Are you on good terms with your boss?

Answer honestly, and you will learn more about your job in the future.

'Why don't you improve your relations with your boss?' This question was put to working people of various levels, from simple employees to directors of companies and factories and the like, and here are some of their answers:

'My employer does not entirely understand me.'

'His state of nerves is tiresome.'

'He is truly a tyrant.'

'My boss does not think of me as a human being, his equal in capacity and in rights.'

'He likes to crush other people's pride.'

And this answer stood apart from the rest: 'He is not as serious about the work as I am.' If we consider these answers we find a common feature among them: the employer is always the one at fault.

We may blame the employee for this friction that breeds conflict and difference of opinion, but we cannot always lay the fault on his shoulders.

Let us take your problem with your employer. There is clear proof that complete agreement between employer and employee can never come about; and the problem is not that, but rather the fear of harm that may result in the future. These questions will help you improve your relations with your employer; read them carefully, then try to find the shortest road to a positive result.

1 — One of your colleagues takes an hour off to buy what she needs, and a week later you make the same request, and he does not grant it; so you address to him remarks such as these:

(a) 'Perhaps my luck will be better next time.'

(b) 'Very well, sir.'

(d) 'Did you not once agree to a request like this?'

(e) You say to yourself: 'If I were the boss, I would deal justly, without favoritism.'

2 — You propose an idea that has occurred to you for improving the work, and your employer does not approve it, and your reaction shows itself thus:

(a) 'I think you are wrong to reject this idea.'

(b) To yourself: 'He does not understand choice ideas.'

(d) 'Very well,' and you withdraw, feeling your powers scattered, and you do not try again.

(e) 'Who knows — you may be right.'

3 — Your boss criticizes the result of your work, and your reaction is:

(a) You do not utter a word, but you say to yourself that he does not understand and does not notice the fine care in your work.

(b) 'What exactly is my mistake?'

(d) You say to him: 'If you were in my place, you would change your mind.'

(e) 'Yes, sir,' you answer him, deliberately letting him notice the sarcasm in your tone.

4 — You ask your employer to raise your salary, and he promises to look into the matter; weeks pass without your getting an answer, and you remind him and he pays no attention.