Many “absolute truths” about the job market have changed in recent years. Many of them are related to the role of managers in the organizational environment. Years ago, managers were seen as almost untouchable figures in a rigid hierarchy, but today the scenario is very different. Therefore, it is worth creating a connection with direct leadership.
In fact, this possibility is already present in many professional relationships, did you know? We currently have a very interesting situation, which was translated into numbers by a recently published survey.
According to a study, around 65% of professionals interviewed said they felt close to their direct leaders. On the other hand, more than 17% of participants said they did not have a strong relationship with their leaders, but that this did not make any difference in their day-to-day work.
However, almost 19% explained that they do not feel a connection with management, and that this affects performance, engagement and motivation at work.
Thus, it is clear that some professionals still have difficulty strengthening relationships with their leaders, and would like to be able to do so in order to have a better organizational life.
In this sense, we know that this is not an easy task, especially for those who are used to other work dynamics, are more introverted and shy. However, it is possible to change this scenario with the right attitudes. To discover some of them, continue reading the text and see how you will be able to approach your direct leaders.
Connecting with Direct Leadership: 6 Ways to Achieve It
1 – Pay attention to your manager’s personality
As in any other relationship, establishing a connection between two people involves identification, empathy, alignments and combinations. And all this only happens when you are willing to get to know the other side of this equation.
At work, the dynamics are the same. To get closer to your manager, start by paying attention to him. Capture how he expresses his personality, notice his tastes, understand his work style and be interested in putting together each piece of this ‘puzzle’.
2 – Listen to him in a genuine and interested way
In fact, an excellent way to get to know your manager better and get closer to him/her is to practice active listening. Being genuine and interested, paying attention to what he/she says, whether in a professional setting or in more informal moments, will help you to strengthen your bonds.
After all, you will create more and more empathy and get to know him, having the resources to bring up topics, express affinities and have pleasant conversations throughout your workdays.
3 – Don’t be afraid to show vulnerabilities
However, relationships can’t be one-sided, right? For a connection to happen, leadership also needs to know you. And a good way to do this is by “letting your guard down,” something that is not always encouraged in corporate environments.
By strategically demonstrating your vulnerabilities, you make it clear to your leader that you are not an arrogant professional, that you have feelings of superiority over your colleagues and even over the leadership. This humility will also help you get closer, after all, the leadership will know better how to guide you professionally, creating connections between the two of you.
4 – Contact your leader to ask questions and ask for advice, but also help him/her
Following the same line of reasoning as the previous item, don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask your manager for advice and guidance. In a measured and appropriate way, these moments go beyond the superficial interactions of work.
This way, your leader can approach you on a deeper level, understanding your professional trajectory, desires, fears, insecurities and plans for the future.
5 – Show your commitment to work
However, remember to be careful with the frequency of these requests. Ultimately, leaders like employees who are committed to their work. In other words, professionals who comply with agreements, deliver on their demands, follow the rules and social norms of the organizational world and want to grow in their careers and within the company in question.
So, in a nutshell, deliver your work. Do what you were hired to do and watch the leadership sympathy emerge almost spontaneously.
6 – Exceed professional expectations
Finally, show that your commitment is genuine and focused on results. The more you exceed professional expectations, the more your manager will trust you and get closer to you. Now he knows that you are a highly valuable employee who will bring good times and changes to the work environment.