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CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Endearing yourself to the boss
It isn't brown-nosing. It isn't seeking "fair haired" status. It isn't political correctness. It's just plain common sense. "It" is developing a good relationship with your boss-making yourself valuable. Here are some ways to do it:
"E" STANDS FOR ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM. Get to work on time and be eager to get at it. Focused, high-energy people instill confidence and enthusiasm in others. Everyone seems to get more done. Your boss will appreciate the example you set, as well as your productivity.
"N" STANDS FOR NEGATIVE-NOT. When workloads are heavy, stress levels high, and job security less stable than in the past, it is easy to obtain a negative outlook. Water cooler talk turns into gripe sessions, and, somehow, people begin to expect the worst.
Don't let yourself wallow. Refuse to be part of the complaining. And remember that people do seem to get what they expect, so expect the best.
"D" IS FOR DIVERSE. Learn a new skill, get familiar with a new computer program, meet a new person in some other department. "Same-old, same-old" is boring and predictable.
Your boss will like it when you can say "yes!" when he asks, "Does anybody understand this new e-mail system?" Your boss will like it when you can say "yes!" when she asks, "Does anybody know if they have tried this anyplace else in the company?"
"E" STANDS FOR EVALUATION. Don't wait for someone up high to ask you for a review of the results you are accomplishing on your job or how these results contribute to the bottom line. Before your boss asks, set some goals for yourself and your shop. Then review them with the boss, asking for input and advice. Then, periodically check and report your progress.
The report should not be a pat on your own back. Instead, it should be an informative, "just thought you'd like to know" kind of a memo- short and to the point. You will find that the next time you need additional resources, you will be better able to justify them and the boss will be more inclined to provide them.
"A" STANDS FOR ATTITUDE. Maintain a good one. Review what we said under "N" above, and add the following suggestion to it: When you find your attitude slipping, ask yourself how long it has been since your last vacation. If it was three years ago, it is probably time to admit that you are not indispensable and to file the required paperwork. You will feel much better when you return, with new perspectives and renewed tolerance for things that were really beginning to get under your skin.
"R" STANDS FOR RELIABLE. When you make a commitment, keep it. Don't miss deadlines. Make sure your work is complete, accurate, and relevant. Bosses like to know they can depend on their people-something you know very well from your work with your own people. Don't let your boss-or anyone else-down.
"I" STANDS FOR IDEAS. The best employees are always coming up with new ideas-new ways to solve old problems, new processes for ongoing work, new efficiencies to reduce waste, new uses for old products, and so on.
The current buzz word for all of this is also one that begins with an "I"-Innovative. Bosses like innovation, especially when it doesn't cost anything.
"N" STANDS FOR NOURISHING. Give your boss some positive feedback once in a while. Tell him, "I really appreciated your support in the staff meeting today" or "When you give me an early heads up on an assignment, I am able to plan my time better. Thanks."
Bosses like to be praised as much as you do. And, as in examples, your praise can do double-duty. It can also reinforce the kind of behavior you would like to see more of from the boss. But don't overdo it, and make sure you are sincere.
"G" STANDS FOR GOAL-ORIENTED. If you know what you are trying to achieve, you are more likely to achieve it. Bosses like it when they have agreements on what we are trying to accomplish in the workplace. Is it increased customer satisfaction? If so, how will it be measured? Is it less scrap? How will the process be changed to accomplish that?
If your idea of what the goal is differs from the one your boss has in mind, you had better acknowledge that and fix it as soon as possible. A "go along-get along" situation may seem comfortable, but the ride can get bumpy when there are different destinations in mind.
Remember, the only possible negative to endearing yourself to your boss will be his or her complaint about the number of peers that are trying to steal you away for their staff.
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