Whether we get on well with our boss or not is a big factor in whether we are generally happy in our job and at work. If you can't stand the person you're working for or find them difficult, then working isn't going to be very pleasant in the day to day grind. On the flip side, if you have a great working relationship with your boss and you're successful at managing upwards, then work is going to be almost a pleasure - and you may even get a friend into the bargain. Here are three tips to help you successfully manage upward and get on better with your superior:

Maintain trust both ways

A positive, helpful relationship is always based on trust, as it is in both life and work. This means that your boss has to trust you when you say you'll do something - don't create false deadlines or fail to meet the ones you've been set. They need to know that you keep to your word. If you've made a mistake or something has gone wrong, the best thing is to be open and honest about what's happened and how you're going to correct it - hiding or trying to cover up your errors is going to make you look untrustworthy. The same goes for when your boss lets you down - for example, saying you can book a day's leave and then turning around at the last minute and saying no... polite but honest feedback will get you further than throwing a tantrum! Needless to say, if you are the gatekeeper for personal information, retain strict confidentiality with all of your bosses' information.

Remember that they are human, too

Although a strictly professional relationship is paramount, don't forget that your boss is human too - and has worries, desires, fears and ambitions like all of us. Getting to know your boss better as a person can help you manage upwards to them better in a professional sense - is there something they hate doing, such as preparing for meetings or giving presentations? Can you anticipate a need and then try to make it easier for them? Do they hate being kept in the dark or out of the loop, so you can alleviate this with regular status reports? This all adds up to making your boss feel more appreciative and start to think you're truly indispensible...

Don't take work issues personally

If your boss is stressed or grouchy, they may well take t out on your as the person nearest to them. Don't take it personally, it happens to us all. They might have something on their mind like an impending CEO visit or a report, and you shouldn't take it personally if they have little time to address your needs at that particular time. Try to have weekly or bi-monthly meetings with your boss where you can have the scheduled time and place to address any issues like this - don't impede on the day to day work all the time with bespoke requests.

Finally, if you really don't like your boss as a person, there is no need to be unprofessional. Very few of us have good reason to really dislike someone or not want them as a manager unless it's something far more serious like harassment or bullying - which you should, of course, report straight away. Remember that you can also learn from your manager - they are in the higher position from hard work and having a track record and you can look to them for career inspiration. Managing upwards can be easy if you know how - keep it professional, and keep on the ball - and one day you'll be managed up to yourself!