It’s always wise to impress your boss, but in the current job market, it’s more critical than ever. You want to demonstrate your value to the company, but does that mean saying yes to everything? There’s an important distinction between currying favor and making a positive impression. The following suggestions will help you raise your ‘company profile’ and be respected in the workplace – by your boss and other employees.
- Be Yourself, But Be Your Best Self. Let your true self shine through, but exercise restraint. A job is not the place to reveal confidences, air your grievances, or indulge your temper. You can be friendly, warm, and have fun without losing your professionalism.
- Represent Your Company Well. Whether you’re meeting with a customer, attending a professional meeting or representing your boss at a conference, how you present yourself reflects on your company. Your boss should be able to trust your good judgment and feel comfortable letting you be the company’s public face.
- Find Out What’s Important To Your Boss And Make It Important To You. Every employer has pet peeves and it’s in your best interest to find out how to avoid them. For some bosses, it’s coming in late, for others it’s having a messy desk. Yes, there are plenty of more important things to worry about, but overlook these and, come promotion time, your boss may overlook you.
- Participate. Come to meetings prepared and be ready to offer opinions or solutions when issues are raised. Ask questions. Act interested and involved. You’re not being paid to warm the seat, you’re there to help the company reach its goals.
- Know Your Priorities And Ask If You Don’t. You have deadlines to meet, numbers to make, and projects to complete. Make sure you know what’s expected of you, and when, and where on your boss’ priority scale each task falls. If your boss adds more work than you can handle, make a list of all your responsibilities for the day, week and month, and ask your boss to clarify for you in what order to tackle each one. Your boss may not realize how much you have on your plate. Explain that to give each task the attention it deserves, you can’t take on anymore until you cross a few things off your list. Offer to let your boss know as soon as you can take on more responsibilities. If that’s never, discuss your workload with your boss.
- When You Approach Your Boss With A Problem, Offer A Solution. While you shouldn’t run to your boss with every little thing, going to him or her with significant issues is just common sense. Bosses like to be kept in the loop, but don’t just dump the problem in his/her court; be prepared to offer solutions, too.
- Go The Extra Mile To Get The Job Done. Every job requires some late nights or a Saturday at work, so if it comes up occasionally, show that you have the company’s interests at heart. At the same time, don’t let overtime become the norm. Discuss with your boss how the workload can be divided up to be done during normal business hours.
- Be Honest, With A Touch Of Diplomacy. When asked for your opinion, give it. You’ll only be considered trustworthy if you’re honest. But how you couch your response is at least as important as what you say. Think strategically about how to convey your opinion without giving offense.
- Share Information. Don’t leave your boss in the dark. No one can make a good decision without enough, or the right kind, of information.
- Be A Team Player. Employers value employees who can work together to get jobs done. Think like the boss, but work like a friend.
Lisa Kendricks writes for Medical Assistant Schools. You can look for a medical assistant job description that’s right for you.
| Be sure to look for us on your favorite networks: |
|---|
 |
 |
|---|
| Visit Our Bookstore for Great Values! |
|---|
 101 Tips Every Job Seeker Should Know |
 The Ultimate Online Job Seekers eBook |
 10 Biggest Interview Mistakes |
 10 Biggest Resume Mistakes |
|---|
| Check out these hot articles! |
|---|
 This makes us laugh… every time we see it |
 The First Step to a Job You Love |
 Palestinian Traffic Cop Loves His Job |
 Beef up your email signature |
|---|
2 Responses to “Impressing the Boss: What You Need to Know (Including When to Say No)”