MAINTAINING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR BOSS.

A positive relationship with your boss is essential because it can lay the groundwork for your professional success. Sure, it is a better place to work when everyone gets along, but it is worth making an extra effort to get along with your immediate boss and other senior employees. You will almost certainly need their help, assistance, or approval at some point. That is when having a good working relationship with your boss comes in handy. Here are four easy steps to getting and keeping the boss on your side.

1. Get the basics right first.

If you are new to a position, priorities mastering the basics like, completing tasks exactly as instructed before making suggestions to improve efficiency. At the same time, be prepared to think for yourself. Your manager lacks the time and energy to micromanage everything. If you know what you should be doing, there is no better way to maintain a positive relationship with your boss than to focus on the task at hand rather than constantly seeking guidance.

2. Go the extra mile

Nobody expects you to work late every night or spend every weekend at work. However, there will be times when your boss will expect you to work outside of normal business hours or to go above and beyond your basic job description. Being willing to go the extra mile will undoubtedly improve your relationship with your boss. However, do not wait to be asked. Help a co-worker who is dealing with a heavy workload, or volunteer to arrive at work early during a busy period. Your contribution will not be overlooked.

3. Be a willing learner.

A willingness to learn new techniques or specialized skills is a sure-fire way to improve your relationship with your boss while also expanding your personal skill set. You will relieve some of the burden on your seniors by becoming a more productive and valuable employee, so it is a win-win situation all around. With new skills under your belt, offer to teach or train your co-workers so they can benefit from what you've learned. Or simply assist new recruits in finding their way around the organization. You will be adding significant value to your team, which will undoubtedly improve your relationship with your boss.

4. Be respectful and loyal

Even if your boss has an informal management style, remember that he or she is your superior. Respect this seniority, and if you have a complaint, talk to your boss privately rather than bringing it up in front of your co-workers. If the time comes for you to leave the organisation and take on a new role, schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your options. If you have had a good relationship with your boss up to this point, you will almost certainly receive counteroffers.

A GOOD BOSS MAKES HIS MEN REALIZE THEY HAVE MORE ABILITY THAN THEY THINK THEY HAVE SO THAT THEY CONSISTENLY DO BETTER WORK THAN THEY THOUGHT THEY COULD - CHARLES ERWIN WILSON