Being innovative and taking initiative shows your manager that you’re invested in growing with the company, and that is bound to lead to a better relationship between the two of you.
Even if your employer may be busy, you should still make the effort to meet with them one-on-one at least once a month as an employee.
Use that time to check in and make sure you're on track with your boss' objectives and strategies, discuss the state of your ongoing projects, and share your future plan ideas.
Take time to ask your boss questions like: “How are you?” or “Did you do anything fun this weekend?”
How many times have you told your boss that one of their ideas isn’t so great? It’s a scary conversation for any employee, but it’s an important one.
Be authentic. Don’t be the person that is perceived to be kissing up to the boss. Be authentic in your approach.