3 Lifehacks by Sodexo for Having a Great Relationship With Your Boss

This blog originally appeared on sodexoinsights.com

For the vast majority of us, having a boss is just a fact of life. Whether or not we get along with those bosses, however, can be much less of a sure thing—but it doesn’t have to be.

Other than being a friendly, intelligent and all-around all-star employee, which of course you are, there are steps you can actively take to better connect with your boss, and they’re not even that hard. Check them out:

Become a Pro at Being Proactive

Chances are, you can work fairly independently, and that’s great. But when it comes to building your manager’s confidence in you, a little communication goes a long way. Let your boss know what’s on your plate, and ask if the way you’re prioritizing tasks is correct. Don’t just send in completed work, update him or her on your progress as you go. And lastly, but most importantly if you ask Terri Hockett, Chief Executive of What’s For Work?, a career site for women, always offer your time, help and expertise without being asked. When you start being proactive, you start showing your boss you’ve got everything under control.

Ask And You Shall Receive (Feedback)

Asking for feedback, not far removed from being proactive, is vital to a healthy managerial relationship. Even a good boss isn’t always as forthcoming as we’d like with constructive feedback, and asking every once in a while shows that you’re willing to improve. It also creates more open communication between you and your boss, a surefire way to improve your relationship, according to Jim Belosic, CEO of ShortStack.

Honesty is the Best Workplace Policy

As in all relationships, honesty is one of the most important qualities. Set realistic expectations, and then over-deliver when you can. Ask for help when you need it, rather than letting a project slip. Provide feedback to your boss, too, as long as it’s constructive. Honest and open conversations are the beginning of a loyal partnership, which is key in effective long-term relationships, Lauren Berger from Fast Company writes. When you’re honest about what you need, you’ll be surprised by what you get.

That’s it from us. How do you build your relationship with your boss? Let us know in the comments on sodexoinsights.com