What are the basic steps to be considered in managing your relationship with your boss.

Answers will vary. The first step in managing your relationship with your boss is to try to understand as much as you can about your boss. Many individuals naively expect the boss to be perfect and are disappointed when they find that this is not the case. The second step in managing this important relationship is to assess yourself and your own needs much in the same way you analyzed your boss's. Once you have done a careful self-analysis and tried to understand your boss, the next step is to work to develop an effective relationship. Another aspect of managing the relationship involves working out mutual expectations. One key activity is to develop a plan for work objectives and have the boss agree to it. Keeping the boss informed is also a priority. The employee-boss relationship must be based on dependability and honesty. This means giving and receiving positive and negative feedback. Finally, remember that your boss is on the same team you are. The golden rule is to make your boss look good because you expect the boss to do the same for you. Please see the section "Managing Political Behavior in Organizations" for more information.