To have a cordial relationship with your managers

Every one of us would like to work in a positive work environment and to have a positive working relationship with our managers. For a positive work environment and professional growth, you must maintain a cordial relationship with your managers.

Here are a few tips on how to improve your relationship with your manager:

• Communication:
• Integrity:
• Be Proactive:
• Professionalism:
• Getting a better understanding of manager’s expectations:
• Feedback:
• Teamwork

Communication:

Maintain open and transparent communication. Be sure to let your manager know what you’re doing, what challenges you’re facing, and what you’re accomplishing. Then work to resolve the challenges and keep growing. Listen to their feedback with a positive attitude and make sure that you understand their expectations.

In a scenario where a junior team member is solely responsible for managing an entire project under the guidance of a manager, the tasks are undertaken by the junior employee. If the junior team member begins to feel overwhelmed with the workload and requires additional support, open communication with the manager is crucial. If the manager also acknowledges the need for additional assistance, a new team member can be added to ensure the smoother progression of the project. Engaging in such communication proves essential for the success of the project, as remaining silent on such matters could potentially jeopardize its outcome. Clear communication is imperative in addressing and resolving these challenges effectively.

Integrity:

Workplace integrity is about having strong work ethics and principles. People with integrity do the right thing even when nobody is watching. 

When the manager asks for a work update, be sure that you inform all the details proactively. If you have done anything wrong also please inform the manager instead of hiding and waiting for the manager to find it out. 

In a situation where a monitor or laptop accidentally slips from an employee’s hand, the demonstration of integrity involves openly acknowledging the mistake rather than attempting to conceal it. Embracing responsibility for such incidents reflects a commitment to honesty and transparency in one’s actions. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and trust within the workplace, emphasizing the importance of integrity as a guiding principle in professional conduct.

Be Proactive:

Take initiative in your work. Identify opportunities for improvement. Communicate any concerns or challenges early on and work collaboratively to find solutions. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to the team’s success.

In a scenario where a project deadline is established, and a junior team member has scheduled leave during those critical days, proactively communicating with the manager is essential. Taking the initiative to inform the manager about the planned leave and devising a strategy to ensure the completion of assigned tasks beforehand demonstrates foresight and responsibility. In the interest of maintaining project timelines and team cohesion, it is advisable for the junior team member to either complete their tasks in advance or coordinate with other team members to ensure a smooth workflow in their absence. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to effective communication and responsible project management.

Professionalism:

Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in your interactions with your managers and colleagues. Respectfully conduct yourself. Keep personal matters separate from professional discussions, and avoid gossip or negative talk about colleagues.

If you have any issues or concerns about your manager/anyone in higher ranks please raise them with higher authority or with HR. Try to inform the concerns with HR instead of making it a gossip topic and creating a negative working environment. You can speak with the higher authority without hesitating if you have concerns about the HR. This fosters a positive atmosphere and the issues can be resolved easily.  

In a situation where junior team members feel their manager isn’t available to guide or help them when needed, it’s important to address the concern in a timely manner. If this becomes a recurring issue, consider reaching out to HR promptly. By doing so, HR can step in and work towards finding a solution, contributing to a better work environment for everyone.

On the flip side, if concerns are kept within the team and discussed among themselves, it might impact morale negatively and could prolong the issue’s resolution. It’s encouraged for team members to maintain open communication and not wait for an extended period, like six months or a year, before sharing their concerns. Timely and friendly communication helps create a positive workplace and ensures that issues are addressed promptly.

Getting a better understanding of manager’s expectations:

Clearly understand your manager’s expectations regarding your role, responsibilities, and performance standards. In case of confusion, seek clarification. 

Discuss your goals, and objectives with them and how you can align your work with the company. 

Feedback:

Adapt your approach based on the feedback you get from your manager. Whenever necessary, provide constructive feedback to your manager in a polite way. Also, acknowledge and appreciate your manager’s guidance and support. 

In a scenario in which your manager points out areas where you need to improve for both your career and personal development. Work on your manager’s feedback and improve it. Take a professional approach to your flaws instead of behaving violently. 

Teamwork:

Share information with team members. Offer assistance to your managers when they are overloaded with tasks. Work together and collaborate to come up with ideas.

“Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs

Thank you for reading this.