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5 Tips To Better Communicate With Your Manager

How To Communicate With Your Boss Better

Have you ever been working peacefully at your desk when suddenly your manager showed up to discuss an office concern? Before you knew it, your manager is walking away, leaving sparks in the air and frustration in his wake. What happened?

Most likely, it was a communication problem. Learning how to communicate effectively with your manager will not only enable you to keep your job but also advance your career. Learn these tips to communicate with your manager better!

1Establish Trust Between Both Of You

Is a lack of trust between you and your manager part of the problem? You can build trust. Do this by working hard to do your job right the first time.

Also, speak with them in a pleasant manner. Always speak well of them. Even when you disagree with your manager, try to do so without being defensive.

2Handle Criticisms Well

If your manager feels that you're not pulling your weight on a project, don't let them walk all over you. Be respectful as you stand up for yourself, and don't allow disagreements to turn into shouting matches or arguments. Realize that they're trying to do their job just as much as you're trying to do yours.

Instead of taking their criticism personally, listen to what they're saying and respond effectively. It's not always the case that what you know determines how far you can progress in a job. Very often, your employment success is based upon how well you get along with other people in the office, especially your boss.

3Adjust The Differences In Personality

Even if the two of you simply can't get along personally, this doesn't mean that all is lost. Start from the point of respect for the position. Communicate professionally and effectively.

Leave personal issues behind. Do whatever you can to communicate better and get your point across more effectively. Eventually, this will make you an indispensable member of the team.

4Resolve Simple Miscommunications

Is it possible that there's merely miscommunication between the two of you? You probably haven't fully understood what your manager was trying to tell you. Also, your manager might have completely missed what you were trying to say.

It's quite possible that the lack of communication might not be entirely your fault. Your manager probably needs to brush up on their communication skills, too. If you both put forth the effort to try to understand each other, the communication between the two of you will improve.

5Make Use Of Nonverbal Signals

An important part of your message in communicating is not what you say but how you say it. Watch the intensity, inflection, and tone of your voice. Your body language also conveys what's being said as much as the words do.

If your arms are crossed over your chest when speaking, it shows that your mind is made up and that there's no changing it. Establish and maintain eye contact to signal that you're interested in their opinion. Work on keeping an even tone of voice and staying in a neutral position while you're talking with your manager. Using your nonverbal signals correctly could transform your relationship with your manager from being confrontational into a great working relationship!

Make small improvements in how you speak and act towards your manager. This could make a big difference in the way the two of you get along. Practice these ideas.

It will help you communicate more effectively with your manager. You can then improve your working relationship. Plus, you'll enjoy greater success at work!



About Author

Jackie Wing

Jackie Wing is an Alaska native, who enjoys snowboarding more than is probably socially acceptable. She lives in Anchorage with her two dogs Reese and Peanut, or as she likes to call them "Thing 1" and "Thing 2."