Apart from working hard, having the right technical skills, and always achieving all your work goals, there are other ways you can impress your boss. The ability to impress your boss is a major determining factor in your success, as well as your happiness and productivity at work. There are certain principles that are universally appreciated by bosses regardless of the job scope and market.
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Here is a list of proven ways to Wow your boss
Be Proactive: Be Willing To Learn
When you first join an organization chances are that your boss will only ‘teach’ you what you need to know in order to do your job properly. There are many things outside your job scope that you need to learn in order to familiarize yourself with the organisation. Learn a new skill and offer to teach it to coworkers.
Think outside the box –Bring One Big Idea
Propose an audacious new idea to improve the business every week. Bring these ideas to your boss or (even better) post them publicly, and offer to lead a team to execute the new idea. Compliance isn’t scarce. Leadership and initiative are.
Take initiative on assignments outside your scope
If offered the opportunity to work on a project outside your job description, take it. Surprised by your penchant for quick learning and versatility as a worker, your boss may start pondering your potential in a management role.
Smile a lot
If you smile enough, your body eventually thinks that work isn’t so bad and you’ll become a more pleasant person to be around.
Stay positive
Who needs another Negative Nancy around? No one. Most workplaces have too many as is. A Positive, optimistic person can be like a ray of sunshine in a high-pressure environment.
Be highly ethical and professional at all times
While it is not suggested to act like a robot, it is important to remember that personal business or opinions have no place at work. Being too familiar or comfortable with your supervisor or peers can only lead to unprofessional behavior.
Pay close attention to personal details
Remember not just the names of your boss’ spouse and children but also important dates and events for his family or a book he or she is reading, etc.
Listen
Sometimes your boss simply needs you to listen. Do your best to back off from asking too many questions and practice being a good listener. He or she will enjoy venting, and you’ll appreciate gaining insight into his or her world.
Analyze the humor style of your boss
Just because your boss doesn’t tell jokes doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t have a sense of humor. She may be a carrier of humor, rather than a creator or initiator of humor.
Be innovative, save money
Use your innovation to cut costs as much as possible for the company. Those who think on these lines are the most preferred as all companies look for cutting costs and increasing profits. This again will need some groundwork to be done and presentation of appropriate facts.
Be a problem-solver
Someone that takes the initiative to solve problems (rather than merely identify them) is highly valued in the workplace. By consistently demonstrating this willingness, you’re displaying that you are self-sufficient, a critical thinker and, ultimately, someone who is ready to take on more responsibility. If you are unsure about something look up the suggestion online, check your original notes, ask to colleagues.
Acknowledge your mistakes
Taking responsibility for your actions shows your boss that you can face adversity and keep your cool. If the mistake can be rectified, offer a reasonable suggestion. It may more than make up for the original misstep. Never make excuses for your errors or omissions.
I’m sure you’ve got plenty more tips to add to my list, so let’s hear them in the comments below!
