Good managers take time to get to know their team. But, effective communication is always a two-way street, and the more you understand your manager the better your relationship will be.

There are a few pointers to help keep communication flowing.

Firstly, find out what drives your manager. They may be in their position because they are passionate about their field of work, or it may be because they see it simply as a stepping stone to the next corporate rung. Each is quite a different motivator and the sooner you recognize what makes your manager tick the easier it will be for you to work out how to get the most from your discussions with them.

Also, be open about expectations. If you are confused about what is expected of you, ask your manager if you can discuss the matter. Letting them know what expectations you have of yourself in your job is a great way to get the ball rolling – and to lead into asking them whether these expectations tally with their own.

Being approachable is another way to keep communication open. Sometimes managers need to be reminded that they are not alone and isolated. Although it’s easy to imagine managers feel they have all the answers and are in an easier position than your own, they are only human and should be treated as such.

Setting common goals can also be an effective communication tool. The more closely aligned you are with your manager on your pursuits, the easier it will be to interact with them. There will be plenty of times when your goals won’t align, but working hard to cement those that do will help you work through any rougher areas in your work relationships.