9 WAYS TO GET YOUR BOSS TO LOVE YOU
1. Don't ask questions you can answer"I must get one hundred questions a day - the majority are those that employees can answer themselves. They're just being lazy." Yes, it's comforting to ask your boss when you lack confidence or feel you need their approval but, next time, ask yourself first: "Will they be able to answer this any better than I can?" In most cases, probably not. You know your job better than anyone else, be resourceful and think things through first.
2. Solutions, not problems"It annoys me when people come to me with problems and expect a solution."Don't go to your boss with a problem if you haven't spent at least 10 minutes thinking of possible solutions. It will impress your boss if you go to them with a tricky issue and then suggest ways to resolve it.
3. Never apologise"I love it when people take responsibility for their mistakes."There's a right way to do this. Starting off with an apology makes you look weak. Next time you make a mistake, try this: "I think this project could have been better." or "In retrospect, I think I should have done it differently." or "Next time I would..." Your boss will be impressed and focus on what you've learned rather than what you've done wrong.
4. Don't get emotional"I cringe at some emails that get sent by people on my team."Don't ever send an email in a moment of anger or frustration. It's tempting to reply immediately after reading an email that angers or upsets you. Write your response immediately, but don't send it. Wait at least half an hour, then re-read the original email and your response. Nine times out of ten, you will have calmed down and can send a much more constructive and considered response. Your boss will admire your diplomacy.
5. Go beyond the call of duty"My pet peeve is when people say 'It's not my job.' We all get asked to do things that aren't strictly in our job description."Take on new challenges. Sometimes, the best way to find your calling is by trying new things. You may well learn something new and your boss will be impressed by your 'team spirit', and remember that you pitched in to help.
6. Don't insult his/her intelligence"When people send me a text message saying they're too ill to come into work, it's so obvious that they're lying."There's a right and a wrong way to pull a sickie. Sending an email, text message or calling in sick to the HR Manager is a sure sign that you're lying. Next time, grow up and call your boss directly.
7. Ask for and give feedback"I love it when someone from my team gives me feedback on something I've done."Communication works both ways and we all respond well to positive feedback. If there's something that your boss does that you like, tell him/her. Something as simple as saying "I appreciated your support in that meeting" will make her sit up and take notice of how his/her actions affect you. Positive feedback will reinforce the behaviour and will improve your working relationship with your boss.
8. Stop whingeing"There's always one person who complains about everything. It drives me and everyone else mad."We all need to let off some steam every now and then, but your colleagues and boss will notice if you're always the instigator. Like the boy who cried wolf, how will your boss ever know when there's a real problem? Your boss will respect you more if you pick and choose your battles and steer clear of 'group whingeing'.
9. Be proactive"I take note of people who actually follow through with their ideas."We all have lots of suggestions on how to improve things at work or ideas for new projects. It's no use sending your boss a list of ideas, it's likely that none of them will actually happen unless you also take responsibility. Pick one or two of the best ideas and follow through with them. Your boss will not only admire your innovative thinking, but the initiative you've taken to make them happen.
