San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

Determining the boss/worker relationship

MCT Campus
MCT Campus

After sifting through pages of Craigslist ads and sending dozens of e-mails, job hunters will usually receive a response. With a strong interview, the job is theirs and feelings of anxiousness turn into relief and joy.

During introductory meetings, managers can seem nice enough, but newbies have no idea what kind of person they are about to work for. Aside from that piece of paper known as a rèsumè, managers don’t know the person they just drafted for the team either.

Some superiors think they are only responsible for telling others what to do. Others could be the K-Swiss-sporting 30-year-old, desperate to share personal thoughts during shots at the end of a shift. The employee could be the type who has multiple broken household appliances, or they could be mature managers in the making. As with any working dynamic, there are a few ground rules that will lead to friendship and success in the workplace.

It is important for employees to know what is expected of them, speak up for themselves, respect their supervisors and be willing to learn about the job and their co-workers. Sociology senior Rachel Bennett has had two very different bosses and with guidelines similar to these, she was able to build strong relationships with both.

“I showed respect and took direction from the get-go while still trying to get to know them on a personal level,” Bennett said.

Work environment morale does not solely depend on the employee’s attitude. Managers must find a way to be responsible and relatable to all in a respectful way that reflects the values of the organization.

While one of Bennett’s superiors was hilarious, extremely personable and favorable toward Bennett and her friends at work, the employer did not know what she was doing half the time, was a few years older than most of the staff and did not earn respect from many employees, including Bennett.

Bennett’s other boss was quite the opposite. He was closer in age to his employees, but acted more professional. He was able to relate better and work more efficiently.

“He knew how to do his job really well and talk to the staff both above and below him,” Bennett said.

The manager / employee relationship is a delicate balance. The employee must give effort and respect, while the manager must be knowledgeable about the organization and appreciate the employee. After these feelings of esprit de corps are exchanged, being friendly and casual at work will not throw the business out of whack, but make the workday flow more smoothly because both workers and managers are happy.

Once respect is established, chances are that despite hierarchy, both will be able to relate on multiple levels. This will allow them to assist and entertain each other in the work place. Judith M. Bardwick expresses this idea perfectly in her article “Employee-Boss Relationships.”

“The best relationships involve chemistry or rapport, which simply means liking someone and getting along easily,” Bardwick said. “It means working with or for the other person is a positive experience that people look forward to.”

But as intelligent as it may be to garner a relationship with one’s superiors, it might pay off to know where the line is drawn regarding the intimacy of inner job friendships. There’s not a whole lot more disappointing than losing one’s job because of too much fraternization with the boss.

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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Determining the boss/worker relationship