No matter where you are in your promo career, it helps to have a strong relationship with your boss. This person is someone who can help you grow with your organization and expand your skills. Some people, though, are wary of their manager. They may butt heads, not trust each other fully or not understand each other’s viewpoints.

According to Lea McLeoud, a career consultant and job search coach, if you’re not seeing eye to eye with your boss, you can get things back on track by asking some specific questions. We share her guidance in this issue of PromoPro Daily.

  1. What are your career goals? The answer will shed some light on your manager’s long-term goals, which can help you understand why your boss makes certain decisions. McLeoud says by having insight into your manager’s goals, you’ll better understand why they manage your team the way they do, instead of doubting their strategies.
  2. What do you care most about at work? Unless you work for the CEO or a small promo company, your boss also has a boss. Asking this question helps you find out what’s on your manager’s mind and how your team fits into the bigger picture. McLeoud says getting your finger on the pulse of the company’s higher-level projects may give you the opportunity to volunteer for initiatives you otherwise wouldn’t have known about.
  3. What can I do to make you more successful? McLeoud recommends asking this question often, whether you ask monthly or quarterly. You should always want to make your boss as successful as possible, she says. When you get a straightforward answer to this question, you’ll know exactly how to focus your energy. And, she adds, you’ll also show your boss that you’re truly invested in their success.
  4. What’s one thing I could do differently? This is a smart question to ask your boss because the answer will shed light on their expectations. If your boss wants you to chime in more on meetings, it’ll let you know they value a collaborative environment. Knowing this, McLeoud says, helps you perform exactly to their expectations.
  5. How would you like to receive feedback from me? This can be especially helpful if you’re new to a team or your boss is new. You want to be sure you’re communicating in the way your boss prefers. If you know they don’t like impromptu conversations in the hallway, send them your thoughts in an email. McLeoud says you’ll get a much better response if you cater to your manager’s preferences.

Try asking your boss some of the questions above. This can help you open the door to a more productive and enjoyable working relationship. When you work better together, both you and your boss can achieve more success.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Lea McLeoud is an experienced manager, career consultant and job search coach who contributes to The Muse.