Making a good impression with your boss must last far longer than the interview/hiring process. In order to have an impactful and positive relationship with him or her is to stand out at all stages of your employment. Impressing your boss goes well beyond bringing in coffee and donuts on Fridays and wearing snappy suits and loafers.
Dig a little deeper to exemplify the type of employee you are any why your boss made the right choice in bringing you onto the team in the first place. Don't worry, your co-workers won't accuse you of vying for the role of "teacher's pet." These 3 tactics and long-term workplace qualities and standards will make you an employee to look up to, even by the "big man" himself!
1. Be Proactive
Sitting back and waiting to be called on is no way to progress in your role or status. Taking the initiative whenever possible is a quality bosses will notice. Wallflowers may blend in just fine, but they'll never shine as brightly as those who take proactive measures to succeed.
As per Ask Men, "If you see a new project, go after it. If you see something that needs doing, do it. And that means taking risks. Start a new task that's valuable to the company. Let your boss know what you're working on. They may take the task away from you, but they won't forget your vision."
Additionally, if you see areas of business that can be improved upon, make it your mission to make a difference. As Hongkiat notes, "Come up with some potential solutions to solve (problems). Even if you have yet to appreciate the scenario as much as your boss does, the fact that you've showed the initiative to think through them will probably impress on him or her."
2. Be Money Mindful
Any successful business is in the business of making money. Overspending and working on a shoestring budget is not only stressful, but can lead the company into a sinkhole. Your boss will be delighted if you can work well on a lean budget and make the company more and more money with each passing quarter.
Taking note of where and how you can help save money will be a great gift to your employer. According to Ask Men, "Keep an eye peeled for ways the company can spend less, and share your ideas early and often. Found a cheaper vendor for one of your company's needs? Share it! The day may come when the company passes the savings on to you in the form of a larger paycheck."
If your savvy economic sensibilities can help the company's bottom line, be sure you'll be looked upon in high regard. This type of attention aimed towards protecting the company's assets will not be easily forgotten.
3. Keep Learning
Even people in the highest level roles of a business still have the capacity and need to continue to explore further information and education about their field. Let your boss know that you're eager to go to conferences, sit in on meetings that can help you grow, and may even seek a further degree to become more entrenched in your area of expertise.
As per Hongkiat, "When you first join an organization, chances are that your boss will only 'teach' you what you need to know in order to do your job properly. There are also things that can't be taught, such as unofficial or unwritten shortcuts that your boss and/or colleagues might know of when it comes to dealing with certain things or people. Your boss would probably prefer that you find out these shortcuts for yourself through the course of your work or interactions with colleagues. That's where your willingness to learn will help propel your career."
Read up on the latest industry news. Learn from other companies in your field who are successful. Take advice from those who are making a difference. When- and wherever you can absorb more knowledge, drink it in. When your boss sees your enthusiasm and genuine interest in moving the needle, you'll always be on their good side.
For more ways to impress starting day one, check out The Muse's advice for winning over your boss.
