10 Ways To Make Your Boss Love You

Want to become your boss's favorite? Alison Green (aka Ask a Manager) U.S. News & World Report column this week suggests 10 habits that, if cultivated, will have your boss showering you with lavish praise.

I value staff who embrace #9: Speak up when you're unhappy and especially value those who use Panera Bagels with honey walnut cream cheese to express their thoughts regarding #10, If she's a good boss, tell her. Speaking of which, haven't had any bagels lately, hmmmm.

Seriously, this is one to keep at arm's length to facilitate discussions with your staff members, assist new supervisors with setting reasonable expectations for their staff and to do a soft check on yourself as you manage upward.

Comments

[Eamon]

Do you think that a reasonable way to facilitate discussions with your staff about their expectations is to conduct regular anonymous climate surveys or "employee satisfaction" surveys?

[Ask a Manager]

Why, thank you! Those two are my favorites too :)

[Lisa Rosendahl]

Eamon, we conduct an annual employee satisfaction survey across our medical center and yes, this is a great springboard for staff discussions about satisfiers/dissatisfiers. I like to use these surveys as part of a total program that includes regular contact and open communication between supervisors and staff and frequent feedback.

[Alexandra Levit]

Lisa,

I do think that telling your boss you think she's doing a great job is sage advice. I would just add that to avoid looking like you're simply kissing up, comment on something specific she did that was effective for you. For example, if she stayed late one night to help you finish a report, tell her that you appreciated her mentorship in that instance.


Best,

Alexandra Levit
Author, Success for Hire
Blogger, Water Cooler Wisdom
http://www.alexandralevit.com

[Chris]

My boss and I meet every other week for an hour with absolutely no agenda. This is in addition to other meetings we may have to discuss specific things.

We spend most of the hour talking about our current issues, observations about each other and generally catch up with what is happening.

Often my boss asks me for feedback - did somethng work etc. He uses me as a bit of a sounding board.

It works really well (both ways) and to me is the sign of a really good boss.

Chris
http://learn2develop.blogspot.com