Workplace success is strongly linked to your relationship with your supervisor. This is important for raises, development and advancement. Your supervisor has a significant role in each of those areas.


On the other side, the “boss” is one of the largest reasons employees change organizations. Thus, it is critical to optimize this working relationship.


There are three approaches you can employ to have an effective relationship with your supervisor:


1. Secure annual goals and expectations. This is a solid step to clearly understand the output your
supervisor expects from you for the year. It provides you an opportunity to clarify these
expectations, and determine the resources you’ll have to achieve the goals—human, financial,
training, etc.


This also establishes the basis for future dialogue on performance throughout the year. The
annual document becomes the standard for evaluation of your efforts.


2. Seek quarterly “pulse checks” on your performance. These meetings provide a basis for
calibrating performance versus expectations. The objective is to determine if you are on track
to meet your goals and modify behavior/actions/plans as needed to stay on track.


Quarterly meetings are spaced far enough apart to enable you to have meaningful discussion of
performance. There are enough data points to highlight strengths and opportunities with
sufficient examples of each.


Importantly, you should use this feedback to modify your performance as agreed. This
approach will keep you aligned with your supervisor.


3. Lastly, provide monthly and/or weekly updates. The frequency of these updates varies on your
role and relationship with your supervisor. The objective is to insure alignment on key projects
and priorities.


One suggestion is one page document with three sections. In section one; provide highlights of
accomplishments from the prior period. This enables your supervisor to learn of your recent
accomplishments.


In section two, outline the projects and priority of those projects for the upcoming period. This
provides your supervisor the opportunity to weigh in on your projects and the priorities. After
the review, you should reach agreement on the priorities for the next period.


Finally, in section three, list areas where input is needed from your supervisor. This may include
decisions required. The supervisor will now be aware of those needs. You may also be able to
schedule time as needed.


Communicating with your supervisor and staying aligned can avoid gaps and increase the quality of your work experience.