Most often than not, employees usually face the challenges of how to please their bosses (superiors); while they carry out their official duties. Especially with bosses who prefer their subordinates to be afraid of them; as a means of motivation or who are more or less perfectionists. Most people are usually lucky to get appreciation from their bosses. Whereas a good number of others would always struggle on what to do to get around their bosses. However, regardless of the type of boss you may have; the below listed approaches would come in handy; to get you that appreciation you sure desire to motivate you in your workplace:
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Make Yourself Relevant
To make yourself relevant and help others out does not mean, to be a jack of all trade in your workplace. It simply means to go the extra mile without reward to get the job done. You risk-assess ahead, envisage challenges; and proffer solutions where others would think it would require rocket science to make it work out. It simply means to be good at what you do. To be proactive to the point where the system sees you through your output and not by being loud in the office.
These instances are prevalent in some workplaces where the boss would say; ”Ask Janet I am sure she would have an idea”. This also deserves caution so as not to breed negative energy among your colleagues; as they may see you as a threat. The basic principle required to make this method effective is to use the words like; can I try? Is it okay like this? Could you go through to see if it’s okay?
This method works magic as long as you have the willingness to let your skills rub off on your colleagues. After all, the main objective is to achieve the organizational set goal. And to prevent a situation where conscious competent employees most times prefer to hold their employers at ransom with their unique skills, especially in times of urgency.
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Prioritize Your Task In Line With That Of Organization’s Goals
Try to understand the tasks that are of top priorities to your boss and align your own tasks to achieve them. To work in opposite direction can only create distrust.
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Respect Boundaries
Do not abuse privileges that are available to you, including family history, relationship, health, etc, which you have become privy to by your boss as well as colleagues, because gossiping can be a full-time career in some workplaces. Keep the relationship professional always, regardless of how intimate you are. Do not put forward excessive requests, especially when you know your boss would not say no, but be sure that your records are kept behind the scene.
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Be Remorseful When You Go Wrong
Be quick to apologize when you go wrong, never wait for your boss to ask for it, if possible, let him/her know how you have planned to prevent reoccurrence.
Your boss could be the one who overly reacts to wrongdoings, do not let it get to you, just move past it and never allow it to affect your subsequent tasks.
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Be Respectful to your boss and colleagues
Be respectful not just to your boss but also to your subordinates. In a situation where you are the most competent in a particular task, it is imperative that you display a high level of respect and humility.
To be respectful to your subordinate does not mean you bow to them or relegate your position or authority to them. It is about seeing them as humans that they are and showing empathy, etc. While you do all of these, your boss watches without you knowing.
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Be Proactive
Plan your tasks ahead of time as earlier stated; get clarifications on things that are confusing about your tasks and responsibilities.
Always have the details or information handy, be your boss’ reminder. Be ready at all times to give accurate information on information that relates to your job.
He/she will always run to you for details if you always plan ahead, envisage his/her likely questions and provide answers if within your ability to do so.
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Share Your Knowledge And Don’t Hold Back
Apply your knowledge and skills on your job and be open and willing to share. It takes the pressure and stresses off you. Do not hoard your knowledge, especially, when you feel the organization never paid for your acquisition of such knowledge and skill.
Bear in mind that the more you share, the more you improve on your knowledge.
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Steer Clear Of Office Gossips And Politics
Be diplomatic when it comes to office politics, never play the role of a saboteur, either in favour of your boss or colleagues. Remember, there is always another life outside the office, avoid quoting people (e.g. he said, she said, they said, etc.). To give candid advice to your boss or colleagues on any pressing issue is a welcoming practice, but never you quote anyone.
The only way you can remain irreplaceable is to ask questions; attempt to resolve unhealthy situations, have the willingness to take correction, to unlearn and relearn. This will attract respect and appreciation from your boss no matter how difficult he may seem to be.
Every employer wants to succeed and if you are a valuable asset, your future is guaranteed in the organization. Remember, trust is not cheap, it’s a great virtue, so value it!
