How important is it to get along with your boss?

I'm currently looking for a summer job and I have 2 offers right now. One doesn't pay enough but I think it will be more fun, the boss is nice and it's more money per hour. The second pays more in total because it includes more work hours per month, but I don't like the boss from the 2nd at all. It's most likely a personality clash, I just feel really uneasy and nervous around him and I know he'll try to rip me off where he can. The hours are fixed on the first job and on the second the boss will be at work often. But I really need the money.
So how important is getting along ok with your boss? Or is that a personal question? Maybe someone can share experiences..

it's important 28
it's not important 3
I don't know 3
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Comments ( 8 )
  • Shackleford96

    It's pretty important I think. Either get along or learn to appease...

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  • squeallikeasacofpigs

    It's more important to get along with your boss I'd say. Not just because it will make working so much more enjoyable but because you're more likely to get a glowing reference if you actually get on with your boss.

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    • Hm, I ended up taking the job with the shitty boss and sort of regret it. Now I think that a boss you get along with well (at least who you don't hate and cringe every day before you go to work) is important because it makes life a lot easier. And the idea with getting a good reference is good.

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      • squeallikeasacofpigs

        Live and learn buddy

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  • hoboHalfords

    You don't need to go out and be friends but keep it at a little bit above neutral ideally

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  • thegypsysailor

    What's the likelihood you'll actually be able to stick with the second job? So, in the end you'll make a lot more money at the first job, because you'll keep it longer.
    Then again, I'm a real asshole to work for but nobody ever complains, because they would have to take a long walk off a very short plank if they did. Arg!

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  • Louisalice

    To get along with a boss it is important to understand his/her personality and individual preferences and have the ability to adapt your behavior to ensure a positive relationship. Developing good human relationship skills is especially important once you enter the world of work. Understanding your boss's unique personality can make your job as an intern much easier as well as more rewarding and a better learning experience overall.
    It's important for interns and new employees to be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

    If you are someone who needs direction before completing a task, you will want a boss who likes to maintain a "hands on" approach when supervising others. On the other hand, if you absolutely hate having someone standing over your shoulder and watching you, you will probably be more comfortable with a supervisor who supervises from a distance.
    Bosses seek individuals who are self motivated, energized, and who exhibit a go-getter attitude that gets the work done right and completed on time.

    Learning Your Manager's Style:

    It is your job to fit in with the management style and understand how the office operates. By providing your boss with a feeling of confidence in your decision-making skills, you will create an atmosphere of trust and respect and ultimately better working relationships with co-workers and supervisors. Learning how your boss wants you to communicate and handle problems can make your life as an intern much easier. Bosses are human beings who have their own way of dealing with problems and generating solutions.
    Taking the time to learn your supervisor's management style, will go a long way to making your life as an intern much easier. Notice your bosses mode of communication. Does he/she communicate with staff mainly through email and written communications or does he/she prefer face to face discussions?
    By maintaining your cool in the heat of an argument, you will exhibit self-restraint and provide an opportunity for you to cool off and think things over prior to speaking. Taking the time to understand a problem will provide an opportunity to replace negative emotions by settling down and reacting professionally.Tips From a Career Counselor:

    Lance Choy (Career Counselor, Stanford University) says:

    Every office has its own culture and set of rules, and failure to follow them can be disastrous. Choy offers some common 'don'ts' when working in an office:

    Not paying attention to the start and finish hours for the office.
    Starting late and leaving early are definitely not good things.
    Not adhering to the dress code, formal or informal. Establish yourself before you try expressing yourself through your appearance.
    Failure to complete work on time. This can be very upsetting to an employer.
    Letting someone else tell the boss you made a mistake. Be sure that you're the one that tells the boss you have made a mistake. Take responsibility for your own actions.
    Not getting along with other office staff. It pays to be nice.
    Letting your boss know that you're smarter than he/she is. Remember, your job is to make your boss look good, and you can learn something from any boss. Lose the attitude and do what you need to do.
    Not asking for help if you're having problems. Bosses love resourceful workers, but if you're having problems and need help, ask! Don't wait till the problem is out of control.

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    • cool, thanks!

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