Conclusion

Regardless of whether we are subordinates, peers, or bosses (and we are often all three), we are all fallible human beings who depend on each other's help and goodwill for our professional effectiveness, career success, job satisfaction, and well-being. Undoubtedly, our individual knowledge and technical skills are important to our professional effectiveness. In today's complex organizational environment, however, these individual assets are underutilized unless they are leveraged through our relationships with others. The most important thing to remember from this chapter is that every interaction with our bosses, peers, and subordinates is an opportunity to build a stronger and more productive relationship.