Assistants and their bosses are involved in a dynamic new type of workplace alliance that calls on them to engage in a cooperative partnership to achieve organizational goals. To gain a better understanding of how well you and your boss cooperate, take this short self-assessment, from AMA’s best-selling seminar “Partnering with Your Boss.”
How well do these terms define your relationship with your boss? Answer each question “yes” or “no,” then read on to interpret your score.
- Do you and your boss share information, stories, tasks, etc.?
- Do you feel like you are “playing on the same team?”
- Do you have a joint interest in the goals you are trying to achieve?
- Is there a solid alignment between you when it comes to how to achieve mutual goals?
- Do you associate comfortably in an informal setting?
- Do you “know where you stand” with your boss?
- Would you say you work well together?
- Do you trust your boss?
- Does your boss trust you?
- Would you say you are currently “partnering with your boss?”
Your Score:
8-10 “yes” answers: You have a solid relationship and partnership with your boss. Focus your attention on ways to improve it.
5-7 “yes” answers: Your work together could probably be more productive and pleasant. Focus your attention on deficits in skills or differences in your work styles and management approaches, then find answers to help you improve.
1-4 “yes” answers: Your partnership with you boss needs attention and work. Focus your attention on issues of work style, trust, skills and ethics. You will probably want to build a plan to approach your boss about resolving some issues together.