Of course, the manager you report to is critical to your own progress, both in terms of learning the ropes, what your prospects are, and how your career progresses within the organization; so keeping them ''sweet'' is one thing, but managing them to enable you to help yourself, is something else. This article is written to give you a few dos and don'ts on how to get the best out of your boss.
Being User Friendly
Always remember that your manager or supervisor is your boss. Remember that business is business. Don't let any issues of friendship, or the fact that you might get on well with your boss cloud your judgment. Your boss is there to assess you. You need to make sure that you are perceived as being not only an efficient and a useful member of staff, but also you need to come across as being ''user friendly''. Your aim is to make sure your boss thinks well of you and sees you as being a useful asset to his/her team. Never let that perception slip.
Be Proactive
Managers like nothing more than proactive members of staff. When you are given a task, don't just complete it; analyze it first; see if there are any spin offs or side issues that may come out of it and deal with those too before being asked. That way you will get a good reputation for thoughtfulness and care in your work and proactivity.
Stepping Up to the Mark
Always make yourself available for extra projects. Completing your normal workload is given. You don't get any ''brownie points'' for it, it's expected. But you can get ''brownie points'' for completing your work accurately and on time, and promoting yourself to take on extra work. Your boss will always think more highly of you if he/she knows you are always ready to step up to the mark.
Being consistently reliable
Whatever task you undertake or are given, should always be completed on time, and to the very best of your abilities. No task should be considered too menial. If you always give everything you are tasked with your very best attention, you stand a better chance of being entrusted with more important and consequential tasks in future.
Always Offer your best Participation
Always try to offer a positive opinion and be prepared to contribute ideas. The more input you have into anything the better. It will get you noticed, and your boss will appreciate that you have an opinion and will give you more opportunity to contribute. He/she will come to expect to hear your opinion and thoughts, especially if they are positive and benefit both the company and your boss too.
Be Helpful
Always be prepared to help others and to pass on the benefit of your own skill and knowledge to your colleagues, especially new recruits. This will show that you are not simply looking after number one but that you have the greater good and the bigger picture in mind.
Being Appreciative
Always show your appreciation for things done for you, and don't forget to compliment your boss (and colleagues too) if you genuinely believe it is due. It is important though that your feelings are sincere as nothing is more blatantly obvious than insincerity. Honest appreciation is always well received and remembered.
Blowing your Boss' Trumpet
If you believe your boss is good at his/her job don't be afraid to tell the hierarchy. Praise is always well received, and by giving it where it is due, to the right people, it will filter down and stand you in good stead. It also shows your loyalty, which can only be of benefit to you in the organizational structure as a whole.
Be truthful
People, (and bosses in particular), do not like liars. If you boss doesn't feel he/she can trust you this will seriously undermine your prospects. But don't be afraid to speak out if you believe something or somebody is wrong. Just remember to always be tactful. Any manager values honesty in staff.
Enjoy your Work
Always try to enjoy what you do; look for the positives, no matter what the task. Managers like their staff to be enthusiastic; people who are ''up for it''. It creates good feelings all around and is great for team building. It will also help your boss to feel appreciated and this is likely to draw out reciprocal treatment.
Always be on your best behavior and play a full part in the team around you. Take special note of your boss' likes, and dislikes; what he/she considers to be a job well done, and who he/she seems to appreciate. This will help to build your picture of your boss, and will help you to formulate other strategies to enhance your business relationship.
