10 ways to impress your boss

You might be a top performer. You might be the most deserving person in the team. But at times, you might simply lose out on a promotion or miss an opportunity to be a part of one of the best projects. The news would be indeed shocking. More shocking would be the reason that your boss was not impressed by you. Thus, keeping your boss impressed is an art and we tell you how.

1. Reach early, leave late

Yes, you read it right.

Always reach the office before your boss and leave after s/he leaves. Few bosses really hate the idea of seeing their subordinates walking in leisurely when they themselves have started working.

Also, never leave the office before your boss leaves.

2. Work more, break less

Ensure that you are not found taking breaks when your boss is on rounds. Short breaks are essential. Thus, one way to overcome this is to sync your boss's calendar with yours.

In this way, you know when she is busy with her/his meetings, so that you can have your caffeine break.

3. Share knowledge, stay friendly

Be proactive and help your team members, especially when your boss is around. Take up trainings for your team. Found some information that could help your team to grow? Shoot a mail to the team marking a copy to your boss. So you hit two birds with one stone.

4. Speak up, speak sense

A lot many of us hate meetings, especially the review meetings. But this is one big opportunity to make your presence felt. Try to speak as much as possible giving your inputs, feedback and suggestions. Of course, it is expected that you speak sense too.

5. Over deliver, ask more

Do not be too happy if you are completing the work before deadlines. Forget deadlines and try to complete the work in much shorter time than what is allotted to you. Be proactive.

Ask for tasks if you have none in your hand. Do not wait for your boss to find out that you are sitting idle as you have completed all the previous assignments.

6. Do things, get noticed

However small the things you may do, ensure you get noticed. It can be as small as switching off the lights while leaving a meeting room. Your efforts must be seen by your boss. Doing all the great work will not help much if you are not noticed as distinguished in your team.

7. Share status, bring in loop

Keep your boss updated on the progress of any task assigned to you. Do no wait for him to ask. Ensure s/he is kept in loop whenever a mail chain is initiated. This way, your boss is also in a comfortable position when her/his higher ups ask for the status updates.

Also, if there is a bad news, ensure that it reaches your boss through you and not anyone else.

8. Groom well, dress up

The way you present yourself in the office makes a lot of difference to the impression you create. Dress as per the occasion and always look well groomed. Observe how your higher ups present themselves. Follow them to impress them.

9. Facts first, stories next

When presenting your ideas and suggestions, ensure that you back them up with facts and figures. This world lives on the number game. Do ground work to find the existing problems and solutions. Present the quantitative information. It leaves a lasting impression on your boss.

10. Be innovative, save money

Use your innovation to cut costs as much as possible for the company. Those who think on these lines are the most preferred as all companies look for cutting costs and increasing profits. This again will need some ground work to be done and presentation of appropriate facts.