improve your relationship with your boss
How to manage your relationship with your boss
Managing up has a bad reputation. It conjures images of overworked assistants trying to keep their department together while their manager disappears for another three-Martini lunch. In reality it’s a great way to improve your relationship with your boss.
In fact, [Tweet “everyone can benefit from a little bit of managing up.”] Even if you’re lucky enough to have a great boss, you can make things go a lot more smoothly by tuning in to the way that they like to work. Don’t think of it as ass-kissing: it isn’t. You’re just learning how your boss likes to work, so it’s easier for them to see how great you are.
1) Use their preferred communication style
This is the biggest thing you can do to improve your relationship with your boss. If your manager runs their life by email, then they probably don’t want you to visit their office unless the building is on fire. Alternatively, if they’re unreliable about checking their messages, then you’ll need to find another way to get in touch with them. Phone calls, texts, conversations in the corridor, Post-Its left with Sally on front desk – whatever your manager’s preferred style, try to use it.
2) Mimic their tone in emails
Managers tend to prefer employees who are similar to them, and the easiest way to impress your manager is to imitate the way they write.
3) Publicise your achievements
[Tweet “Smooth the path to a promotion by making sure that your boss knows how hard you work.”] Check in in with them regularly so they know what you’re working on – have a quick chat next to the coffee machine, or send a short email if you work remotely. Don’t just tell them what was on your calendar yesterday (“What a day! I had six meetings”), tell them what you actually achieved (“What a day! I got three new suppliers’ quotes and finalised the venue for next year’s conference”). In the long term, try to keep a log of your achievements at work. This will be useful for your next annual review.
4) Ask for what you want
[Tweet “Sometimes, the easiest way to get what you want is to ask for it,”] whether it’s flexible hours or more responsibility. Prepare your case carefully (use that achievements log!) and go to the meeting prepared. Even if your manager has to turn down this request, you may find that they remember you when another opportunity comes around.
Need some coaching on your management style? Contact 3Plus now!
Found that interesting?
Learn more about our services
Individual services
Make your dreams a reality with a professional evaluation of your career to date.
Corporate services
The evidence is in. More women in your company can deliver 35% greater financial returns. (Catalyst)
Upcoming events
Book Now
Dates for the Diary
12th January 2021 “Habits to help you work more effectively remotely” Crop Life Europe - Corporate event
28th January 2021 “Licence to hire - Managing Bias in Recruitment” ENGIE - Corporate event
29th January 2021 “Licence to hire - Managing Bias in Recruitment” ENGIE - Corporate event
5th February 2021 “ How to Build your Personal Board“ ENGIE Fifty-Fifty Programme - Corporate event
8th March 2021 IWD "How to create a career and networking strategy for career success” Highquest Partners - Corporate event
We have Remote Learning Programs available
Check out our exciting portfolio of offerings to support your business in upskilling and competence building for your teams, to address the unprecedented challenges that women face in this new totally a digital world.
Download and listen free podcasts
Building Trust at Workplace with Dorothy Dalton
Navigate career uncertainty post Covid19
Share the load – Online Discussion and Coaching Session with Ian Dinwiddy
How to show you are open to work
Things to do to protect yourself when you get fired
10 ways to create a post pandemic career safety net
Facial Movements: Do you Freeze, Flight or Fight?
How to Create an Effective USP
How to Rethink the Modern Workplace for Gender Equality
Menopause in the workplace
How to Cultivate Empathy in the Workplace
The importance of Hard Talk
When Does Female Rivalry Turn into Sabotage
Goal setting tips to boost your career
Sexism: How to stage a Bystander Intervention in the Workplace
How to Get Noticed by Head Hunters & Recruiters
Why all women need a strong LinkedIn profile
Related articles
Are you having your best day?
You are in control of your days, though at times it doesn’t feel that way. Are you having your best day? If not it is time to take control.
4 Steps to a Winning Mindset
Tips for developing a winning mindset Mindset is particularly important when job hunting or seeking a promotion. It determines whether you show up self-confidently or wracked with self-doubt. The dictionary defines mindset as “a person’s usual attitude or...
Flexible Working Is ‘Just As Important To Men’
Flexible working isn’t just for caring reasons. There are lots of reasons why people want flexible working patterns and all are just an important to men.