Want to learn how to handle your boss?

Perhaps the first question to ask about your manager is: can I work for them? A poor manager may be a good reason to move on. In this article however, we will take a more constructive line and assume that either in the short or the long term you are going to work with them. If so you need to work at the relationship.

Unless you can influence senior people there is a danger that your job will never be more than reactive; to some meaningful degree you need to be in the driving seat of the relationship.

In the following lines you will find some tips on how to create a constructive relationship with your boss. Good luck!

A relationship that works

The right relationship with your boss is vital. Such relationships are not necessarily good and good ones do certainly not just happen. The right working relationship benefits both parties. It is worth working at getting it straight, getting it agreed and, over time, keeping it up to date as things change.

Overall it should be:

• Straightforward: You should always know how to approach things, for example what needs prior discussion and what can simply be actioned.

• Open and trusting: Time and effort will be wasted if either party is trying to double guess the other.

• Linked to clear objectives: Common approaches and with responsibilities, targets etc. – documented where necessary.

• Well defined: This includes a clear definition of the boundaries between jobs, tasks and responsibilities. And clear rules. By all means campaign to change them, but ignoring them or arguing about them causes problems and, worst of all, will mean a manager is less prepared to consult and discuss things that matter more.

• Two-way: The arrangement should define how both parties operate and interact, not just how you relate to your boss.

• Mutually beneficial: In other words it works for both parties, though each may have different agendas and objectives.

A good relationship – one that works – encourages more trust and will tend to mean your responsibilities increase, which in turn gives you the opportunity to show what you can do and thus increase the trust… enough.

Defining your job

You are never going to make what you do impressive, if you are not sure what it is you are supposed to be doing. Your job description is not just a formality necessary only because HR says so. It should be a working tool that acts as an aide memoire between you and your boss.

So:

• Make sure that you have one

• Check that you agree with what it says

• Ask for clarification about anything that is not clear

• Ensure your boss considers it reflects real life too

• Review it regularly and make sure it is, and stays, up to date.

If you are to have a good working relationship with your boss then the last thing you want is to have “I didn’t think that was my job” type discussions. Your job description and what it says forms a solid foundation from which to make sure that what you do impresses.

A sound working structure

You cannot influence anyone on a regular basis with an ad hoc approach. You need a sound basis – a routine and a structure.

This premise is easy to adopt, but then demands two things:

• That you think it through. You need to take the initiative and think about what factors constitute a sound working arrangement. You can do worse than list them.

• That you make it happen. Again that you take the initiative for creating and agreeing the appropriate basis – and making it stick.

TIP: Any shortfall here will dilute your efforts to work effectively; if you cannot get precisely the arrangement you want first time, keep on working at it.

For instance, adopt a routine especially regarding how you communicate and how and when you have meetings. Besides, ensure regular communication (of all sorts, but especially face to face meetings) and get sufficient time together to agree matters between you.

There is a lot more you can learn about how to improve the relationship with your boss. If you are interested in further tips, then “Your Boss: Sorted!” written by Patrick Forsyth is the right book for you.