What are the best ways for SEM professionals to work with their supervisor?

1 Understand your supervisor's role

Your supervisor is not just another colleague or a micromanager. They are responsible for overseeing your work, providing guidance, and evaluating your performance. They also have to report to higher-ups, manage budgets, and deal with other issues that may affect your projects. Therefore, you need to understand their role and respect their authority. Don't take their feedback personally, but as an opportunity to improve your skills and learn from their experience. Don't argue with them or ignore their instructions, but communicate clearly and politely if you have any questions or concerns.

2 Align your goals and strategies

One of the main sources of conflict between SEM professionals and their supervisors is a mismatch between their goals and strategies. For example, you may want to focus on increasing conversions, while your supervisor may prioritize brand awareness or customer retention. Or you may prefer to use a certain tool or method, while your supervisor may have a different preference or requirement. To avoid these situations, you need to align your goals and strategies with your supervisor. Before starting a new campaign, discuss the objectives, KPIs, budget, timeline, and expectations with your supervisor. Make sure you understand their vision and rationale, and explain your own. If you have any suggestions or alternatives, present them with evidence and logic, not emotion or ego.

3 Update your supervisor regularly

Another way to foster a good relationship with your supervisor is to update them regularly on your progress, challenges, and results. Don't wait for them to ask you or assume they know everything. Instead, proactively inform them of your achievements, problems, and solutions. Use data and metrics to show your impact and value, and be honest and transparent about any issues or risks. This will help your supervisor trust you, appreciate your work, and support you when needed. It will also help you avoid surprises, misunderstandings, and delays that could harm your reputation and results.

4 Ask for feedback and advice

A common mistake that some SEM professionals make is to think that they know everything and don't need any feedback or advice from their supervisor. This can lead to overconfidence, complacency, or arrogance, which can hurt your performance and relationship. Instead, you should seek feedback and advice from your supervisor regularly, and be open to learning and improving. Ask them for their opinion on your work, your strengths, and your areas of improvement. Listen to their suggestions and implement them in your next campaign. Thank them for their input and show them how you have applied it. This will show your supervisor that you value their expertise, respect their role, and are willing to grow as a SEM professional.

5 Appreciate your supervisor's efforts

Finally, one of the best ways to work well with your supervisor is to appreciate their efforts and acknowledge their contribution. Your supervisor is not just a boss, but a human being who has feelings, challenges, and goals. They may also face stress, pressure, and criticism from their own superiors or clients. Therefore, you should show them some gratitude and recognition for their work and support. Express your thanks for their feedback, guidance, and help. Compliment them on their achievements and skills. Celebrate their successes and milestones. This will help you build rapport, trust, and respect with your supervisor, and make them feel valued and appreciated.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?