No matter where you are on the company ladder, you will always have a boss. It is, perhaps, the one universal of the workplace. Bosses can promote you or demote you. They can hire you or fire you. They can give you a raise or give you an ulcer. That is why you need to learn how to make your boss work for you. At stake are your happiness and future career advancement. By all means, let your boss think he’s super boss. Just use human relations training to get him to do what you want him to do.

Here are six ways to make your boss work for you:

• Try not to be best friends with a boss. You have plenty to lose. Your boss may try so hard not to give preferential treatment to you that he is extra tough on a daily basis. In the long term, you might miss a promotion. Any trouble in your personal relationship may find its way into the office. If you have personal problems with your boss, you will likely suffer at work. Also, your co-workers will probably resent you. Remember, bosses should not know too much about you. Nor should they worry that you know too much about them.

• Some days will be hell. There will be times when a boss may jump on you unfairly. You do not like it, but you cannot let your boss’ mood swings affect your job performance. Sometimes you will be hounded because your performance is not up to snuff, sometimes because your boss’ performance is being scrutinized. Bosses can be moody, and it is important to try to determine what their moods are about. Do not flatter yourself into thinking every nasty look and smart remark is directed only at you.

• Do not let a legitimate gripe fester. When things bother you, accept the status quo or do something about it. Either way, do not let something that annoys you affect your morale. The best way to handle this is to talk to your supervisor. Once it is resolved, you can forget about it and get back to normal.

• Timing is essential. Smart workers learn to pick the right time to talk with a supervisor. When a boss has a monumental deadline it is pure suicide to voice your concerns. Postpone discussing your concerns until he has time to talk.

• Get human relations training. Do not assume that human relations are something that you are born with. You still have to get proper training on human relations skills if you want to build a successful career.

• Do not be afraid of your supervisor. Bad supervisors might be unethical, harass you, or promote “pets” who should not be promoted. But do not so afraid of a boss that you cannot stand reasonable ground, or at lest voice an opinion.

While you should not normally go above a supervisor’s head, there are times you may have to do just that. Some bosses need to be kept in line so they do not victimize you. If that means talking with personnel, talk with personnel. If it means asking for a transfer, ask for a transfer. Even if you have to resign (hopefully, that will not be necessary), do not let a boss demean you.

Tags: boss, Career, career advancement, co-workers, human relations training, promotion, skills, supervisor