Written by Vaclav Koranda

Build a Strong Working Relationship With your Boss to Propel Your Salary and Career

In my previous article, I talked about how you can get a salary increase. There is one more important factor I didn’t mention, though—the relationship with your boss.

Direct supervisors are usually not the only decision-makers in matters of your salary or career, especially in big corporations; however, they play an important role. Obviously, a strong relationship means your boss is more familiar with your contributions. He’ll be more likely to recognize your achievements and advocate for you when raise or promotion decisions are made. Also, a positive rapport makes it easier to have a constructive conversation about your salary or career path. You’ll feel more confident presenting your case for a raise, and your boss will likely be more receptive to negotiation.

So, what are the three main ways to build and maintain a strong working relationship with your boss?

1. Be the Solution, not the Problem

Nowadays, the business environment is competitive and challenging. Bosses are usually overloaded and appreciate employees who can accomplish tasks with minimal supervision. Don’t wait for instructions on everything (except if your boss is a micromanager, but that is a different story which I may cover in another article). When priorities shift or unexpected situations arise, be willing to adjust your schedule, learn new skills, and adapt to changes.

Volunteer to take ownership of tasks and projects. Forget phrases like “this is not my job” or “I can’t do this.” Instead, do what needs to be done. If there’s a conflict in priorities or if prerequisites are missing, communicate with your boss and find a solution. If your colleagues are swamped, offer to assist with their workload when you have the capacity. This showcases your willingness to go the extra mile and support the team’s success.

2. Deliver High-Quality Work on Time

In the corporate world, everything follows a plan. Bosses usually don’t like surprises, especially bad ones. Therefore, when taking on a task or project, understand its scope and voice any concerns you have about meeting deadlines or expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions. Then, show a clear commitment to completing the job on time. Don’t let things fall through the cracks. Once you agree to do something, see it through to completion without needing constant reminders.

Keep your boss updated on your progress, especially if there are roadblocks or delays. Transparency builds trust and allows your boss to offer help if needed. If you anticipate missing a deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, communicate this to your boss as soon as possible and propose solutions.

3. Be Loyal

Discretion builds trust and shows respect for your boss and team. Respect your boss’s authority and support his decisions. Don’t gossip about your team members or share sensitive information outside your team. If you see an opportunity to improve processes or working conditions that would benefit the team, advocate for it to your boss first.

If your boss makes a misstep or receives criticism, offer your support in a discreet and professional manner. Don’t criticize your boss, his ideas, or decisions in front of other colleagues. This demonstrates loyalty and strengthens the working relationship.

If you feel frustrated that your boss is not doing a good job, undermining him through negative actions isn’t the best solution. I will cover more constructive approaches to climb the corporate ladder in my new book, “Reach The Top.”

Simple Steps to Successful Relationship Building

  • Understand your boss’s agenda: Your boss hired you to help achieve his professional goals and fulfill his KPIs. Therefore, take some time to carefully understand your boss’s priorities and think about how you can best contribute to them. This will help you align your work not only with his objectives but also with your team and the company as a whole.
  • Maintain regular check-ins: Ask your boss to schedule regular one-on-one meetings to discuss your workload, priorities, goals, and areas for development. This can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on your workload and your boss’s preference.
  • Recognize your boss’s accomplishments: A bit of flattery never disappoints. When your boss or team accomplishes something great, don’t hesitate to share the credit. Highlighting your team’s successes reflects well on your boss and strengthens team spirit. Acknowledge your boss’s achievements and contributions to the team or company. Post your success stories on social media like LinkedIn, follow your boss and like and comment on his posts too. But don’t overdo it—it won’t work well if it is not sincere.
  • Build relationships with colleagues close to your boss: Getting to know other people in your organization whom your boss interacts with the most can be helpful. These could be his direct reports, colleagues from other departments, or senior management. They can offer insight into your boss’s work style, role, priorities, and the overall organizational dynamics. But be mindful of the hierarchy. Don’t overstep boundaries or try to bypass your boss for communication.

But Remember, It’s Just Work

You don’t have to love your boss or do any of the above. If it’s not to your personal taste or you may feel exploited, you can simply do your job to the best of your ability or as little as your boss can tolerate. However, keep in mind that this approach may limit your chances of progressing.

Good luck!

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