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What are some good ways to establish a healthy relationship with your manager/supervisor? #Spring24
I am working right now and am about to start an internship in the summer. I feel I struggle with maintaining a healthy relationship with my supervisors, either by being extra agreeable, to the point where its hard for me to start up for myself, or by being closed off and not being seen as approachable. I am trying to find a balance between these two extremes where my relationships with my supervisors are mutually beneficial and not toxic for either of us.
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9 answers
Updated
Mildred’s Answer
Hello Hareem,
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate you on your internship and commend you for your insightful question. To foster a strong connection with your manager, I believe it's essential to be genuine and transparent. I also agree with Sam's suggestion about understanding your boss's work style, communication methods, goals, and concerns. This knowledge will serve as a valuable foundation as you commence your role.
To help you navigate your journey, I suggest you ask your manager some crucial questions. Find out about their management style and how they prefer to be updated on your project's progress. Understand how you can identify the priority and deadlines of each task. Ask about their primary expectations from you during your internship. You might also want to know what qualities previous interns possessed that made them successful in their roles.
Remember, openness and transparency are key to your success. Wishing you all the best in your new role.
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate you on your internship and commend you for your insightful question. To foster a strong connection with your manager, I believe it's essential to be genuine and transparent. I also agree with Sam's suggestion about understanding your boss's work style, communication methods, goals, and concerns. This knowledge will serve as a valuable foundation as you commence your role.
To help you navigate your journey, I suggest you ask your manager some crucial questions. Find out about their management style and how they prefer to be updated on your project's progress. Understand how you can identify the priority and deadlines of each task. Ask about their primary expectations from you during your internship. You might also want to know what qualities previous interns possessed that made them successful in their roles.
Remember, openness and transparency are key to your success. Wishing you all the best in your new role.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Great question and something that people struggle with.
I think being direct and asking questions helps. I tell my supervisors that it is my goal to be the least of their concerns and I ask weekly (during my 1 on 1's) if there is anything I can do to be a better support.
Even though you are working for someone and they should aim to make your life easier, if you can do little things to make life easier for your supervisor, that should help build that relationship.
I think being direct and asking questions helps. I tell my supervisors that it is my goal to be the least of their concerns and I ask weekly (during my 1 on 1's) if there is anything I can do to be a better support.
Even though you are working for someone and they should aim to make your life easier, if you can do little things to make life easier for your supervisor, that should help build that relationship.
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Being transparent
Ask for feedback and be willing to receive and adapt
Being accountable and honest
Chat with them to get to know them on a personal level
Be adaptable
Having open communication
Consistency
Understanding your expectations and are aligned with them
Being willing to admit when you made a mistake and reaching out for help when needed.
Being respectful of each others boundaries
Setting goals and discussing them.
Ask for feedback and be willing to receive and adapt
Being accountable and honest
Chat with them to get to know them on a personal level
Be adaptable
Having open communication
Consistency
Understanding your expectations and are aligned with them
Being willing to admit when you made a mistake and reaching out for help when needed.
Being respectful of each others boundaries
Setting goals and discussing them.
Hi Colleen! I really appreciate your suggestions and I will make sure to use them this summer!
Hareem
Updated
Mahak’s Answer
Hello,
Building and maintaining relationships, be it workplace ones or personal ones, is always a challenge.
I would say, first off, be honest. As you are an intern, you come with the title of someone who is new. So do not fear that not knowing something will be a mark against you. It will not. Be honest about what you know and what you do not.
I think most managers just want to see the effort. So put in the time to learn, ask questions, and show that you care about the work.
Build a report, have conversations with them not exclusively about work. Get to know them, at least in the more basic sense.
Lastly, keep in touch. Be it on a daily, saying good morning and how are you - it does make a difference.
Building and maintaining relationships, be it workplace ones or personal ones, is always a challenge.
I would say, first off, be honest. As you are an intern, you come with the title of someone who is new. So do not fear that not knowing something will be a mark against you. It will not. Be honest about what you know and what you do not.
I think most managers just want to see the effort. So put in the time to learn, ask questions, and show that you care about the work.
Build a report, have conversations with them not exclusively about work. Get to know them, at least in the more basic sense.
Lastly, keep in touch. Be it on a daily, saying good morning and how are you - it does make a difference.
