Getting along with your supervisor

In some organizations, the relationship between supervisor and worker is more like adversaries instead of allies. Whether you are a supervisor or a worker, you are both employed to perform tasks that would maintain and advance the organization.{{more}}

A worker who is truly invested in his/her own future takes the steps needed to be a sound support system for the person with whom they work. It’s a win win situation, as the supervisor will begin to respect the employee’s work, recognize that employee as dependable and someone who is truly invested in the mission of the organization. On the other hand, the employee will develop the reputation of being a dedicated, hard worker, thus setting himself/herself up for promotions and/or recognitions. 

Of course, there are supervisors who may not understand these efforts or even feel threatened by a very helpful employee, but that’s more the exception than the rule. Such behaviour by the supervisor is a reflection of their inability to be an effective leader.

Unless employees take on the responsibility to truly become allies with whom they work, their very job could be at stake. The effects of globalization are being felt worldwide, and the Caribbean region is no exception. There is an increase in foreign companies coming in and competing with local companies, and in some cases with grave financial consequences for local companies. With this much change, companies are in dire need of team players who are able to constantly move the organization forward in the quickest, most efficient way possible. 

Employees and supervisors who constantly complain and fight with each other are a major problem, hindering productivity, creativity and endangering the success of the organization.

Here are a few quick ways to build an alliance with your supervisor:

• Ask for extra work

• Never try to show up your supervisor when an error is discovered

• Forgive past disputes and move on

• Ask the supervisor how you can best support him/her

• Offer to help co-workers whenever possible

• If a supervisor feels threatened by your moves, gently remind him/her that you are there to help.

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert.”