5 Subtle Signs Your Manager Likes You More Than You Think

Today, managers are bogged down by the administrative duties that come with their job. With so much to keep track of, it's often hard for them to know how they feel about employees. That said, there are a few subtle signs your manager likes you more than you think. It's about knowing what to look out for and how to respond accordingly.

We all experienced our fair share of bad bosses. They create a less-than-ideal environment to work in, and they constantly demean their employees. If you think your boss doesn't like you, try not to take it too personally. Here are some subtle signs your manager likes you.

1. They talk to you about personal topics.

The easiest way to tell if your manager likes you is by whether they talk to you about personal matters. This includes asking how things are going, sharing their problems, offering advice, and giving you a shoulder to lean on. This is a great sign you're on their good side because it shows your manager is not afraid to let down their guard around you. If they're having a bad day, they might even confide in you or ask for your advice. Your manager is also more likely to share their own experiences or ask you for yours if they feel comfortable around you.

2. They acknowledge you in meetings.

Observe how often they mention you in meetings. If they refer to you more than once, treat you in a friendly manner, or smile at you more often than they frown at you — they like you more than you think.

3. They challenge you.

A boss can also be harder on you as a way to help you grow. If they are constantly correcting your mistakes, that's an indication that they think you can do better. They are pushing you to be better by trying to fix something they see as problematic. A good boss doesn't give up on their team, and they try to make them better. 

4. They’re grateful for you.

If your manager is grateful for the work you've done, there's a good chance they like you more than you think. If they seem happy to see you when you arrive, if they offer to help with tasks, and if they make time one-on-one with you while asking about your personal life and family, that's a pretty good sign. 

5. They ask for your input.

If your boss asks for your input or feedback before an important meeting or project, that means they not only like you, but they also value your work. 

So, my manager likes me….what can I do to get promoted?

Stop and think about what you do well. If you’re a good performer, there are things you can improve or learn to make yourself even better. You should also take the time to understand the company culture and see how you fit in. Get involved by attending meetings and volunteering for different projects if possible. Another thing you can do is use your current position as a way to learn more about the organization broadly or look for opportunities that will help you grow into a new role.

How do you know when you are ready for a promotion?

There are a few signs that you can look for to know if your boss is ready to promote you. If they take notice of your work and start asking you for advice, it's likely that they're considering promoting you. Another sign is if they start assigning tasks outside of your day-to-day responsibilities. They might be testing the waters to see how well you handle them before assigning a promotion.

What’s your no. 1 piece of advice for knowing when your manager likes you? Share your answer in the comments to help other Fairygodboss'ers!

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This article was written by a Fairygodboss contributor.