Building a Thriving Relationship with Your Manager
"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority." – Ken Blanchard
Navigating corporate life is no small feat, and one truth stands out: your manager plays a pivotal role in your success. Understanding their influence and building an authentic, productive relationship is essential for your growth.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with managers who were incredible allies and others who challenged me. Each experience taught me invaluable lessons about adaptability and collaboration. Recognizing their leadership style and developing a tailored strategy to work effectively with them was key to navigating these dynamics.
While reflecting, I realized that when faced with challenging managers, my focus shifted to survival—finding ways to navigate their leadership style and avoid conflict. On the other hand, with great managers, I could concentrate on growth—learning from their guidance, taking on new responsibilities, and pushing my career forward. This dual approach kept me aligned with my career goals, no matter the circumstances.
Early in my career, I made mistakes in this area. Fresh out of university, I clashed with a manager whose micromanagement style conflicted with my preference for independence. Frustrated, I bypassed their approval on a decision—and paid the price. While the organization valued my contributions enough to bring me back, the role was reassigned, and I had to transition out. That experience taught me that success often hinges on adaptability and mutual understanding.
Over time, I’ve learned to navigate these dynamics, and I’d like to share five strategies to help you build a strong relationship with your manager:
1. Recognize that managers are human first
Managers are people, too. They want to be seen, heard, and valued. Like everyone else, they make mistakes, have insecurities, and yearn for growth. The best manager-employee relationships thrive when both parties acknowledge each other’s humanity. If you’re fortunate enough to have a self-aware manager who reciprocates this understanding, you’ve hit the jackpot.
2. Understand their priorities
Take time to figure out what’s most important to your manager when it comes to work. Use your one-on-one meetings to ask, “What are your expectations of me in this role?” Periodically check in to confirm whether you’re meeting or exceeding these expectations. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but strive to balance these conversations across feedback, career discussions, and updates on your work.
3. Find common ground
Depending on your personality and your manager’s, try to learn about their life outside work. Do they have hobbies, a family, or interests that align with yours? People often connect more deeply over shared interests. Building rapport outside of work can strengthen your professional relationship, but always approach this organically and with respect for boundaries.
4. Communicate effectively
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any good relationship. Keep your manager informed about your progress, challenges, and any support you may need. Be proactive in addressing potential issues before they escalate, and ensure that your updates are concise and relevant. Clarity and consistency can significantly enhance trust and collaboration.
5. Adapt to their working style
Every manager has a unique leadership style. Some may prefer detailed reports, while others value quick verbal updates. Pay attention to their preferences and tailor your approach to match their style. Flexibility in communication and work habits can make you a more effective team player and strengthen your relationship with your manager.
In summary, cultivating a strong relationship with your manager requires effort, empathy, and strategy. By understanding their priorities, valuing their humanity, finding common ground, communicating effectively, and adapting to their style, you can set the stage for both professional success and a more enjoyable work environment.
Even with these strategies, not every relationship will thrive. If you’ve exhausted all avenues and the challenges persist, it may be time to explore other roles or managers. Remember, it’s your career—you have the power to steer it toward the growth and fulfillment you deserve.
Happy Holidays :)