There a few things we want from our career experience, pay increases, recognition, greater self confidence and career advancement. What is critical is to embrace is that your success at work begins-and can end-with your boss. I have a boss. You have a boss. Everyone has a boss. With that point established, it is important to strive to have the best possible relationship with "the boss".

Here are five keys to developing that great relationship and achieving success in your career.

* Understand Your Boss's Expectations of You. From day one on the job, you should seek to have a healthy working relationship with you manager. An important aspect of this relationship is to understand their expectations of the person in your role. Essentially, you should gain from them a clear picture of what "excellent output" is for your position. With that knowledge in hand, you can manage yourself toward excellence.

* Schedule Periodic "Pulse Checks" with Your Boss. There may not be a standard frequency for pulse checks-also known as informal personnel reviews-in every organization. However, it is worthwhile to have at least a brief conversation with your boss regarding your performance each quarter. The goal is for you to leave that discussion with feedback on current performance and alignment on actions you'll be taking for the next several weeks or months.

A couple of thoughts for your pulse check meeting. First, develop your end state for the discussion. For example, when you complete the meeting, you should have improved clarity on your performance versus expectations, have confirmed examples of excellent work, and insure you are aligned on priorities for the upcoming period.

Second, prepare for the discussion. Think of the key projects that have been completed or are those that are in progress. Try to get feedback on the work, its timeliness, content, impact, etc.

Lastly, the goal of the meeting is to listen, not defend. Keep your focus on listening to the feedback. This is an important gift to aid in your performance.

* Demonstrate Responsiveness to Feedback from you Boss. Okay. You've received feedback from your boss. Now what? Now you need to put the feedback to work. It is of great value when a manager suggests a course of action and sees it happen. Demonstrating responsiveness to feedback also indicates that you are a team-player and an effective co-worker.

* Provide Value Added Thinking. Another way to develop a great working relationship with your management is to provide "value added thinking". For example, if your management is focused on cost savings, then you should identify cost savings ideas in your area, department or for the total company. Identify and share approaches to help them achieve their goals. This will help you achieve your goal of success on the job.

* Actively Work to Make Your Company's Mission Come to Life. Take your understanding of the company's objectives to the next level by actively working to make them come to life for you. This may be in the form of volunteering, supporting activities beyond your primary responsibilities, or initiating or leading an activity that supports the mission. The goal is to actively embrace and act in a manner consistent with the direction of your organization. You will once again demonstrate that you are a team player.