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You’re thousands of miles from home, in a land where the sun sets at 4 PM. Your palms are sweaty, your knees weak, arms are heavy as you approach your boss’s office. The fear of disappointing them, of not living up to expectations weighs on you like a sack of garri
Let’s face it, building a strong relationship with your boss when you’re an African in the diaspora isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder – it’s about proving yourself in a world that often underestimates you.
It’s about showing that you’re not just here to send money back home but to make a real impact. It’s about turning those side-eyes and microaggressions into respect and admiration. 
Remember how your mother would say, “My pikin, you go show dem”? Well, it’s time to show them, but with grace, intelligence, and a touch of that tenacity that runs through your veins.
1. Competence: Your Ticket to Respect
In building a strong relationship with your boss, your competence is your currency. It’s not enough to be as hardworking as those uncles who hold down three jobs – you need to be smart about it.
When your boss assigns you a task, don’t just nod like a dashboard bobblehead. Ask questions, and seek clarification. Show them you’re not just here to follow orders but to understand the why behind the what.
When you submit your work, don’t just drop it on their desk and run like you’re dodging area boys. Walk them through your process, and explain your thinking.
Remember that time you had to explain to your American friends why putting pineapple on jollof rice is a cardinal sin? Channel that same passion and clarity into your work explanations.
2. Communication: Bridge the Cultural Gap
Building a strong relationship with your boss requires mastering the art of corporate communication – and no, it’s not the same as bargaining at Balogun Market.
Your boss might not understand why you say “sorry” when they bump into you, or why you call them “sir” or “ma” even when they’ve asked you not to.
Learn to adapt your communication style. Be clear, be concise, but don’t lose your personality in the process. If your boss makes a joke, don’t just laugh politely like you’re at a village meeting with the elders.
If it’s genuinely funny, let out that hearty laugh. Show them that behind your professional exterior beats the heart of a vibrant, warm human being.
And for the love of chin-chin, don’t be afraid to speak up in meetings. Your ideas, shaped by your unique experiences, are your superpower. Use them!
3. Initiative: Be the Ginger in the Corporate Stew
Want to know how to build a strong relationship with your boss? Show initiative like your life depends on it (because, career-wise, it kind of does). Don’t wait for instructions like you’re a JJC (Johnny Just Come) on your first day of school.
See a problem? Don’t just complain about it, come up with solutions. Is there a more efficient way to do things? Propose it. Did you finish your tasks early? Ask for more.
Show your boss that you’re not just an employee – you’re an asset, as valuable as the last pure water sachet on a hot Lagos day.
4. Respect: The Invisible Thread
In our culture, respect is everything. We grow up calling our elders “aunty” and “uncle” even when they’re strangers. But building a strong relationship with your boss requires a different kind of respect – one that balances professionalism with personality.
Respect their time like you respect the queue at the embassy (you know, the one you stood in for hours to get your visa). Don’t barge into their office unannounced, thinking it’s like popping into your neighbor’s compound back home.
Respect their position, but don’t be a pushover. If you disagree with something, express it respectfully. Remember, you’re not in a village meeting where the eldest always has the final say. In the corporate world, thoughtful dissent is often appreciated.
5. Honesty: Your Integrity is Your True Flex
In a world where some of our countrymen have given us a reputation for…let’s say “creative entrepreneurship,” your honesty will set you apart. Building a strong relationship with your boss means being trustworthy, even when it’s hard.
Did you make a mistake? Own up to it. Don’t try to cover it up like a badly done wig. Your boss will appreciate your honesty more than your perfection.
Facing challenges with a project? Speak up. Don’t suffer in silence like you’re eating pepper soup without water. Your boss isn’t a mind reader – they can’t help if they don’t know there’s a problem.
6. Appreciation: The Seasoning in Your Professional Relationship
Showing appreciation isn’t about turning into a professional praise singer. It’s about recognizing effort and impact. When your boss does something that helps you or the team, acknowledge it. Not with exaggerated flattery that would make a Nollywood movie seem subtle, but with sincere, specific gratitude.
Did they go out of their way to explain a complex process to you? Thank them for their patience and clarity. Did they back you up in a tough meeting? Let them know you noticed and appreciate it.
Remember, your boss is human too. A little appreciation can go a long way in building a strong relationship.
The Final Word: Your Success is Our Success
As you navigate this International Boss’s Day and beyond, carry yourself with the pride of your heritage and the professionalism of your ambition. Build those relationships, climb that ladder, and when you reach the top, don’t forget to send the elevator back down. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be celebrating International Boss’s Day as the boss yourself.