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Creating a positive bond with your boss involves striking a balance between being pleasant and standing your ground. It's crucial to show respect and teamwork, but don't forget to stand up for yourself and voice your thoughts when needed. Don't be so eager to please that you ignore your own needs and ideas. Instead, aim for clear and truthful dialogue, professionally expressing your views and worries.
On the flip side, being aloof and hard to reach can damage your relationship with your boss. To set up a good rapport, be easy to talk to, warm, and receptive to advice. Pay close attention to your boss's guidance and suggestions, and show a readiness to learn and get better. By balancing being pleasant and standing your ground, you can nurture a positive and mutually rewarding relationship with your boss, paving the way for professional advancement and achievement.
On the flip side, being aloof and hard to reach can damage your relationship with your boss. To set up a good rapport, be easy to talk to, warm, and receptive to advice. Pay close attention to your boss's guidance and suggestions, and show a readiness to learn and get better. By balancing being pleasant and standing your ground, you can nurture a positive and mutually rewarding relationship with your boss, paving the way for professional advancement and achievement.
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Hello Hareem,
Let's talk about "managing up"! Wondering what it's all about? It's all about getting to know how your boss works and communicates, what they prioritize, and what kind of pressures they're under. By keeping your boss's style in mind and adjusting your own way of working to match it, you can make sure that your conversations are really fruitful and that your work hits the mark with what they're expecting. This strategy is a great way to build a solid professional bond and it also shows that you're a forward-thinking, considerate member of the team.
Let's talk about "managing up"! Wondering what it's all about? It's all about getting to know how your boss works and communicates, what they prioritize, and what kind of pressures they're under. By keeping your boss's style in mind and adjusting your own way of working to match it, you can make sure that your conversations are really fruitful and that your work hits the mark with what they're expecting. This strategy is a great way to build a solid professional bond and it also shows that you're a forward-thinking, considerate member of the team.
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
To foster a healthy relationship with your supervisor as an intern you can:
1. Communicate openly and regularly about goals, progress, and any challenges she encounters.
2. Seek feedback and be open to constructive criticism to improve your performance.
3. Show initiative and take on tasks independently while also asking for guidance when needed.
4. Respect your supervisor's time and boundaries, scheduling meetings or discussions when appropriate.
5. Build rapport by showing interest in the supervisor's expertise and perspective.
6. Express gratitude for opportunities and guidance provided by the supervisor.
7. Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.
1. Communicate openly and regularly about goals, progress, and any challenges she encounters.
2. Seek feedback and be open to constructive criticism to improve your performance.
3. Show initiative and take on tasks independently while also asking for guidance when needed.
4. Respect your supervisor's time and boundaries, scheduling meetings or discussions when appropriate.
5. Build rapport by showing interest in the supervisor's expertise and perspective.
6. Express gratitude for opportunities and guidance provided by the supervisor.
7. Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.
Hey Suzanne! Thank you so much for your tips! I will make sure to keep these in mind and utilize them this summer.
Hareem
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Hareem,
Establishing a Healthy Relationship with Your Manager/Supervisor
Do not worry you can get sick of a person after 50 years!
Building a positive and healthy relationship with your manager or supervisor is crucial for your professional growth and success in the workplace. Here are some effective ways to establish a healthy relationship with your superiors:
1. Communication: Open and clear communication is key to fostering a good relationship with your manager. Make sure to communicate regularly with your supervisor about your work progress, challenges you may be facing, and any support you may need. Be proactive in seeking feedback and clarification on tasks.
2. Respect: Show respect towards your manager by being punctual, meeting deadlines, and following company policies and procedures. Respect their authority while also expressing your own opinions and ideas in a professional manner.
3. Build Trust: Trust is essential in any relationship, including the one you have with your supervisor. Demonstrate reliability, honesty, and integrity in your work to earn the trust of your manager. Keep them informed about important developments and seek their guidance when needed.
4. Be Proactive: Take initiative in your work by identifying areas where you can contribute value to the team or organization without waiting to be told what to do. Show enthusiasm for learning new skills and taking on additional responsibilities.
5. Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from your supervisor on your performance, strengths, areas for improvement, and career development opportunities. Use constructive criticism as a tool for growth and show that you are receptive to feedback.
6. Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism in all interactions with your manager. This includes being courteous, dressing appropriately, managing conflicts diplomatically, and avoiding office gossip or negativity.
