Workplace Relationships(2)

•The Superior – Avoid casual engagements with your superior unless they initiate it. Superiors will normally try to create a barrier between them and their subordinates. This makes it easier to manage their team and be able to hold a neutral perspective when judging their work and performance. As such, it is normal to have some coolness between you and your superior at first. Let your superior lead the tone of the relationship. Engage when engaged with and respond when prompted. Bear in mind, that your superior has more working experience than you and would not really find anything you have to say on the subject to be that interesting. Also, they might be assessing or judging you based on whatever you say. Furthermore, they might misconstrue your feedback to be a criticism against them. All this can be avoided by thinking before talking. Though even with the best intentions, the wrong message may go through. If that happens, don’t dwell on it and move on, remember that so much happens in a day or a week at work that small matter like this rarely stand the test of time. To stay safe, keep it simple and respond when prompted. There is no need to have fascinating conversations with your superior especially when it does not concern your role and work.