What do you do if your boss seems unapproachable and distant?

It's crucial to empathize with our boss and understand their perspective. To ensure there are no issues on our end: 1. Provide genuine support to prevent the need for redoing tasks. 2. Become indispensable in our field of expertise. 3. Avoid gossip, especially about our boss, as it can reach them quickly. 4. Maintain workplace discipline. 5. Consistently demonstrate our value, as recognition may take time but consistency is essential. Consistent support is highly valued by bosses amidst their busy schedules.

Better idea: Pretend they are approachable. I've met a ton of people who seemed distant... but when they got into a topic *that interested them* ... 🤩 So, if you want to connect with a boss, start by figuring out what your boss WANTS to talk about. What are their priorities, passions? Listen to them talking in meetings or with other folx, and consider: "What lights this person up?" (even if just a bit) Ask about that. And do it at the right moment. When they're rushing to accomplish 17 things, it's not the time to chat.

To act appropriately, understand why your boss seems unapproachable. Reasons include workload, stress, communication preferences, or leadership style. Empathize with their perspective for sensitivity and insight.

In my experience all leaders should demonstrate core company values and principles which would make them appropriate for the role which would include them being approachable.

Empathetic understanding towards our boss is key! Often we see things from our perspective and miss the demands from higher level! It's better to make sure the issue is not with us, by ensuring the following: 1. Extend genuine support. Your boss should find no reason to re-do your work or re delegate it to somebody. 2. Be indispensable in your area of work. 3. Do not gossip especially about your boss. Trust me, gossips travel faster to their ears 4. Maintain discipline at workplace 5. Above all, things may take some time to get noticed but consistency is the key. Bosses definitely appreciate unwavering support in their hectic schedule.

Yep. There are days I'm happy to chit chat... but most of the time life as a ceo, my to-do list is OVERFLOWING. I'm pretty much always excited to talk w an employee who's updating me on stuff that's helping me cross off one of those to-do items... so that's a great place to start.

Despite their demeanor, make an effort to initiate communication with your boss. Start with simple, work-related topics or inquiries. This could be via email, during scheduled meetings, or by stopping by their office if appropriate. If despite your efforts, the situation doesn't improve, consider seeking support from HR or a trusted mentor within the organization. They may be able to offer advice or facilitate a conversation to address any underlying issues.

Look for common interests or topics that you and your boss can connect on. This could be related to work projects, industry trends, or shared hobbies outside of work. Finding common ground can help foster a stronger rapport.

If despite your efforts, the situation doesn't improve, consider seeking support from HR or a trusted mentor within the organization. They may be able to offer advice or facilitate a conversation to address any underlying issues.

Take proactive steps to build trust with your boss. Follow through on your commitments, meet deadlines consistently, and deliver high-quality work. Building a track record of reliability can help alleviate any concerns they may have about your performance.

Networking is key. Have an open honest professional attitude. Make it your business to grow your network over as many departments and jobs roles as you can. From administration and support staff, to managers in other departments. Ask how their days is going, take interest in the answers they give you. Ask about their duties and day to day tasks, learn from experience. Over time you will build rapport, trust and this will ultimately be fed back to your line manager. Having a good understanding and working knowledge of the organisation and where you fit in can do great things to your confidence and your professional image.