Build a good working relationship with your boss

Work. Take note of your boss’ expectations and what works best for them. Photo by Edgar R. Batte

The working relationship between you and your boss can either be sour or good. However, a good working relationship is every employee’s dream thus aiming at one can be impactful to your career growth.

Winfred Namusisi, an employee at HIL consults shares that for all the places she has been to and the contracts she has signed, she owes it all to the good working relationship built with her bosses.

Stirling Gapara, a consultant and coach at Stirling, says creating a good working relationship with your boss is a door to many opportunities.

However, if your relationship is not based on professional goals, it might mess up your career.
Some bosses are complicated, but for the good of your career, it is advisable to take measures that will positively affect your working relationship.

“We all work to earn money but a good working relationship will earn you more than money. This can be in terms of new skills and recommendations,” Gapara notes.

Interests
To Gapara, knowing your boss’ interests will also help you build a good working relationship.
Some bosses will for example, want to work with someone who keeps up with current affairs. And when they ask you, they expect you to know. Gapara says equipping yourself with information in their area of interest will help you work with your boss harmoniously.

Communication mode
Isaac Mayanja, a life coach, notes that communicating with your employer is fundamental but what is more important is knowing the right forum to use.

“Choosing to walk into your boss’ office or to their desk might not be a bad idea but you will never know when you are interrupting them and the mood they are in,” Mayanja says.

Find out what communication means one is comfortable with, it can be via email, phone call or meetings. Some bosses might be good at responding to mails yet others prefer a phone call or text message to keep them posted. That is why it is better you find out what works best and focus on that. For important conversations, choose the right moments or ask for an appointment.

Ask about their expectations
You will never know your boss’ expectations until you ask them. Rita Mugwaanya, a business woman, says some bosses will share their expectations with their employees but others will not until asked. For example, know how they need presentations to be done, how reports and proposals are written, the deadlines.