Do you have a feeling in the pit of your stomach that you and you boss just don’t click? Are you flummoxed about why your manager seems to interact so effortlessly with your colleagues but then avoids you or acts like you’re not there? Do you worry that they don’t trust you or, even worse, don’t like you? Before you work yourself into a frenzy, take a moment to assess what’s really going on and identify what’s causing the strain in your relationship. Once you do, you can build a targeted plan for how to make things better.
What to Do If Your Boss Doesn’t Like You
A targeted plan to make things better.
July 29, 2020
Henrik Sorensen/Getty Images
Summary.
Research shows that your relationship with your boss is one of the most important factors in your experience of work. But what happens if you suspect that your boss doesn’t like you? First, consider the possibility that the disconnect might stem from them not having confidence in you. If your boss doesn’t have confidence in you, you’re likely to miss out on plum opportunities or to suffer through micro-management. You can attempt to rectify your boss’s unfair assessment by clarifying their expectations, increasing their confidence in your ability, and boosting their comfort that you will deliver. If your boss is confident in you but just doesn’t seem to like you, stop talking and starting listening. Engage your boss to learn about the world through their eyes and you’ll slowly start to see them open up to you. If your relationship with your boss isn’t where you’d like it, don’t lose hope. Change your approach and see if you can spark a connection.