by Patti Winters

Created on: March 19, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

There isn't a magic answer that will help you build a rapport with your boss. It isn't something that will happen immediately. It is something that will come with time as long as you put for an effort. There are a few guidelines you can learn to apply when you are starting a new job that will assist you to build that rapport.

1. Learn your job. When you learn your job and are able to do it well it will go a long way to helping with a good rapport with your boss. If he doesn't have to check on you at all times of the day it will free him up to handle other issues. He will be more relaxes around you because he isn't coming to see you because he is upset about something. Which means you will be able to talk to him while he is relaxed instead of tense.

2. Find out his interests. Most people wouldn't think this was important because it is work and personal issues should stop at the door. But if you are going to build a good rapport with your boss it is helpful if you get to know him and the way to get to know him is to find out about him. Ask about his interests and family. You don't want to do this right away or all at once. You want to build on the conversations you have to fill out the picture you have of him. If you don't have any of the same interests, look into some of his, you might find they are interesting.

3. Remember your boss is human too. This is important because even though we know we should our personal problems do come to work with us. If you know he is having a bad day because of something that has happened then you will be able to learn to help with his workload or help out in the office more.

These are just a couple of the ideas you can incorporate into building a better rapport with your boss, but not even close to an end of the things you can do. If you do your job well and when you aren't busy help others out then that will go a long way to building on the rapport you want. Remember to give it time, it isn't going to happen overnight.

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