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One of the fastest ways to the top of the career ladder is to develop effective relationships with your leaders. Building rapport and knowing how to best work with your boss is key. Read on to learn some of the best techniques and methods to engage your boss, and deliver big payoffs in terms of promotions and career growth.
Engaging your boss is well worth the effort because it will likely determine future bonuses, promotions and career opportunities. Thankfully, building rapport with your boss and other leaders is easier than you might think. Just be prepared that it is often a slow process, depending on the personality of your boss, but utilizing the following methods will result in a closer, more connected relationship with him or her.
Build a Foundation.
You can’t even begin to build rapport until you’ve established yourself as a high producer, a team player, a hard worker and someone your boss can count on. Without this foundation, you’ll have a steep hill to climb. Begin by adhering to the basics — meet your deadlines, show up to work on time, don’t take excessive lunch breaks or otherwise, even take on additional assignments or responsibility.
Take Baby Steps.
Look for ways to naturally or easily engage your boss in non-work conversation. What are their hobbies? Do they have a family? Seek out topics that you both have in common and on which you can provide valuable insight. Most important, choose your opportunities to do so very carefully and avoid going overboard. You don’t want to appear like a schmoozer, nor do you want to send a signal that you don’t value your boss’ time.
Make Your Boss Look Good.
Start by learning about your boss’ goals and motivations. How does your job and your skill set help him or her accomplish those goals? You’ll be much more effective at achieving your boss’ expectations of you when you clearly understand their objectives. Stay current on trends, seminars, blogs that directly impact or relate to your boss’ goals.
Always bring solutions to the table, even when you’re alerting your boss to a problem or issue. Look for new and better ways to get things done, but don’t do it in a vacuum. Slowly involve your boss in your brainstorming process, helping to build trust between you.
Adhere to Your Boss’ Communication Style.
Don’t wait to find out that your boss hates email and never reads them. Ask your boss about their communication preferences and follow it to a tee. Maybe your boss likes to only read and respond to e-mail during their train ride home, or only checks voicemail at noon and 5:00 p.m. Not only will this improve your relationship, but it will make it significantly easier to get things done.
Remember, the most important rule of thumb here is that you establish a reputation for being a team player, a positive member of the department and a valuable employee. Act on these techniques, and you’ll be on your way to building rapport in not time at all.
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