How to Forge a Connection With Your Manager

When you’re a new employee, you need to impress your manager so you can make sure your job is secure and set yourself up for more career opportunities in the future. This means making a strong connection with your manager.

While figuring out how to connect with your manager can seem like a daunting endeavor, there are a few simple things you can do to make this essential connection:

• Communicate openly. To make connections, you need to be able to talk with your manager and your manager needs to feel as if they can share things with you. This means not being afraid to ask questions and make suggestions and responding positively to constructive criticism.
• Be authentic. If your manager knows you well, that can help you to make a real connection that will strengthen your bonds at work. You don’t want to come across as a sycophant or a robot because your employer will see through your act and won’t think of you as someone honest and genuine.
• Take advantage of opportunities to socialize. If your company holds regular lunches or social events, it’s important to attend so you can get to know your manager in a more casual setting. Making this type of friendly connection can help to improve your overall relationship so working together will be easier.
• Avoid oversharing. While you want to be friendly with your manager, your manager isn’t your friend, they’re your boss. This means don’t dish about dating drama, family problems or other intimate details about your life that don’t belong in a professional setting.
• Show you’re committed to accomplishing your goals. Your manager is far more likely to trust you and connect with you if they are confident you can do your job well. No matter how friendly you are with your manager, you aren’t going to have a job for long if you can’t accomplish your work tasks.

It’s much easier to connect with your boss if you work for a company staffed by caring people where you’re a good fit. SmartTalent can help you to find a great job with a good manager and great co-workers. Our staffing professionals help candidates find work in Kirkland, Fife, Renton, Lacey, Lynnwood, Everett and surrounding areas, so give us a call today to find out how we can help you.