There are those that care about their own success… and then there are those that never make a difference in the world.
I know that if you’re here reading this post, you give a crap about your job, your career, and the people you work with. And while delivering great work is extremely important, making your superiors happy is an equally important – though often overlooked – part of the job.
It’s not something that gets placed in your employment contract or as a part of your salary agreement, but it’s something that great employees know to focus on. Why? Because a fantastic relationship with your boss can lead to powerful problem-solving, internal trust, and ultimately, growth within the company.
Here are my 5 ways you can gain the respect, support, and love from your own manager or boss:
I know that if you’re here reading this post, you give a crap about your job, your career, and the people you work with. And while delivering great work is extremely important, making your superiors happy is an equally important – though often overlooked – part of the job.
It’s not something that gets placed in your employment contract or as a part of your salary agreement, but it’s something that great employees know to focus on. Why? Because a fantastic relationship with your boss can lead to powerful problem-solving, internal trust, and ultimately, growth within the company.
Here are my 5 ways you can gain the respect, support, and love from your own manager or boss:
1. Ask Questions
There’s nothing I hate more than assigning a project days or weeks in advance, only to be prodded with questions or issues the day before the assignment is due.
Even if you plan to work on something later, it’s important to review the scope of work and figure out any potential road blocks as soon as possible. Ask questions about the assignment now while the project is fresh on your boss’s mind. This will not only make your boss feel comfortable that you have the project handled, but will also prepare your mind for tackling the project, whether you start it now or in a few days.
There’s nothing I hate more than assigning a project days or weeks in advance, only to be prodded with questions or issues the day before the assignment is due.
Even if you plan to work on something later, it’s important to review the scope of work and figure out any potential road blocks as soon as possible. Ask questions about the assignment now while the project is fresh on your boss’s mind. This will not only make your boss feel comfortable that you have the project handled, but will also prepare your mind for tackling the project, whether you start it now or in a few days.
2. Establish Accountability
One thing I learned early on in my assistant career is that everyone has different communication styles. Some clients didn’t want to hear from me until the project was completed. They trusted that I received their assignment and would have it done on time.
Others wanted to hear a simple, “I’ve got it!” or, “Will have it done by Friday!” so they could be sure that I had everything I needed to complete the assignment.
In my experience, the rule of thumb here (especially in the beginning) is to overcommunicate. Let your boss know that you will meet their deadline and that you understand what is being asked of you. Let them know that if you have any problems, you will ask for help. Prove that you are well-equipped to handle their request so that your manager can truly feel comfortable and confident in your abilities.
One thing I learned early on in my assistant career is that everyone has different communication styles. Some clients didn’t want to hear from me until the project was completed. They trusted that I received their assignment and would have it done on time.
Others wanted to hear a simple, “I’ve got it!” or, “Will have it done by Friday!” so they could be sure that I had everything I needed to complete the assignment.
In my experience, the rule of thumb here (especially in the beginning) is to overcommunicate. Let your boss know that you will meet their deadline and that you understand what is being asked of you. Let them know that if you have any problems, you will ask for help. Prove that you are well-equipped to handle their request so that your manager can truly feel comfortable and confident in your abilities.
3. Read Between the Lines
Noticing that your manager is slower to respond to emails or is acting a bit short or snippy with you? This probably means something.
It’s likely that they’re either experiencing a difficult personal problem or attempting to manage their stress at work.
You have an opportunity here to make their life easier. Without being intrusive,ask if there’s anything you can do, overdeliver on deadlines, and keep a smile on your face. While your manager may never admit they were having a hard time in the moment, you can be sure that your extra assistance and positive attitude will help them get through it.
And they’ll thank you later in their own way. I guarantee it.
Noticing that your manager is slower to respond to emails or is acting a bit short or snippy with you? This probably means something.
It’s likely that they’re either experiencing a difficult personal problem or attempting to manage their stress at work.
You have an opportunity here to make their life easier. Without being intrusive,ask if there’s anything you can do, overdeliver on deadlines, and keep a smile on your face. While your manager may never admit they were having a hard time in the moment, you can be sure that your extra assistance and positive attitude will help them get through it.
And they’ll thank you later in their own way. I guarantee it.
4. Solve Your Own Problems
You never want to be the employee that misinterprets assignments or doesn’t ask for help. However, sometimes managers think they’re being clear about projects when they’re really not. This is an issue that does need to be addressed on the management side, but you as the employee can take some proactive steps to alleviate the pain.
Tap into the knowledge of your colleagues, who may have experienced the style in which your manager gives you assignments and can shed some light on what they actually want. Figuring out your boss’s communication style can be a job in and of itself, but your fellow colleagues may have found tricks to interpret their language.
Another thing you may want to do if your company doesn’t already have this in place is to set up training sessions with other people in your department (as well as in other departments). This will expand your problem-solving skills, teach you new skills, and develop camaraderie with your team.
If you’ve taken appropriate steps to solve the problem but haven’t found a solution, don’t be afraid to ask your boss. They may be busy, but they’re not too busy to help you avoid a project disaster and will be glad you asked instead of delivering the wrong thing.
You never want to be the employee that misinterprets assignments or doesn’t ask for help. However, sometimes managers think they’re being clear about projects when they’re really not. This is an issue that does need to be addressed on the management side, but you as the employee can take some proactive steps to alleviate the pain.
Tap into the knowledge of your colleagues, who may have experienced the style in which your manager gives you assignments and can shed some light on what they actually want. Figuring out your boss’s communication style can be a job in and of itself, but your fellow colleagues may have found tricks to interpret their language.
Another thing you may want to do if your company doesn’t already have this in place is to set up training sessions with other people in your department (as well as in other departments). This will expand your problem-solving skills, teach you new skills, and develop camaraderie with your team.
If you’ve taken appropriate steps to solve the problem but haven’t found a solution, don’t be afraid to ask your boss. They may be busy, but they’re not too busy to help you avoid a project disaster and will be glad you asked instead of delivering the wrong thing.
5. Build Internal Processes
There’s nothing I love more than watching my team members create systems for their workflow. This is how I know I’ve hired the right people. They build efficiency into everything they do and even show me up sometimes when it comes to organizing their efforts!
Just because your manager or boss has a system in place for your work doesn’t mean it’s as seamless as it could be. Don’t step on any toes here, but doquestion whether current systems and processes are working. If the answer is no, evaluate why they’re not working and what you can do, proactively, to make them better.
And if you’re not naturally an organizational or operational whiz, work with someone else on your team to get these systems in place.
Your boss will love you for it, and you’ll be creating more free time in your brain to think of even more ways to please your boss and work your way up the ladder!
There’s nothing I love more than watching my team members create systems for their workflow. This is how I know I’ve hired the right people. They build efficiency into everything they do and even show me up sometimes when it comes to organizing their efforts!
Just because your manager or boss has a system in place for your work doesn’t mean it’s as seamless as it could be. Don’t step on any toes here, but doquestion whether current systems and processes are working. If the answer is no, evaluate why they’re not working and what you can do, proactively, to make them better.
And if you’re not naturally an organizational or operational whiz, work with someone else on your team to get these systems in place.
Your boss will love you for it, and you’ll be creating more free time in your brain to think of even more ways to please your boss and work your way up the ladder!
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