Four Steps To Becoming A Favored Employee
You can easily become the boss’s very favorite employee if you…
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Oliver Letwin, (C) Minister for Government Policy and Jo Johnson MP (3rd R) host a meeting with members of the UK Insurance companies at the Cabinet Office on February 18, 2014 in London, England. Insurance bosses met the ministers to discuss their response to the continuing flooding, which has affected many parts of southern and south-west England and areas along the River Thames. (Photo by Dan Kitwood – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Photo by Dan Kitwood /Getty ImagesWho knew it was this easy to become the favorite son or daughter in management's eyes?
A few simple steps and you're there! But don't just try and suck up, that's too transparent and most will see right through it. All it really takes is a little effort and some very basic common sense.
For example:
- "Manage up." If you've never heard the term, it's all about managing the people ABOVE you, and finding ways to help them succeed. Because if they succeed, you will too.
- Say thanks more often. Even when they say you did something wrong. A study in 2011 found that expressing gratitude for your boss's feedback... even if it's negative... will make them feel warmer toward you.
- Get to work early. People who show up early tend to be seen as more competent. But if your boss is flexible with work hours, here's a tip: Tell them you like starting later, because it makes you more productive. (Studies have found that wording it that way makes you look better.)
- Solve problems on your own. Show some initiative, and only bring stuff to your boss if you really can't figure it out. And even then, try to have some solutions in mind so they don't have to come up with them.
For even more tips (on not only becoming a favorite at the office, but just to be a batter employee) check out this article in Time.
