Navigating the corporate landscape can be confusing. Each company has its own culture, expectations of their employees, and management style. The key thing to remember is that there are two factors to excel in your career – performing your job well, and relationship management. So the connection between you and your boss is paramount to your success, here are 10 easy ways to impress your boss.
1. Communicate your expectations
Early on in your job, sit down with your boss and explain to them what you are hoping to gain from your role. This gives them the perception that you are focused, have a direction and motivation. Doing this will encourage them to plan out a career path with you to help you get there.
2. Learn your job
Understand your role, job shadow, and ask questions. Also identify where your job fits within the company. Donna Marie Antoniadis, Chief Operating Officer of ShesConnected Multimedia Corp., suggests that employees “understand their roles and how they contribute to the overall structure of the company, identify the relationship between themselves and the success of the company.” If you identify areas of the job where you lack experience and need more training, call it out and get extra help to bring you up to speed. Antoniadis advises that it is “admirable when [employees] tell me what they need help in because that tells me they are eager to learn and to do their job right.”
3. Project executive presence
This means following corporate policies, dress codes and codes of conduct, as set out by the company. The workplace is not meant to be a catwalk at a fashion show, or a venue to behave like the head of a high school clique. Carrying yourself in a professional manner shows your boss that you have leadership abilities, and behavioural traits that are in line with the organization’s beliefs.
4. Be on time
There is no excuse for not coming into work on time, on a regular basis. Not knowing when you are going to show up translates into you being unreliable. “I get the impression that people do not take their jobs seriously when they come into work habitually late, regardless of their performance,” Antoniadis points out. By showing up late, it conveys to your boss – and others – that you believe your time is more valuable than theirs. Be punctual and ready to work, every single day.
5. Be organized
It seems so obvious and simple. However, in today’s corporate world of consecutive due dates, simultaneous meetings, and multiple fires to be put out, managing your schedule is harder than it sounds. Being organized means understanding what is a priority, being prepared for meetings, and achieving deadlines. The last thing your boss wants to do is babysit you. By demonstrating that you are able to be proactive and manage your own time efficiently and effectively, your boss will have comfort in trusting you and delegating more responsibility to you.
6. Be positive
We all run into trying times and looking on the bright side of things is not necessarily our first reaction. However, managing how you respond to complicated situations can serve to either enhance or worsen your boss’ perception of your capabilities. Companies are looking for their employees to “extract and promote positive character and business traits,” advises Diane Norman Locke, a career consultant and owner of Diane Norman Locke Consulting. Having a “can do” attitude, not being known as a “no” person, and having the reputation of being willing to help is a quality that you want to portray. People are always more willing to work with a positive person.
7. Be a team player
A successful company must work as a cohesive unit towards the same goals and objectives. It is important that you not only work as a unified team with your boss and other direct co-workers, but that you also demonstrate your ability and willingness to collaborate with others.
8. Find a solution
At some point in your career, setbacks are going to arise. Difficult decisions have to be made. Your boss will appreciate it if you can approach them with either a solution that will remedy the situation, or an analysis and recommendation. This shows that you are willing to take the initiative to solve a problem, rather than deferring to your boss for the answer.
9. Take responsibility for your mistakes
We all make mistakes, especially if we are new to our jobs. When you find yourself in this situation, confess. Acknowledge that a faux pas occurred. Emphasize that you understand why the slip-up happened, and what steps you are taking to correct it. Covering your tracks and pointing fingers at other people tells your boss that you are not ready to accept accountability for tasks, and paints you as dishonest. Accepting and admitting your mistake opens the door for your boss to help you understand where you went wrong and give you insight into how to correctly execute the task in the future.
10. Ask for feedback
Requesting feedback from your boss is an important indicator to them that you are constantly striving to better yourself and your performance. It allows you to understand what you are doing well and should continue to do, and opportunities for improvement. Your boss is giving you their suggestions to help you succeed in your role.