How to Improve a Relationship With a Boss

Has the depressed economy got you worried about job security? With companies consolidating and making cuts at every turn, your best bet at keeping your paycheck is to develop a strong working relationship with your boss. Follow these tips to ensure that your boss views you as indispensable-and will be your biggest advocate should the economic grim reaper come knocking at your company's door. Remember: even the best employee/boss relationships have room for improvement.

Instructions

1. Get back to basics. Since my first job at a carwash when I was 14, I have been continually amazed at how people slack off on even the most basic elements of a job. The devil is the details, so the way you approach the small tasks says as much about you as the way you tackle the big things. Show up to work on time, look your best, manage your time, do your part to keep the office clean and organized and simply do the work that you have been hired to do without resistance or complaint.

2. Communicate face to face often. Email is great for brief business exchanges, but any communication of substance should be done in person, not via email. It's also important that if your boss works in a different area from you that you stop by his or her office to say hello when you arrive at work. You don't need to engage in a long conversation, but it is nice to acknowledge your boss as an important part of your workday and show that you have a positive attitude toward your work. You can do both of these things by simply greeting your boss warmly at the start of each workday.

3. Give praise. Remember, bosses are human too-and they need to know that their hard work and positive contributions are being noticed.

4. Be straightforward. When your boss does something that confuses, overwhelms or negatively impacts your work ability, bring it up in a calm, direct manner. It is OK to draw boundaries with your boss, just so long as you do it respectfully.

5. Vent outside the office. Just because it is a well-known fact in the office that your boss is a jerk, doesn't mean you participate in evil gossip. Complaining about your boss doesn't do any good, because while your boss may be terrible, you need a job. Instead of focusing on what you hate about your boss, focus on the work you need to get done. If you must vent, do it outside of the office to people who are certain to keep your complaints private.

6. Keep personal issues in perspective. You wish you had more time to work on that screenplay you've always wanted to write. You want to spend your days at home with your family. You dream of opening your own business, but are afraid that now isn't the time. Remember, your boss isn't the one keeping you from achieving your dreams, so don't take your personal frustrations out on your employer. Instead use your free time wisely; begin strategizing how you can feasibly make the life changes you desire and keep in perspective the essential role that your current job plays in your life.

7. Save friendships for friends. Some work relationships do blossom into friendships, but most do not. Work relationships are not governed by the same rules as friendships, so don't feel badly if your boss doesn't want to chitchat or isn't particularly warm toward you. The two of you can have a great working relationship without being friends.

8. If your boss really is so terrible that the stress he or she causes you affects the rest of your life, begin networking, looking for other jobs and envisioning your next move. The economy will be on the upswing before we know it, which means your new job is just around the corner. Be patient and keep the faith.