The Art of Managing Up: Build a Strong Relationship With Your Boss

A strong relationship with your supervisor is essential for career growth. It can open doors to new opportunities, help you navigate challenges, and ensure you're in lockstep when it comes to goals and expectations. But let’s be real: figuring out ✨how ✨ to build that relationship isn’t always simple. So, here are some practical, easy-to-use tips to help you get started!

Tip 1: Align on Priorities

We all know the adage “help me help you.” Use this adage as a framework for building your relationship with your boss. Take the time to learn and discuss their priorities, communication style and goals. Alignment in these areas ensures that you and your manager are on the same page and working toward the same goals.

Tip 2: Maximize Your Check-Ins

Effective check-ins are critical to ensuring communication with your manager is productive for both parties. Come prepared with an agenda and use the opportunity to highlight your work, follow up on previous conversations and find opportunities to be proactive. You can also foster a positive environment by asking for feedback and discussing things like your goals and even roadblocks (along with potential solutions) you may be running into.

Tip 3: Build Lateral Relationships

We know this one seems like a bit of an oxymoron, but hear us out. A great way to improve your relationship with your supervisor is to also foster relationships with your peers. This is important because when you build relationships with others, you are demonstrating your ability to collaborate and build trust with people at all levels of your organization. Building lateral relationships highlights your ability to have cross-functional relationships and builds up your visibility in a positive light.

Tip 4: Demonstrate Trust

Fostering trust is key to maintaining and building any good relationship; the same goes for the relationship with your manager. How do you build trust? Follow through on deadlines, communicate openly by sharing updates, support your team and prioritize consistency in your work quality.

Tip 5: Set Boundaries

Maintaining your boundaries through prioritizing work-life balance, self-care and finding time for hobbies outside of work is an important part of building a positive relationship with your manager. Caring for yourself and protecting your peace of mind ensures you show up to your work relationships in a healthy fashion. Setting your boundaries around things like working late and working outside of your hours is important to preventing burnout and maintaining clear expectations.

Tip 6: Ask Questions

We get it — asking questions at work can sometimes feel intimidating. But here’s your reminder: it’s okay not to have all the answers. Asking thoughtful, well-informed questions shows your manager that you’re engaged, curious and committed to doing your best. When possible, do a bit of homework first – check if the answer might already be out there. Being intentional is key, not having all the answers.