How to Make Your Boss Like You: The Top 7 Steps

How to Make Your Boss Like You
While we all must be good at our jobs, how we relate to our supervisor matters.  Employees who have positive relationships with their boss are more likely to thrive, advance in their careers, and be engaged at work. Building a strong relationship with your boss is not about flattery or workplace politics, however, it is about having their back and demonstrating a genuine interest in their success.

The good news is that a recent Pew Research Center survey found that 55% of American workers say their manager or supervisor is “excellent” or “very good” to work for.   The bad news is that a Perceptyx study found that 24% of employees say they are working for their “worst boss ever.” If your relationship with your boss could use some work, here are seven research-backed tips to help get you where you want to go.

How to Make Your Boss Like You: The Top 7 Steps
Based upon people manager assessment center and employee engagement survey data, here is how you can make your boss like you and build a solid foundation for your career.

1. Align with Their Goals
   First, invest the time to figure out how to align your goals and accountabilities with your boss’ strategic priorities. Understand what your boss is trying to achieve and how their role fits into the overall company strategy. Your goal is to understand how to make yourself an invaluable asset to your boss and the team.

   Do you understand what your boss is trying to accomplish and the strategic line of sight to overall company priorities?

2. Understand Your Boss’ Expectations
   The next step to getting on your boss’s good side is to understand what your boss expects from you. Try questions like:

   — What constitutes high performance for my role?

   — How is my success measured?

   — What job responsibilities are in and out of scope for my role?

   — Who are my key stakeholders?

   — What support can I expect from you and those around me?

   Do you know what defines high performance for your role?

3. Communicate Effectively
   Communication is key to a good relationship with anyone; it is especially key if you want a positive relationship with your boss. Be concise and direct in your communications, and tailor your communication style to match your boss’s preferences and the situation at hand. If your boss prefers emails over meetings, respect that. If they like quick updates throughout the day, make it a habit to check in.

   Being a good communicator not only helps you stay aligned with your boss but also builds trust.  Excellent communicators:

   Include only relevant thoughts in the message.

   — Organize the message around key points.

   — Respond with short and pointed messages, rather than overwhelming the audience with data.

   — Communicate with energy, excitement, and passion.

   — Use vivid, engaging, and impactful language.

   — Use stories, similes, and metaphors to convey ideas.

   Do you have the essential communication skills to succeed?

4. Take Initiative
   Great employees do not need to be micromanaged. We know from action learning leadership development programs that leaders appreciate employees who can think strategically and take initiative. Instead of waiting to be told what to do, high performing employees always look for ways to add value to their team and organization.

   Demonstrate that you are invested in the company’s success and are willing to go beyond your basic job duties.

   Do you take enough initiative at work?

5. Be Reliable and Consistent
   We know from organizational culture assessment data that reliability is a trait that bosses value highly. Bosses want employees who meet deadlines, produce quality work, and follow through on commitments. Dependability at work in “what you do” and “how you do it” not only builds trust but also positions you as a key player on the team.

   Are you dependable and consistent enough in the eyes of your boss?

6. Show Empathy and Understanding
   Showing appropriate empathy and understanding in the right situations towards your boss can go a long way in building a strong rapport. Understand that your boss has their own pressures and challenges. If they seem stressed or overwhelmed, offer support or ask how you can help.

   Do you care enough to strengthen the professional relationship with your boss?

7. Seek and Act on Feedback
   Employees who ask for consistent feedback demonstrate their commitment to professional growth and being a team player. Asking for feedback shows your boss that you value their opinion, are coachable, and eager to continuously improve. When you receive feedback, take it seriously and implement changes from the feedback where necessary.

   Does your boss know that you are willing to learn and grow?

The Bottom Line
Most highly engaged workers have a strong relationship with their direct manager.  Building a strong, positive relationship with your boss is essential for your professional success and happiness. Remember, “how to make your boss like you” is not about ingratiating yourself but about demonstrating that you are a competent, committed, and collaborative member of the team.

To learn more, download Research Report – Relationship Between Employee Engagement and Manager Effectiveness