Newsletter Archives /Today's Career Voice - December 2008
New Years' Resolutions for Improving Your Relationship with Your Boss
The season for pondering New Years' resolutions is here. The top resolutions generally involve being healthier, eliminating debt, getting organized, or breaking an unhealthy habit. But should you consider making New Years' resolutions for your relationship with your boss?
The supervisor-subordinate relationship is one that likely affects you for most of your working hours. Therefore, it is deserving of some attention and hard work to make it as positive and fruitful a relationship as possible. Here are some ideas to consider for improving your supervisor relations:
Spread a little holiday spirit.
Consider giving your boss a gift for the holidays. If you're cost conscious, baked goods in a holiday tin are a thoughtful token. If you don't know your boss well, take a look at their work space and see what's there-you might discover that they have a hobby or collection you could contribute to. If your boss gives you a holiday gift, write a thank you as soon as possible.
Convey your thanks.
Write your boss a note saying that you appreciate them. If this feels like a stretch, think of one or two positive qualities they have that you could highlight. Even if you don't always get along with your boss, you can always find something positive to say. If nothing else, a generic "thanks for a great year" note could be good for your office politics.
Forget the past, face the future.
Maybe you feel that you had a great year, and maybe you didn't. Either way, it's often good to forget the past and think about the present and the future. The New Year is a fresh start, and moving forward with a clean slate and a good attitude will make a big difference in how you feel at work. And since a good attitude is often contagious, your boss might catch your good vibes, too.
If you slip, recommit.
Most people who decide to make resolutions or any life change slip up and slide into old habits. If you feel yourself going back into an old mode with your boss, take a few steps back and refresh your attitude. Your boss may not change, but you can control how you respond to them, and that can make all the difference.
Having a good relationship with your boss can be tough, but the New Year is a great time for a new beginning. Stay focused, stay positive, and even if your boss doesn't change, you may find that having a better attitude will help you be happier.
