Employees need to learn how to manage up in any number of situations. The relationship with your boss is crucial, and figuring out how to best cultivate that relationship is key to laying the groundwork for your future success.

Having and maintaining a good relationship with your boss not only makes your work life easier, it's also imperative to your overall job satisfaction. Here are some tips on how best to manage your manager.

1. Recognize what kind of boss you have

It's obvious that all bosses are not created equal, and all pose new and different challenges, as well as quirks and personalities to adjust to and be aware of. Take note of how your boss conducts himself and what makes him tick. Get to know your boss, how they like to communicate, and what their objectives are. Do they prefer to talk in person or over email? Do they make decisions based on data? Do they like to micromanage or are they hands-off? Know how and when to approach your boss in certain situations.

No matter what your boss's leadership style is, be perceptive and willing to adjust your approach to the relationship.

2. Don't suck up

At every job, there are going to be coworkers who just can't help themselves — they love to suck up to the boss. Maybe the boss receives this well; maybe he or she doesn't. But regardless, it makes you squeamish. "I will have no part in this manipulative and insincere fodder," you say to yourself.

If you find yourself in this camp, good for you. However, don't forget that you still need to cultivate that relationship. Be sincere. Ask yourself, "How am I adding value to this company, to my boss and to my co-workers?" Seeking answers to these questions will automatically set you on the course to building your boss's trust and developing a healthy relationship with them. There is no substitute for being an effective, dependable source of help.

3. Learn how to disagree

There inevitably will be times when you disagree with your boss. As in any relationship, this is totally normal. While it's OK to disagree, what's more important is how you disagree — are you heated and stubborn? Or are you productive and respectful? Try to see things from your boss' perspective while presenting yourself in a way where you can help him or her stand in your shoes as well. Disagreements can lead to a better relationship in the future if handled with care.

4. Close, but not too close

It's great to be close to your boss and really like working with them, but don't forget, at the end of the day, your boss is still your boss. He or she has the power to fire you, deny you a raise, or disagree with you on the best way to run a project. Becoming too close has the potential to cause some bumps in the road and foster an awkward work environment. Always keep your relationship professional.

It's also important to focus on creating high-value relationships with other superiors, in addition to your boss, that could prove beneficial for future growth and career development.

5. Remember there is no substitute for your job

At the end of the workday, the best way to create a healthy relationship with your boss is by doing your job, and doing it well. That means always being proactive in adding value to the team and to your company. Anticipate what needs to be done and jump in. This will help lay the groundwork for a good working relationship with your boss, and will be far better than anything else you do.

With over 6,400 jobs listed, KSL Jobs your next job and boss is out there. Foster a good relationship from the beginning.

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