How to Impress Your Boss at Work

A strong relationship between you and your boss has the ability to transform your work experience. Making deliberate decisions to impress your boss can help you strengthen the relationship between you and him or her. Making these small changes in your workflow will ensure you leave a positive impression on your boss.

KNOW YOUR BOSS
Understanding your boss' personality along with their likes and dislikes will help you strategically impress them. For example, some leaders like to be left alone and see their employees thrive without them, others like to hear constant feedback from their downline. You should know how your boss operates. The first thing to consider is what they need from you, and how they would like you to deliver it. Knowing whether your boss prefers electronic, hard copy, or verbal reports could change your workflow. Taking the extra time and effort to know your boss’ preferences will impress him or her and, in turn, improve your relationship.

BE A GOOD EMPLOYEE
Needless to say, it’s important to be a good employee to impress your boss. Arriving early, dressing professionally, staying focused and conducting yourself professionally at all times are all ways to stay on your supervisor’s good side. But, taking additional steps to be a good employee could mean staying late to work, volunteering for additional shifts or jobs and being a friend to other employees. Your responsible behavior could encourage other employees to follow your lead, which your boss will love!

MEET ALL DEADLINES
When your manager gives you an assignment — always meet the deadline — if not beat it. You should never deliver work after the deadline as it makes you appear flaky and disorganized. Meeting all your goals will also do wonders for you and your company’s productivity. Consistency in meeting deadlines will gain your boss’ trust, as he or she will never worry about your timeliness.

ASK FOR FEEDBACK
Take the initiative and schedule a check-in with your boss to ask how you’re doing. Directly ask them what’s working well – and what’s not. This will force your boss to review your performance, remembering all the things you have done right. And if there’s a way in which you could improve, you’ll know. The most important aspect of asking for feedback is actually making the improvements. Make a point to take steps to improve on your downfalls or continue your strengths. In addition, asking for feedback will show your boss that you’re humble and know there are areas in which you could improve.

SUPPORT YOUR PEERS
Show your boss that you are above office competition by being a team player. Cultivating relationships with colleagues will not only make your office experience more pleasant but also create allies in your company. Be optimistic, trustworthy and supportive. If you notice a colleague struggling, offer your help or a kind word of support. Your boss will notice your team player tendencies and be impressed. 

TAKE INITIATIVE
When your boss mentions a need, take the initiative and spearhead the project. But, make sure you don’t overpromise or overload yourself. You want to make sure all of your work is top-notch. Completing projects without being asked and without supervision will prove to your boss that you’re a true asset to the team.

BE SOLUTION, NOT PROBLEM ORIENTED
Instead of throwing in the towel every time a problem arises, seek solutions to problems. Offer suggestions to fixing the problem, and if you have the authority, do your best to fix it on your own. Most importantly, never whine about a problem. Negativity inhibits office culture and will most certainly not impress your boss. However, being a problem-solver will impress him or her.

SHOW AN INTEREST IN YOUR COMPANY'S SUCCESS
Think about the long-term interest of your company by identifying areas of potential growth. Then, be proactive and discuss these areas of potential growth with your boss. Or, if you can, begin exploring those areas and report back to your boss. Showing him or her that you’re long-term oriented will assure your boss that you’re investing in the company long-term, and your boss will likely want to invest in you as a result.

Tweaking your behavior in these small ways will assure your boss that you’re an essential part of the team. Or better yet, your boss might see your potential and promote you to a higher position. Creating a valuable relationship with your boss can open many doors for you.