Do you find your manager a bit of a mystery? They’re always efficient, but are perhaps a bit controlling or aren’t always in the office when you need them. This can make it difficult to maintain a good relationship that would make your work easier and allow you to learn from them. At work, you have to report to your line manager. Learning how to use them to boost your professional development takes time and effort, so we’ve come up with a few simple rules to help you get the most out of this important relationship.

Your line manager is a key player in your success and personal development. Which is why you should try and get as much as possible out of your relationship with them.

 HOW TO BUILD A WIN-WIN RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR LINE MANAGER

Follow these 3 simple rules:
1. Don’t criticise; offer suggestions
– Adopting a constructive attitude will boost your self-esteem!

2. Envy won’t get you anywhere; follow their lead
– One day, you too will have responsibilities to handle. Draw inspiration from your line manager’s most effective and productive working practices.

3. Avoid knee-jerk reactions; take your time
– Managers don’t appreciate rude emails or having angry employees stomping around their office.
– Take the time to reflect on things and develop your arguments.

PICTURE THE ECOSYSTEM AROUND YOUR GOAL 

Imagine that you have achieved your goal:
– What has changed around you?
– How has it impacted on your work? Your professional relationships? Your private life?
– Are you ready to accept these changes?
– Adjust your goal if needed, by making tweaks or giving yourself more time to achieve it.

SOME PHRASES TO TRY OUT WITH YOUR MANAGER 

Be positive in your relations with your manager. Show them that you can come up with suggestions and take the initiative.
“I’ve found a simple, low-cost way of building on and improving the solution you’ve approved.”
“We could do it this way.”
“Could you help me resolve this tricky issue?”

How about you? What do you do to work with your manager?