How can you build professional relationships with your supervisor?

1 Understand your supervisor's goals and preferences

One of the first steps to building a professional relationship with your supervisor is to understand what they want from you and how they like to work. This can help you align your goals, avoid misunderstandings, and adapt your presentation style to suit their needs. You can find out more about your supervisor's goals and preferences by asking them directly, observing their behavior, or getting feedback from others who work with them. For example, you can ask them about their priorities, expectations, challenges, and preferred communication methods.

3 Show initiative and enthusiasm

A third way to build a professional relationship with your supervisor is to show initiative and enthusiasm. This can help you demonstrate your value, impress your boss, and create opportunities for growth. You can show initiative and enthusiasm by taking on extra responsibilities, suggesting new ideas, solving problems, and learning new skills. You can also show your passion and interest by expressing your opinions, asking for feedback, and participating in team activities. Furthermore, you can show your appreciation and respect by thanking your supervisor, giving them credit, and supporting their decisions.

4 Handle conflicts and disagreements constructively

A fourth tip to build a professional relationship with your supervisor is to handle conflicts and disagreements constructively. This can help you preserve your rapport, resolve issues, and learn from each other. You can handle conflicts and disagreements constructively by using assertive communication, focusing on the facts, and finding common ground. You can also avoid personal attacks, emotional reactions, and blaming. Additionally, you can seek feedback, apologize, and make amends if you make a mistake or hurt your supervisor's feelings.

5 Seek mentorship and guidance

A fifth strategy to build a professional relationship with your supervisor is to seek mentorship and guidance. This can help you improve your skills, gain insights, and advance your career. You can seek mentorship and guidance by asking your supervisor for advice, feedback, and recommendations. You can also express your career goals, aspirations, and challenges, and ask for their support and sponsorship. Moreover, you can learn from their experience, expertise, and network, and follow their example.

6 Be yourself and have fun

A sixth and final suggestion to build a professional relationship with your supervisor is to be yourself and have fun. This can help you create a genuine and enjoyable connection, and show your personality and values. You can be yourself and have fun by sharing your interests, hobbies, and stories, and finding out more about your supervisor's. You can also joke, laugh, and compliment, and show your human side. Furthermore, you can celebrate your achievements, milestones, and occasions, and join social events and activities.