Building Stronger Manager Relationships

It’s a new year—a fresh start—and the perfect time to hit reset on your relationship with your manager. Whether things are smooth or a bit bumpy, there’s always room to strengthen the connection. A great manager relationship can be a game-changer for your career: more trust, better communication, and stronger advocacy for your growth.

Let me share a coaching story with you. Catherine, a Director of Talent Acquisition at a large entertainment company, came to me feeling stuck. She wanted a better working relationship with her manager but wasn’t sure where to start. Her challenge? Her manager seemed distant and focused more on results than building rapport. Catherine felt overlooked, and that lack of connection made it harder for her to advocate for her ideas.

We worked on strategies to help her reset the relationship, and the results were transformative. Let’s explore three strategies that can help you start the year with a strong foundation with your manager:

1. Initiate Clear Communication

Great relationships start with clear expectations. Take the lead and set up a meeting to discuss your goals, your manager’s expectations, and how the two align. Catherine used this approach to ask her manager how she could better support team priorities while also sharing her own career aspirations. The key? Frame the conversation as a collaboration.

Example: Instead of waiting for feedback, Catherine proactively said, “I want to make sure I’m aligned with your priorities for the team this year. Can we set up regular check-ins to discuss progress and any adjustments?” This small action created clarity and opened the door for more meaningful dialogue.

2. Focus on Problem-Solving

Managers love team members who make their jobs easier. Bring solutions, not just problems, to the table. Catherine started anticipating challenges in hiring pipelines and presented creative solutions before her manager even asked.

Example: If your team is facing a roadblock, go to your manager with, “Here’s a challenge we’re encountering, and I have two potential solutions. Can we brainstorm which might work best?” This approach not only showcases your initiative but also positions you as a strategic thinker.

3. Be Intentional About Building Rapport

Relationships aren’t just built on work—they’re built on trust and connection. Find small, authentic ways to get to know your manager as a person. Catherine realized her manager was passionate about diversity initiatives and used that as a bridge to build rapport.

Example: During a casual conversation, Catherine shared an article on inclusive hiring practices and said, “I thought of you when I read this because of how much you’ve championed these efforts.” This simple gesture deepened the personal connection and showed her manager that Catherine valued her leadership.

Let’s Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet!

The start of the year is your opportunity to reset and refocus on what truly matters. Strengthening your relationship with your manager isn’t just about improving your work life—it’s about unlocking new opportunities and creating a supportive partnership that benefits you both.

Take action today: schedule that conversation, present a new idea, or share a small gesture of appreciation. You’ve got this!

Want more strategies for thriving at work? Stay tuned for next week’s coaching tips. Until then, let’s keep growing, leading, and creating impact.

Know someone that can benefit from these strategies? Share the love and information!

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This newsletter is created by Phyllis Reagin, M.A., Executive and Leadership Coach and Confidence expert. Phyllis is the founder of At the Coach's Table, a leadership development and team-building company serving the Entertainment/Media industry, To learn more about us visit here.