A recent article by Business Insider suggests 9 simple ways to impress your boss, based on scientific studies and expert opinions. If you are looking to make an impression with your boss, here are a few simple tips you can apply.
1. Try to solve problems on your own
In the book “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” published in 1948, Dale Carnegie tells a story about Leon Shimkin, who was the general manager at Simon and Schuster publishing house at that time. Shimkin shared with Carnegie a way to significantly reduce meeting time: he announced to his team that they should not report any problems unless they could come up with a solution themselves.
Therefore, impress your boss by demonstrating problem-solving skills and only bring complex issues to the table when you cannot solve them yourself.
2. Always showcase your value to the company
If you ask for anything, whether it’s a promotion, a change in position, or a raise, at least show your superior how it will benefit the business and their own advancement.
Expert Robin Dreeke once shared with Business Insider that being good at your job is not enough to make others want to keep you around. If you want your boss to value you, you’ll need to demonstrate how you contribute to their individual and the company’s success in general.
3. Customize your communication style to fit your boss
Again, your mission is to make your boss’s job smoother. Professor Michael Watkins wrote in Harvard Business Review that how you communicate with your superior depends on them. They may prefer to use Slack, email, or have face-to-face conversations, and you should adapt to their preferences.
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4. Ask for advice
You may be hesitant to ask your boss, but research from Harvard Business School suggests that asking for advice doesn’t make you look foolish, it can actually make you appear more competent.
A small note to keep in mind is that you should ask for their advice instead of their opinion. Psychologist Robert Cialdini says that asking for advice creates a partnership between you and your boss, encouraging them to support your ideas. On the other hand, when you ask for an opinion, your boss may step back and become a more objective evaluator.
5. Show up early
A study from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington found that employees who arrive at the office early are more likely to be recognized and rated higher in performance than those who consistently arrive late. Additionally, once you’re late, staying late doesn’t have the same impact on impressing your boss.
6. Do what the boss wants
You should find out what your superior really cares about and make sure you can deliver or provide those things to them. CEO and founder Dave Kerpen of Likable Local software company says: “It’s about making your boss look good in front of their boss. By doing this, you also increase your chances of success.” Kerpen advises employees to directly ask the boss or proactively find out the things that concern them.
7. Pay attention to details
If you want to shape a bigger image of yourself, you should start paying attention to the small things. CEO Ryan Holmes of Hootsuite says: “Even seemingly minor technical glitches can have a big impact on many customers in a short period. An employee who is trusted to catch minor mistakes will stand out among the crowd.”
8. Say “thank you”
Expressing gratitude for your boss’s feedback, even if it’s negative, can make them feel more favorable towards you. This is the result of a 2011 study conducted by the University of Southern California.
9. Speak up
Don’t keep your opinions to yourself. J. Crew Group chairman and chief creative officer Jenna Lyons says she advises employees to voice their opinions, regardless of whether they are right or wrong. “I feel like you can’t know where somebody stands if they don’t engage. Don’t be afraid to put your ideas out there. We all have bad ideas, good ideas.”
In general, your superiors will be satisfied if you do a great job, but sometimes, employing some smart techniques will make your work accomplishments even more impressive.
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