Do you have conversations with your boss? Some people cruise through their career without getting much of that. In fact, according to a recent poll by Monster.com in Malaysia, almost half (47%) of Malaysian employees felt their bosses put their own needs ahead of their staff’s, further deterring them from wanting to interact with their bosses.
Loads of professional relationships are formed in the workplace, from the bonds you have with your co-workers to the ones you have with your clients. Yet the most overlooked is that tangible relationship between you and your direct boss.
The connection you have with your boss is an instrumental tool to getting noticed throughout your career. While there is no need to become best friends and go on holiday trips together, having a good relationship with your boss is one of the greatest ways to avoid conflicts and enjoy a well-deserved career progression.
If you feel your boss isn’t coming to talk to you often enough, perhaps it’s time to take charge of the situation. Here’s how you can get your boss to notice you:
Lead the conversation
With a million things to stay and do, it’s inevitable for your boss to miss out on the little details. Before you start resenting the lack of attention you’re getting, or deciding to suffer in silence, make the move and get the conversation going.
Initiate regular coffee catch-ups with your boss and prepare a distinct list of things you’d like to discuss. This can be anything from new ideas, giving constructive feedback, your personal development or the challenges you may be facing. Lay them out in the most succinct manner, and pinpoint where you’d require his/her immediate input to keep things simple.
If your boss is short in time, provide the list of discussion points ahead of the meeting. This will not only set the tone of the discussion, but also helps you to get things done, as he/she had time to think about solutions. Your boss will appreciate you being proactive.
Keep the conversation purposeful
While your boss will be happy to hear you out, do not expect to be spoon-fed by them. Always bridge any problems you have to a solution – even if you aren’t sure of what you have to say. This is the platform to seek feedback and input from your boss, especially for a work-related challenge you might be facing.
Invest in this relationship
On top of calling your bosses up for regular work-related catch-ups, having casual chats is important for both you and your boss. A friendly conservation while passing in the office, and showing interest in the person, will help you to become a more empathetic individual. Remember that it’s not all about you – so make an effort and find out what worries your boss.
With the new-found insights to your boss’ own challenges, objectives and needs, you too can become the better team-player, and a mediator to any other potential misunderstandings that could arise between your boss and your fellow co-workers.
