Here's how you can establish open and transparent communication with your boss in sales coaching.

Trustworthiness equals the sum of Credibility + Reliability + Intimacy, all divided by your Self Orientation. Credibility has to do with the words we speak. If you are a sales expert your boss must trust in what you say, that you're credible. Reliability is actions, by showing that you're consistently dependable, you will build that trust with your boss. Intimacy refers to the safety or security that we feel when entrusting someone with something. Can you boss trust you with sensitive information. Lastly- Self orientation refers to the person’s focus. In particular, whether the person’s focus is primarily on him or herself, or on the other person. Does your boss trust that you have the right focus in the team and business first.

Show that you know what you're doing and can handle tasks independently. Trust is built by delivering results consistently. When you achieve your targets and deliver your numbers, you establish yourself as reliable.

I love when my team is pro-active, all it demonstrates to me is passion and ambition. Coupling that with curiosity and openness to feedback is a winning strategy and one I like to apply with my own boss too!

Take steps to understand your leader's goals, OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), performance plan, and priorities. When you think about it, your role is to help achieve your leader achieve her/his goals (not just your goals)... so make sure you know them well.

Never assume that you have all the answers. Approach every meeting with your boss with an open mind and listen actively to ensure you're learning and deeply understanding their point of view too. It will show respect and support the growth of your professional relationship!

If your leader prefers action and brevity, then adjust your communication to be concise and to the point. If they value process and detail, provide comprehensive and well-documented information. Listening doesn't just give you what you need to understand. It also helps you know how to respond and the communication style that your manager needs you to use.

What are your leader’s goals? What are their OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)? What’s their performance plan? What are their priorities? If you don’t know them, how can you support them? Your priorities are dictated by her priorities so make sure you know them because your job is to help achieve them.

Set Clear Expectations and Be Honest and Direct Clear with deeper understanding and agree on goals, responsibilities, and performance metrics. Open the door of communication about successes, difficulties, and areas where you need support.

After your relationship with your team, the relationship with your leader is your most important relationship. Some people call this topic 'Managing Your Manager'. To me that sounds very transactional. Successful relationships aren’t transactional, they are mutual. Give and take. Give and Get. You get support by giving support. At some point, if you’re giving but not getting, you may have to be more assertive or demanding. You may have to consider other options. But if you want more support, maybe it’s time to GIVE more support - to your leader. Give that some thought and reflection today.