What to do when you cannot get along with your supervisor

In some organisations, the relationship between supervisors and employees is more like adversaries instead of allies.  Whether they are a supervisor or a worker, they are both employed to perform tasks that maintain and advance the organisation.{{more}}

An employee who is truly invested in his/her own future takes the steps needed to be a sound support system for the person with whom they work. It’s a win-win situation as the supervisor will begin to respect the employee’s work and recognise that employee as dependable and someone who is truly invested in the mission of the organisation. On the other hand, the employee will develop the reputation of being a dedicated, hard worker, thus setting themselves up for promotions and/or recognitions. 

Of course, there are supervisors who may not understand these efforts or may even feel threatened by a very helpful employee, but that’s more the exception than the rule. Such behavior by the supervisor is a reflection of his/her inability to be an effective leader.

Unless employees take on the responsibility to truly become allies with whom they work, their very job could be at stake.  The effects of globalisation are being felt worldwide.  There is an increase in foreign companies coming in and competing with local companies, in some cases with grave financial consequences.  With this much change, companies are in dire need of team players that are able to constantly move the organisation forward in the quickest, most efficient way possible. 

Employees and supervisors who constantly complain and fight with each other are a major problem, hindering productivity and creativity and endangering the success of the organisation.

Here are a few quick ways you as an employee can build an alliance with your supervisor:

Ask for extra work.

Never try to show up the supervisor when an error is discovered.

Forgive past disputes and move on.

Ask the supervisor how to best support him/her.

Offer to help coworkers whenever possible.

If a supervisor feels threatened by your moves, gently remind him/her that you are there to help.

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