An Employee What Every Boss Wants

This post is labeled under Career Move

I felt honored when one of my former students, who read few of my articles, requested me to write about how to she could approach her work productively and make the boss happy at the same time. She feels lost and confused on what to do where she needs to work with colleagues and a boss, who leads the pack, commonly with different perspectives on getting things done. My advice is to know who is calling the shots.

Which side you’re on
The common mistake by anyone who is just beginning to curve a niche in the corporate world is not to know whom their work for. Yes, I mean you work for the best interest of the company but who says what you do and don’t do? Your supervisor, your team leader, etc, ---your boss --- is the first person whom you need to trust as you do your work. Do not forget that first person who either breaks or makes your career. The boss should be the one where we show our first, good, and lasting impression about us. Protect your superior at all times and let the boss feel how cooperative you are in the direction he/she is taking.

Most of the bosses in some ways are unpopular. No matter how unpopular they are, they keep the systems going. Only few understand that top-level management is drawing a line between management and rank and file. It is a necessary evil so management decisions are taken seriously for everyone to follow. Learn to respect and abide on policies set. Yes, the boss is human too. Do not take it personal if some decisions do not match your taste. They too, are not sometimes happy when making a decision an unpopular one.


Instead putting your boss in a can, why not make a suggestion if you see alternatives to problem besetting the workplace. Not only will the boss think of you as a problem solver but an important ally as well. Most bosses love employee who contributes to the solution of the problem. Expect on the next round when problem pops out you will be one of the few persons to be consulted with for seeing things differently. And that’s a good feeling not to mention a mark to your career.

Clarify expectations

If you are not clear with the scope of your job responsibilities, ask. The common misunderstanding in any relationship --- boss and subordinate included --- is not communicating well on what to expect from each other. It is seldom you see a boss talking to his subordinate correcting mistakes. Sometimes what you will encounter are cold shoulders and a silent treatment which leaves you guessing what went wrong. Be the one to initiate to talk to your boss if you suspect something is wrong on the way you handle your job. According to Carrie Wilkerson, The Barefoot Executive, build credibility and relationship first. Ask for an appointment where the boss is free and discuss what’s bothering you in doing your work.

Caution, though, do not be a whiner when you have your chance to talk. If you suspect you did a terrible job that makes everyone mad, you should have a ready solution if something same happens in the future. Ask apology and provide steps to avoid same scenario happening again. Seek suggestions from your boss on how you can handle the issue effectively. That alone is an important step to let the boss know how you value the services you render: another good mark on your career.

Make the customer of your department happy

Any person or department that your boss is rendering service with is a customer. You must be always on a look out on how your department is perceived by the other. A good service is a good reflection on how your boss handles your department. Little things like relaying the message to the boss, asking your colleagues to follow up on a request, committing to the scheduled delivery of the tasks are few but important things that boost up the image of the department.

“Nobody is indispensable” as they say. A good employee is hard to find. Be the asset headhunters and employers look for. And I assure you, even if your company brinks to total bankruptcy, you’re the last person to go.

Here’s to your thriving and successful career!