How To Improve Communication With Your Boss
There is simply no denying that your superior in a work environment has great sway over general workplace enjoyment, as well as potentially far-reaching career consequences. A common cliché says that you’re supposed to hate your boss, but those that are truly successful know this isn’t the right way to get ahead in any company. You need not be a lifelong friend of your boss, but successful communication with them would be a good start.
At the very least, communicating with them clearly is absolutely essential. You never know when the day may come that you are up for promotion, or need a letter of recommendation; and a solid employer-employee interpersonal relationship can go a long way to securing you a better future.
Make The Communication Effort
It may seem obvious to some, but it never hurts to be reminded. Any sort of relationship, personal or professional, requires effort in order to blossom. And, the better the relationship with your boss, the better your chances are of being able to enjoy a bit of online Blackjack in the workplace; provided all your work is up to date of course.
Putting in effort to get to know your superior, at least on a basic level, will go a long way. Once again, you need not have long friendly chats with them on a daily basis, but popping your head in from time to time to say hello is probably not a bad idea.
Your boss will likely notice the effort, and appreciate it. There is also the added benefit that perhaps they will think of you first when an opportunity arises. Though, keep in mind that your boss will also likely not want you hovering around them, so the key here is balance and not to get too personal.
Keep Your Boss In The Loop
Whatever your job, and whatever the tasks you perform on a daily basis, your boss wants to know what’s going on. There is a fine line between informing them of the slightest detail, and not telling them anything at all. It’s your mission to find that balance, and maintain it.
Of course, if situations change and develop, you should be telling them first. Although keep in mind that bosses prefer to hear potential solutions with problems, as opposed to simply being bombarded with complaints and reasons why projects won’t work.
Appreciate That Time Is Precious
Time is precious; there is no other way to look at it. Being on time in the morning is a good start, but using time carefully goes way beyond this. Getting your tasks done in a timely manner is absolutely essential. Dawdling and procrastinating is the absolute worst thing any employee can do. If anything, you should be trying to complete your tasks in less time than is allocated.
In times of high productivity, communication needs to be carried out specifically and carefully, without beating around the bush. Be prepared when reporting to them, and stick to the essentials of what needs to be said. Better communication in this fashion will significantly increase your, and their, productivity.
Keep In Mind That Feedback Is Good
This is one of the toughest things that many have to come to terms with when fostering a relationship with your boss; feedback is not an attack. If your boss gives you feedback about your job, or any tasks you’ve been assigned, you need to accept that feedback and implement it. A cardinal rule is to never give excuses in the face of feedback, as this appears as though you undermining what you are being told.
Falling apart or breaking down under constructive criticism is a one-way ticket to your relationship with your boss, and potentially your job, collapsing. Take note of feedback you’ve been given, and use it to improve your performance. This will not only improve your relationship with your boss, but also likely take your career further.
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