Five Uncommon Ways To Impress Your Boss

Regardless of what some people say, your future in any company is largely dependent on how you are viewed by your boss. This is why those who aspire for better compensation or a promotion would be well-advised to get on their boss’ good graces.

But even if almost everyone knows that the way to a better future is through their boss, only few actually know how to go about doing this without looking like a suck-up. The problem is that the usual methods like working hard and being early to work are already being done by those who wish to impress their bosses. What you need are less common ways to get the job done. Combining my experience, along with keen observation and some research, I have drawn up a list of five less common ways to accomplish this:

Immediately give your attention when called—regardless of what you are doing. Unless probable disaster will occur, you must drop everything and focus on your boss once he or she calls you. This is one of the best ways to give importance to your boss because it is so rarely done. But if, for instance, the phone is ringing and your boss thinks that answering it is more important, then trust him to allow you to answer the phone first.

Be flexible when needed. It may not be specifically stated in your job description but there are times when you need to do something, either because the person who is supposed to do the task is not present or the matter is urgent. This is a judgment call and you must also consider both the legal aspects and the precedent that will be established. On the other hand, this attitude of being flexible will be extremely pleasing to your boss, most especially if he will be the one to do the task if you had not volunteered.

Be consistent in coming early to work and do not be too eager to leave. Be at your workplace 30 minutes before the time. If you will be coming from a far place, it would be better to be there even earlier. You may think that not being tardy is hard enough to do—but if you factor in the stress of trying to make it on time, in the long run, it is easier on your health. Besides coming in early, you could also show your commitment by staying or maximizing your time before leaving or, if possible, working past the usual hours. There are so many employees who regularly start preparing to leave even a few minutes before the time out. Management remembers that kind of behavior and it will form part of their opinion on your productivity.

Always strive to boost morale. Always try to look on the bright side of things. In challenging situations, be the one to uplift the spirits of your co-workers. Look for the silver lining in every cloud. Do not be a whiner—a person who complains about everything big and small. This does not mean that you should agree to everything. If later events prove that what you agreed on is a disaster, this will damage your credibility. Note that there is a big difference between a “yes man” and one who truly wants to be helpful. Instead of just criticizing, come up with a better option.

Express support for unpopular decisions if they are correct. Probably one of the most effective ways to win the favor of your boss is if you support him in a decision in which many oppose. Giving your wholehearted effort to your boss’ initiative is not much of a problem if few are against it; but if you are willing to risk ostracism by your peers, then it will be remembered by your boss. Again, you should see if the decision is the right thing to do before you embark on this risky course of action or else you may be fired along with your boss.

You must remember that getting ahead is partly a numbers game. The more attempts you make to attain your objective, the better your chances are in succeeding. Adding to the challenge is the fact that a lot of other people are competing with you. You may already be excellent, but if somebody is better or perceived to be better by your boss, then you would surely lose. Go beyond the usual tactics. Look for fresh ideas or less common ways to impress your boss. Only then would you have the edge over your peers.

*Originally published by the Manila Bulletin. C-4, Sunday, February 23, 2014. Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holders.