7. Understand Their Expectations: Clarify expectations with your supervisor regarding goals, priorities, performance metrics, and deadlines. Make sure you are aligned on what success looks like in your role to avoid misunderstandings.
8. Develop a Personal Connection: Building a personal connection with your manager can help strengthen your professional relationship. Take an interest in their interests or hobbies outside of work (if appropriate) to create rapport and show that you value them as a person.
By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a healthy working relationship with your manager that is based on mutual respect, trust, effective communication, and shared goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides valuable insights into leadership dynamics, workplace relationships, communication strategies, and professional development tips that can be applied to building positive relationships with supervisors.
Forbes: Forbes offers articles and resources on career development, workplace etiquette, leadership skills, and effective communication techniques that can help individuals navigate relationships with their managers successfully.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers online courses on interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and leadership development that can enhance one’s ability to establish healthy relationships with supervisors in the workplace.
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!
JC.
Establishing a Healthy Relationship with Your Manager/Supervisor
Do not worry you can get sick of a person after 50 years!
Building a positive and healthy relationship with your manager or supervisor is crucial for your professional growth and success in the workplace. Here are some effective ways to establish a healthy relationship with your superiors:
1. Communication: Open and clear communication is key to fostering a good relationship with your manager. Make sure to communicate regularly with your supervisor about your work progress, challenges you may be facing, and any support you may need. Be proactive in seeking feedback and clarification on tasks.
2. Respect: Show respect towards your manager by being punctual, meeting deadlines, and following company policies and procedures. Respect their authority while also expressing your own opinions and ideas in a professional manner.
3. Build Trust: Trust is essential in any relationship, including the one you have with your supervisor. Demonstrate reliability, honesty, and integrity in your work to earn the trust of your manager. Keep them informed about important developments and seek their guidance when needed.
4. Be Proactive: Take initiative in your work by identifying areas where you can contribute value to the team or organization without waiting to be told what to do. Show enthusiasm for learning new skills and taking on additional responsibilities.
5. Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from your supervisor on your performance, strengths, areas for improvement, and career development opportunities. Use constructive criticism as a tool for growth and show that you are receptive to feedback.
6. Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism in all interactions with your manager. This includes being courteous, dressing appropriately, managing conflicts diplomatically, and avoiding office gossip or negativity.
7. Understand Their Expectations: Clarify expectations with your supervisor regarding goals, priorities, performance metrics, and deadlines. Make sure you are aligned on what success looks like in your role to avoid misunderstandings.
8. Develop a Personal Connection: Building a personal connection with your manager can help strengthen your professional relationship. Take an interest in their interests or hobbies outside of work (if appropriate) to create rapport and show that you value them as a person.
By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a healthy working relationship with your manager that is based on mutual respect, trust, effective communication, and shared goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides valuable insights into leadership dynamics, workplace relationships, communication strategies, and professional development tips that can be applied to building positive relationships with supervisors.
Forbes: Forbes offers articles and resources on career development, workplace etiquette, leadership skills, and effective communication techniques that can help individuals navigate relationships with their managers successfully.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers online courses on interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and leadership development that can enhance one’s ability to establish healthy relationships with supervisors in the workplace.
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!
JC.
Updated
Joanna Rose’s Answer
Hello Hareem,
Establishing a healthy relationship with your manager or supervisor involves clear communication, respect, and proactive engagement. Start by regularly updating them on your progress and challenges, ensuring transparency and fostering trust. Actively seek feedback to demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth, and take action on the insights provided. Show initiative by proposing solutions, not just identifying problems, which highlights your problem-solving skills and dedication. Lastly, respect their time and perspective, which includes being punctual for meetings, prepared for discussions, and open to constructive criticism. This approach not only builds a positive rapport but also enhances your professional development.
Establishing a healthy relationship with your manager or supervisor involves clear communication, respect, and proactive engagement. Start by regularly updating them on your progress and challenges, ensuring transparency and fostering trust. Actively seek feedback to demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth, and take action on the insights provided. Show initiative by proposing solutions, not just identifying problems, which highlights your problem-solving skills and dedication. Lastly, respect their time and perspective, which includes being punctual for meetings, prepared for discussions, and open to constructive criticism. This approach not only builds a positive rapport but also enhances your professional development.