How can you build a strong relationship with your manager in software engineering?

1 Communicate regularly

Communication is key to any successful relationship, especially in software engineering. You need to keep your manager updated on your progress, challenges, and feedback. You also need to listen to their expectations, goals, and advice. Communicate regularly, but not excessively. Find out what is the best way and frequency to communicate with your manager, whether it is through email, chat, phone, or video calls. Use clear, concise, and respectful language. Avoid jargon, slang, or vague terms. And don't forget to acknowledge and appreciate their communication efforts.

2 Align on priorities

Software engineering projects often involve multiple tasks, dependencies, and stakeholders. You need to align with your manager on what are the most important and urgent priorities for you and your team. This will help you avoid confusion, frustration, and conflict. It will also help you manage your time, resources, and expectations. Ask your manager to clarify the scope, objectives, and deliverables of each project. Use tools like Trello or Asana to track and share your progress. And report any issues or changes that might affect the priorities as soon as possible.

5 Respect boundaries and balance

Your manager is also a human being, with their own personality, preferences, and needs. You need to respect their boundaries and balance, as well as your own. Respect their working hours, availability, and communication style. Don't expect them to be always online, responsive, or accessible. Don't overload them with unnecessary or irrelevant information or requests. And don't take their feedback or decisions personally or emotionally. Similarly, respect your own working hours, availability, and communication style. Don't work overtime, burn out, or neglect your health and well-being. And don't let your work interfere with your personal or family life.

6 Build trust and rapport

Trust and rapport are the foundation of any strong relationship, especially in software engineering. You need to build trust and rapport with your manager over time, through your actions, words, and attitude. Build trust by delivering quality work, meeting deadlines, and following through on your commitments. Build rapport by showing interest, empathy, and appreciation for your manager. Find common ground, share stories, and celebrate successes. And avoid gossip, criticism, or conflict with your manager or your colleagues. Your manager will appreciate your professionalism, reliability, and positivity.