How to Develop a Good Relationship with Your Boss’s Boss

Your relationship with your boss is critical to your success. But there’s another person who often has just as much influence over your career: your boss’s boss. Here’s how to foster that connection without undermining your manager.

• Connect with your boss’s boss on a personal level. Finding a common interest might take some digging, but it’s worthwhile to forge a bond that’s not solely related to work.
• Pass along compliments you receive to your manager. Your boss will likely send the kudos up the chain of command, since your success reflects positively on him, too.
• Volunteer for a cross-functional committee. This increases your exposure to new parts of the company and brings you more visibility.
• Remember who is #1. It shouldn’t look like you’re going around your manager. Find ways to publicly show loyalty to your boss and keep him in the loop. Copy him on all communication you have with his boss.