Question

You have recently been appointed as a shop steward for your work unit. The supervisor of the unit tends to be fairly controlling and direct in the approach to staff; however, you feel that the supervisor has always been fair in dealing with members of the bargaining unit. What type of relationship would you want to develop with the supervisor? Why?

Answer 1

I would create a solid relationship with the younger boss so that the experience is pleasant and mutually beneficial. By doing this, I would also feel younger and be more energetic to do the work.

Develop a good working relationship with supervisor :

1. Learn from my supervisor – Though the supervisor is of the same age, there might be certain skills that I can learn from my supervisor.

2. Outing together-I can build strong relationship by going out together.

3. Appreciate feedback- When my supervisor provides a feedback to me, appreciate it so that the relationship does not falter.

4. Avoid formalities- Just address my boss with his/her name and not sir. This creates a good relationship between me and my boss.

The key is to remember that I was hired because I have a specific set of skills that the company values and, often, can offer a different perspective than my supervisor can. Feeling sufficiently great to differ with your chief and have an open line of correspondence will manufacture a solid relationship—one in which you realize the best thoughts will consistently ascend to the top.

Consider the following as an example response to the question of supervisor and subordinate relationships:

It’s in a supervisor’s best interest to develop good, friendly rapport with each person who reports to him or her, but it’s also important to stay focused on the job. A supervisor should always have open lines of communication and be able to boost morale among the team without losing sight of work priorities.

While you’re more likely to encounter this type of question when applying for a supervisory position, the general principles are the same no matter what type of job you’re seeking.