One of the reasons why many working executives facing stress at their workplace is the strain relationships they have with their bosses. They are not happy because they believe their bosses do not like them.

Why is it important to foster good relationship with your boss? Only you know the answer. You can actually have an easier life if you know how to increase your influence on your boss. It will help you greatly in your career advancement

- During meetings – Ask crucial questions

During meeting or discussions, it is easier to get others to know you. People in higher positions like to know that their subordinates are contributing to the organization. So, pay attention to the agendas. Then, ask some ‘important’ questions.

To get your boss (or bosses) to remember you, ask crucial questions and suggest some constructive views. You have impressed them with your astute thoughts. You have gained a good reputation for yourself.

However, if you have nothing to ask, do not force any unwanted attention upon yourself. You are making a fool of yourself when you crack some silly jokes or comments during these meetings. Yes, people will remember you, but only the foolish you!

- Show interest in the organization

Working in an organization not only requires your time and wisdom; it also demands your interest. Show others the interest you have for your job and the organization.

Always be the first to show interest in the future of your organization. Furnish constructive propositions that will help your organization to grow.

- Brief your boss on an important project

Grab the opportunity when you are asked to brief your boss on a certain project. It is a rare opportunity to meet such an important person in person. If you are senior executive, there is a great probability that you will have this chance.

However, if you are just an ordinary executive, always be prepared for such an opportunity. When you have the chance, do not let it go by recommending someone else.

- Volunteer for charitable purposes

How could you get to know the company directors or others from the top management? One way is to involve in charitable purposes organized by your own organization.

Usually, only the key personnel are involved. Your chance to be noticed is very high. Be careful with what you say when you meet them. Your approach here is important too.     

- Volunteer for formal organization functions

Before any formal function starts, there are many preparations to carry out. You can volunteer as a committee. The top management will look into the preparations every now and then. You will be noticed and recognized for your effort.

- Have your name in the organization newsletter

Contribute something for the newsletter. Be it a short article or any short quip that will make someone from the top management notice you. Be a consistent contributor. Do not use the valuable chance to write some topics that will stir up bad response among your co-workers and people in the top management.

- Present your ideas

When you have ideas that will help in the growth of the organization; present them in a practical way to your boss. Do not merely attract your boss with the ideas. Do not leave him wondering what you mean.

Build practical cases to support your suggestions. Write your proposals as neatly as you can. Pay attention to detail facts and figures. Do not overdo it with outlandish claims. Be realistic and logic.

- Develop good working relationships with others

To be noticed by your boss, it also helpful to be noticed and recognized by your co-workers first. Remember, your co-workers are the ones working with you. So, they should know the kind of person you are. A recommendation from any co-worker will launch you to another new height in your career. So, never underestimate the effect of your co-workers have over the top management.

There are many reasons why your co-workers would want to recommend you. You may be the best person to get a certain job done. You may have a standing reputation as the expert in certain field. Whatever the reason is; remember to develop healthy relationships with your co-workers.

- Build a rapport with those not in the same department

Colleagues from another department can also be a help. Do not underrate their friendships. They may in a way or so, pass to you valuable news about the organization. They may also recommend you to a vacancy in their department.

- Show respect to your boss

Whatever your thoughts about your organization are, keep them to yourself. Do not join in the ‘office gossips’. Always show a degree of respect to your boss, no matter what he does.

You do not have to support your boss openly. Just respect his decisions. Remember that he has the ability to make or break you. Do not ‘badmouth’ him; an action that will definitely jeopardize your career.

- Be consistent in your own job performance

These days, big and small organizations use various methods to measure the job performance of their staff. Unless you do well in your work, you will find your name in the layoff list soon. Show consistency in your work. Show your boss your capability. When you have had a good job performance review, you know you have done a great job. Most important is, your boss knows it too!

Striving to do your best work can get you the recognition you deserve. Always make it a point to let your boss know that you are reliable and trustworthy. Be sincere to everyone, including your subordinates. Your boss will like to know he has a dependable and responsible person in his team. In due time, your efforts are made known to other higher-level managers too.