You’re struggling to connect with your boss. What can you do to build a positive relationship?

To build a positive relationship with your boss, you can schedule regular one-on-one meetings to discuss goals and expectations, ask for feedback and advice, demonstrate reliability and accountability, communicate openly and respectfully, show appreciation for their guidance, and seek to understand their leadership style and preferences.

Try to understand your boss's priorities, preferences, and communication style and then adapt your approach accordingly. Showing reliability, meeting deadlines consistently, and exceeding expectations can also help build trust and credibility. Initiative by offering solutions to challenges and actively participating in team initiatives can further solidify a positive relationship with your boss.

Active listening, rapport-building, and proactivity are essential strategies for nurturing a strong bond with your boss. Engage in active listening during meetings, demonstrating genuine interest in their thoughts. Foster rapport by showing personal interest and reliability. Prioritise these strategies to foster trust and respect, solidifying the relationship with your boss.

You could change this section to "know your boss" You can't build a positive, fruitful relationship with someone if you don't know anything about them! Ask open ended questions to find out about them, their families, hobbies and interests. This shows a genuine desire to connect on a personal level. When communicating with them, ask yourself "what is the listening I am speaking into", as this will allow you to modify your message to suit their communication style and let your message hit home.

Incorporating mindfulness practices into your interactions with your boss can have profound effects on your resilience and overall well-being in the workplace. Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of the current moment, which can help you navigate challenging situations with greater clarity and composure. When you approach your boss with mindfulness, you are more likely to communicate effectively, listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This can lead to smoother interactions, improved understanding, and ultimately, a stronger working relationship.

Your attitude is what matters most. Although you may feel that it's difficult to keep a smiling face when you have an unpleasant or toxic boss, it is important for you to not lose your calm. Not every person is the same and you do not know what each one of us has to go through on a daily basis. Be kind and empathetic. People appreciate and trust others when they feel they are being valued and trusted so work on gaining your boss's trust.

Use casual interactions to build rapport. Such as a hallway walk between meetings or getting a cup of coffee in the common kitchen area. Ask about a non-work related topic, such as sports, recent vacations or family. Then listen closely without putting your opinions into the mix - unless of course your boss asks for it!