Building a positive relationship with your manager can transform your entire work experience. Your boss influences your growth, engagement, and job satisfaction more than almost any other factor — yet few employees intentionally invest in that connection.

The good news? You don’t need a promotion or years of experience to start improving things. With a few simple, consistent actions, you can strengthen trust, communication, and collaboration. Whether your relationship is strained or simply average, these ways to improve your relationship with your manager can help you build mutual respect and alignment — starting today.

1. Have a “Working Styles” Conversation 

Every great manager-employee relationship begins with understanding.

Take time to talk about how both of you like to work. Discuss topics like communication preferences, feedback style, and decision-making processes. Ask questions such as:

• “How do you prefer to receive updates or progress reports?”

• “What’s your ideal feedback style — written, verbal, or spontaneous check-ins?”

• “What are your top work priorities right now?”

Then, share your own preferences too. This clarity helps prevent miscommunication before it starts. Research shows that 87% of employees would take a pay cut to work in a way that suits them best — but you don’t have to. You just need an open conversation about what works for both sides.

2. Send a Quick End-of-Week Recap 

A simple end-of-week email can completely change how your manager perceives your accountability.

Every Friday, spend 10 minutes writing a short update that includes:

• What you accomplished this week

• Wins or milestones worth celebrating

• Areas where you need help or feedback

• Things to note for next week

This transparent communication builds trust and saves your manager from unnecessary check-ins. It’s a subtle way of saying, “I’ve got this,” and shows initiative — one of the top traits leaders value in high performers.

3. Give Upward Feedback (Tactfully) 

Good managers appreciate feedback too — especially when it’s respectful and solution-focused. When you share suggestions thoughtfully, you position yourself as a collaborative partner rather than a critic.

Example:

“I really appreciate all the creative ideas you send over email — they spark my thinking. One thing that could help me prioritize better is knowing which ideas are most urgent.”

Or:

“This presentation is strong; maybe adding a slide about our background could help build rapport with clients. What do you think?”

When framed positively, upward feedback builds mutual trust and strengthens your working relationship over time.

4. Be Proactive — Offer Help Before You’re Asked 

Managers love employees who think one step ahead. Look for small ways to make their job easier — not as a “teacher’s pet,” but as a reliable teammate.

Try offering:

• “Would it help if I summarize last quarter’s results for your Monday meeting?”

• “Should I book the room and handle lunch for next week’s team session?”

This kind of initiative shows ownership and leadership potential. You’re not just completing tasks — you’re anticipating needs, which helps your manager trust you more deeply.

5. Remember They’re Human 

Your manager is a person first — with interests, stress, and life outside of work. Showing empathy and curiosity goes a long way.

You might say:

• “How was your daughter’s graduation?”

• “Did you get a chance to try that restaurant you mentioned?”

These small gestures turn a transactional relationship into a genuinely supportive one. Over time, empathy deepens respect and makes collaboration more enjoyable for both of you.

Final Thought: Relationships Grow Through Intentionality

You don’t need dramatic gestures to improve your relationship with your manager. You just need consistency, communication, and care. Start with one of these small actions this week — and watch how quickly the dynamic changes for the better.

When you focus on understanding, transparency, and trust, you’re not just improving your relationship with your manager — you’re investing in your own career growth.