How to connect with your boss

Building a connection with your boss is important. Your boss should be there to help you and lead the company. Joe Takash’s book, Results Through Relationships: Building Trust, Performance, and Profit Through People, provides five ways for you to connect with your boss or manager:

1.Choose Good Timing: Find the best times to approach your boss by asking when you should come to them with questions. This can build credibility because of your consideration for their schedule.
2.Prepare and Plan: Think about your questions and possible solutions before you talk to your boss. They want to know that you have thought about the answers to the questions and see you’ve taken some initiative.
3.Align Understanding: If your boss doesn’t state his or her expectations or ask about yours, then ask them to be clear about what they need from you.
4.Follow-up/Follow-through: One of the most common barriers for positive change is lack of accountability. Hold yourself and your boss accountable by agreeing on times and dates to follow-up on every meeting you have.
5.Own Your Results: Ask for what you want and be prepared to state why and how you will benefit.

Connecting with your boss is only going to have positive benefits, whether it is now or in the future when you need a good reference or recommendation.