You're an administrative manager. How can you ensure a strong relationship with your supervisor?

1 Know their expectations

One of the first steps to ensuring a strong relationship with your supervisor is to understand what they expect from you and your team. Ask for clear and specific goals, deadlines, and feedback, and make sure you align your priorities with theirs. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or guidance. By knowing their expectations, you can avoid misunderstandings, deliver quality work, and show your commitment to the organization's vision.

2 Communicate regularly

Another key factor in building a strong relationship with your supervisor is to communicate regularly and effectively. Keep them informed of your progress, challenges, and achievements, and use the preferred channels and formats they suggest. For example, some supervisors may prefer email updates, while others may prefer phone calls or meetings. Be concise, respectful, and professional, and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant information. By communicating regularly, you can demonstrate your accountability, transparency, and problem-solving skills.

3 Seek feedback and improvement

A third way to ensure a strong relationship with your supervisor is to seek feedback and improvement. Don't wait for annual reviews or formal evaluations to ask for feedback on your performance, strengths, and areas of improvement. Instead, request constructive and timely feedback on a regular basis, and use it to improve your skills and processes. Also, show your willingness to learn new things, take on new challenges, and adapt to changing situations. By seeking feedback and improvement, you can show your initiative, growth mindset, and professionalism.

5 Respect their time and boundaries

A fifth and final tip to ensure a strong relationship with your supervisor is to respect their time and boundaries. Don't interrupt them unnecessarily, or expect them to be available at all times. Instead, schedule meetings or calls in advance, and prepare an agenda or a list of topics to discuss. Also, respect their personal and professional boundaries, and avoid gossiping, complaining, or oversharing. By respecting their time and boundaries, you can show your maturity, reliability, and discretion.

6 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?