I rolled out of bed for the first time in many years eager to be at work. I didn’t even realise it but gradually my boss started to like me.
Ah wait o, I am male and my boss is male and when I say ‘like me’ I mean he no longer acts like he is the weapon fashioned against me. I no longer dread departmental meetings and he has even started recommending me for some nice gigs.
Make no mistake, the change did not happen suddenly o. My goodness, it took a lot of digging to understand my boss and what he wanted. I love my job so much but I somehow failed to win over my boss.
He had a very warped image of who I was and I was determined to change that by all means. We didn’t start on the right foot either. The first day when I was meant to prove my capabilities was so shameful. I arrived quite late and stumbled on my department having a meeting.
The reason for my lateness, which I relayed to my boss, was that I had some personal issues. This was true– my ex decided to break up with me over the weekend and I was an emotional wreck (I didn’t tell him this part though).
Now to the juice of this matter.
First I want you to understand that you can like your boss and your boss can in turn like you. Most of the time, the issue is that there’s an underlying ideology your boss has of you that needs to be changed.
1. Respect their time and be punctual- Most managers want their workers to always be punctual, it shows that you are responsible and ready to work. Showing up to work late really gives a bad image. Punctuality is the soul of business. This saying is true and most employers live by this.
2. Stay focused and interested- Show interest in the activities around the workplace. Don’t have a laissez-faire attitude, or be apathetic. Bring contributions, make comments where necessary and follow through with the work you are supposed to do. Meet up with deadlines and also fulfil your promises. Broaden your knowledge and do what is required of you.
3. Respect your boss in front of others and keep your complaints for when you meet him personally- No boss wants to talk back at or have sarcastic comments hurled at them. There are better ways to present your grievances to your boss. Approach them and speak in a cool-headed manner.
4. Accept invitations to socialise- Every time they ask you- Office party? No! Get-together? No! A colleague’s birthday? No! Your response is always no, but you don’t understand that these are opportunities to see people in a relaxed state, unwinding and enjoying themselves. In this atmosphere of laughter and celebration, you get to see another side of an individual.
You can even glean a few things from conversations. This informal meeting can help you know your boss better and get you acquainted with his/her values. So the next time you want to turn down that invitation, have a re-think.
5. Communicate effectively- Open your mouth and talk. Communicate exactly what is going on. If you are going to be late to a meeting, miss a deadline, or you are not going to be present for an occasion, just let your boss know and let him know as soon as possible. Whatever it is, just let them know, lying about the situation is also not the best.
Some of you might think, I don’t need my boss to like me, I just need to get my work done. Yes, in some situations it might be like that but at times a good relationship with your boss will go a long way in helping your career.
Strive to have a better relationship with your boss, you’ll thank me later. Have an amazing work week ahead!
