Do you have a new manager and you want to make a good impression?

It is always a great idea to think about building your relationship with your manager, I was recently asked a question on how to do this without seeming pushy or like you have ulterior motives.

Below are my tips for building rapport with your manager that have more to do with your behavior so you never feel as if you are cajoling your superiors to ‘like’you.

1. Always Be Reliable and Responsible 

The best and simplest way to build rapport and trust is by being responsible. This is something that you do every day that shows you are reliable and trustworthy. Here are some simple actions for being responsible that every person trying to build a positive work environment should adhere to:

• Be trustworthy by showing up on time, if not 10-15 min early.
• Do what you say you are going to do. This way your manager knows you can keep your word.
• Be prepared. Fully read your emails & meeting agendas, go over what you want to say in a meeting beforehand, and have all your materials organized and filed correctly so that you are ready when you are needed.

2. Be a contributing team member

Embracing and supporting your team is sure to be noticed and it helps in more areas than just impressing and building your relationship with your manager. Do your best to support other colleagues and managers whenever possible. Below I have listed attributes of elegance and positivity and will show your team and superiors that you are a team player:

• Volunteer to present or take on new projects
• Offer ideas or support
• Offer words of encouragement
• Accept responsibility for your mistakes
• Always communicate your need for help to your manager in a positive manner.

Develop Positive and Effective Communication

One of the best ways to build trust with your manager is what I call ‘Elegant Communication Techniques’ I talk about these a lot in my classes on and on my Instagram page and have several one-on-one coaching courses dedicated to effective communications. Below I have outlined areas to consider personal development in that will assist in you showing your superiors just how valuable you are to the team.

• -Use active listening tools to make sure you are understanding what is expected of you.
• Master your tone. Use positive language with a calm and understanding yet straightforward tone.
• Avoid complaining, gossip, and negative office politics whenever possible.
• Have tact when bringing up matters with your manager. Access situations and always try to ask at the best time.

I hope that you find these tips helpful for building trust with your new manager. Please remember that these tips can be used to build trust with other people in your life as well, perhaps at school or in your family.

I hope that you have found these tips for building rapport and trust with your manager helpful. I love to hear your feedback! Please tell me if you have used any of these methods to be the most elegant version of yourself today!