Building a Positive Professional Relationship with Your Supervisor

Bettering your relationship with your supervisor can lead to a more fulfilling work environment and career growth. Understanding the dynamics of your work relationship is crucial in determining the best approach to foster a positive and productive professional collaboration. In this article, we will explore how you can build a great relationship with your work supervisor based on your motivation, motivation of your supervisor, and specific actions you can take.

Understanding Your Motivation and Your Supervisor's Motivation

First and foremost, it's essential to understand your own motivation. Your reasons for working hard and doing your best can serve as a foundation for building a positive relationship with your supervisor. Depending on your supervisor's mindset, different approaches may be more effective. Here are three scenarios to consider:

If Your Supervisor is a Jerk but Competent: In this situation, focusing on doing a spectacular job can be the best strategy. A competent supervisor, despite their personality, is likely to recognize and reward high performance. This approach allows you to maintain a professional distance while delivering exceptional results. If Your Supervisor is a Jerk and Incompetent: Here, maintaining your professionalism and doing your job well is key. A lack of competence from your supervisor means they are unlikely to be a valuable ally. Engaging with them may even be counterproductive, as you risk being dragged down by their shortcomings. If Your Supervisor is Good: When your supervisor is supportive and values collaboration, building a strong rapport is essential. This involves open communication, mutual respect, and understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities.

Key Actions to Take for a Positive Relationship

To build a positive relationship with your supervisor, consider these actionable steps:

Always Be Ready to Get Feedback: Regularly seek and welcome feedback to ensure you are aligned with your supervisor's expectations. This can help prevent miscommunications and misunderstandings. What You Need to Keep Doing: Continue performing at a high level, show up on time, and be proactive in seeking feedback. Early mornings or staying late to get more work done can impress your supervisor with your dedication. What You Need to Start Doing: Start engaging in more open and frequent communication with your supervisor. Highlight your progress and ask for feedback on your performance. Showing your willingness to participate in team goals can strengthen your relationship. What You Need to Stop Doing: Refrain from office gossip and avoid showing off your skills or accomplishments. This can lead to a negative perception and hinder your professional growth. Instead, focus on collaborative efforts and mutual support. Express How Each Action Makes You Feel: Being transparent about your feelings can help your supervisor understand your perspective and make the necessary adjustments in their management style.

Additional Tips for Professionalism

In addition to the actions listed above, here are some additional tips for maintaining a positive professional relationship:

Be Polite: Always treat your supervisor with respect and professionalism. Be Honest: Communicate openly and truthfully about your work and any concerns. Be On Time: Arrive on time for work meetings and deadlines to demonstrate your commitment. Show Willingness to Participate: Offer help with tasks and initiatives that align with departmental goals. Avoid Office Gossip: Avoid engaging in or spreading office gossip to maintain a positive and respectful work environment. Do Small Favors: Small gestures such as bringing a coffee or offering to help with a task can go a long way in building rapport. Listen More and Speak Less: Contribute to conversations by listening more and speaking thoughtfully. Understand Their Perspective: Try to understand your supervisor's point of view and work towards aligning with their goals. Avoid Losing Your Temper: Maintain your composure even when disagreements arise. Handle Constructively: If you must address a conflict, do so in a constructive and respectful manner to avoid embarrassing your supervisor.

By following these guidelines and consistently striving to improve your relationship with your supervisor, you can create a more positive and productive work environment that benefits both you and your organization.