11 Mini strategies for a positive relationship with your manager

Strengthen communication and create a supportive work dynamic

This article is part of the Investigating human behaviour publication.

Being a solo (design ops) practitioner in a corporate environment can present communication and connection challenges with your manager.

Here are strategies to overcome these hurdles and maintain engagement:

1. Proactive communication: Initiate regular check-ins with your manager. Propose brief updates or touch-base meetings, showcasing your commitment to your role.
2. Agenda setting: When you do secure time with your manager, prepare a clear agenda with key points, updates, and questions. This ensures effective use of limited time.
3. Status reports: Share regular status reports or summaries of your activities, accomplishments, and challenges. This keeps your manager informed about your contributions.
4. Documented updates: In the absence of face-to-face meetings, use documented updates as a reliable way to communicate progress and significant developments.
5. Leverage collaborative tools: Utilize digital platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for ongoing communication, quick updates, and sharing of relevant information.
6. Request dedicated time: Express the need for regular one-on-one meetings to discuss your progress and alignment with your manager.
7. Attend relevant meetings: If securing time with your manager is challenging, attend other relevant meetings where they are present to gather information and insights indirectly.
8. Cross-functional networking: Connect with colleagues who interact with your manager. Engage in discussions or share insights relevant to your work.
9. Email updates: Send periodic email updates to your manager, highlighting your achievements, ongoing projects, and challenges you’re facing.
10. Adapt and prioritize: Recognize that you might not always get the frequency of meetings you desire. Prioritize critical updates and discussions for the time available.
11. Build allies: Establish relationships with other leaders or team members who can advocate for the importance of your role and its impact on the overall team and organization.

If the mini strategies mentioned earlier don’t yield the desired results, consider these steps:

• Seek support from colleagues: Reach out to colleagues within your team or relevant departments for suggestions on improving communication and involvement.
• Advocate for your role: Present a case for the importance of regular communication and collaboration to your manager or higher management, highlighting how your role contributes to the overall success of the team and organization.
• Formalize your role: Explore the possibility of having your role formalized or recognized more officially within the organization, leading to clearer responsibilities, expectations, and dedicated communication channels.
• Explore internal networks: Engage with internal networks, forums, or social platforms to connect with colleagues, share updates, and learn about developments within the team and organization.
• Consider a team huddle: Propose a regular team huddle or brief stand-up meeting for the entire team, allowing each member to provide quick updates on their work and fostering a sense of cohesion.
• Collaborate with team leads: Establish a close collaboration with team leads or managers who can help convey your contributions and updates to higher-ups or decision-makers.
• Document your efforts: Keep thorough documentation of your initiatives, improvements, and outcomes as tangible evidence of your impact, to be shared with relevant stakeholders.
• Request feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues, peers, or stakeholders on your contributions to refine your approach and demonstrate your value.
• Network externally: Attend industry events, webinars, or online communities to stay connected with the broader field and gain fresh insights.
• Consider alternative roles: If staying engaged and connected remains a persistent challenge, explore opportunities within or outside the organization that align more closely with your professional goals.

Remember that persistence and adaptability are key in navigating challenging situations. If you’re facing roadblocks, continue to assess and adjust your strategies while keeping your focus on contributing positively to the team’s success. If all else fails, it might be worth considering whether the current environment is conducive to your professional growth and well-being.

#Investigating-human-behaviour by Roman Schoeneboom is a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies that shape human actions and interactions. This publication offers a deep dive into the psychological, social, and cultural forces that drive behaviours, providing insights on topics such as #emotionalintelligence, #socialinfluence, and #habitformation.

Rooted in a deep curiosity about what drives human behaviour, Investigating human behaviour explores the underlying motivations behind our actions. The publication investigates subconscious patterns, emotions, and social dynamics, offering insights into why we behave in certain ways.