No matter how well you and your manager work together, never take the relationship for granted. Like any significant connection between two people, it requires nurturing and periodic reflection. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship with your boss every few months by revisiting these 10 questions:
1. Have I taken the primary responsibility for managing my relationship with my boss?
2. Am I aware of my manager’s expectations for me? Are they realistic?
3. Is my manager aware of what resources I need to meet those expectations?
4. How much does my boss know about what I’ve been doing for the past few months? If she doesn’t know enough, how can I correct that?
5. Am I reliably meeting my commitments? If not, how can I rectify shortcomings?
6. How well do my manager and I get along on a daily basis? Do we need to address any conflicts?
7. Do our oral and written interactions occur with ease? If not, how can I make our communications more seamless?
8. Do we trust each other? What can I do to increase the level of trust?
9. Do I back up my boss when I talk to others about her and execute her goals?
10. What could I do to support my manager more effectively?
Obviously, ripples can surface in any relationship. When that happens, smooth them out as soon as you notice them. Periodic assessments using these 10 questions can reveal the not-so-obvious problems that fester when left neglected. You might even track progress by counting how many questions raise concerns each time you monitor the relationship. If the number increases over time, that may signal a systemic problem in the relationship. If the number decreases, your connection is probably getting stronger and more productive.
The point is simply to be vigilant without creating undue worry. Remaining attuned for signs of regression—and nipping them in the bud—will ultimately make progress more likely.