What are the best strategies for building strong relationships with managers?

1 Understand their goals

One of the first steps to building strong relationships with managers is to understand their goals and how they align with yours. Managers are responsible for overseeing the overall performance, budget, and scope of the engineering design projects, and they need to report to higher-level stakeholders. Therefore, they may have different perspectives and constraints than you, as an individual contributor or a team member. To understand their goals, you need to ask questions, listen actively, and show empathy. This will help you to align your work with their expectations, demonstrate your value, and avoid conflicts.

2 Communicate effectively

Another key strategy for building strong relationships with managers is to communicate effectively. Communication is essential for any engineering design process, as it involves sharing ideas, feedback, and information. However, communication can also be a source of misunderstanding, frustration, and tension, especially if you and your manager have different preferences and habits. To communicate effectively, you need to adapt your style, frequency, and medium to your manager's needs and preferences. You also need to be clear, concise, and respectful, and avoid jargon, assumptions, and ambiguity. Additionally, you need to communicate your progress, challenges, and achievements regularly, and seek feedback and guidance when needed.

3 Collaborate creatively

A third strategy for building strong relationships with managers is to collaborate creatively. Collaboration is vital for any engineering design project, as it involves working together to solve problems, generate ideas, and create solutions. However, collaboration can also be a challenge, especially if you and your manager have different opinions, skills, and experiences. To collaborate creatively, you need to embrace diversity, respect differences, and leverage strengths. You also need to be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn from your manager and others. Furthermore, you need to contribute actively, share credit, and celebrate successes.

4 Show initiative

A fourth strategy for building strong relationships with managers is to show initiative. Initiative is important for any engineering design professional, as it involves taking action, seeking opportunities, and improving processes. However, initiative can also be risky, especially if you are not sure about your manager's approval, support, or feedback. To show initiative, you need to be proactive, confident, and resourceful. You also need to be strategic, realistic, and accountable. Moreover, you need to communicate your intentions, results, and learnings to your manager and others.

5 Seek mentorship

A fifth strategy for building strong relationships with managers is to seek mentorship. Mentorship is beneficial for any engineering design professional, as it involves learning from someone who has more experience, knowledge, and insight. However, mentorship can also be intimidating, especially if you are not comfortable with asking for help, advice, or feedback. To seek mentorship, you need to be humble, curious, and respectful. You also need to be specific, prepared, and appreciative. Additionally, you need to follow up, apply, and share what you learn from your manager and others.

6 Give recognition

A sixth and final strategy for building strong relationships with managers is to give recognition. Recognition is valuable for any engineering design professional, as it involves acknowledging someone's contribution, effort, and impact. However, recognition can also be overlooked, especially if you are busy, stressed, or focused on your own work. To give recognition, you need to be sincere, timely, and specific. You also need to be personal, public, and consistent. Furthermore, you need to give recognition to your manager and others who support, inspire, and challenge you.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?