Secrets to Job Security: Keep Your Employer Happy
To succeed in business these days, the first thing you should do is toss out that old "dog-eat-dog" model of work. If you really want to move up the ladder in tough economic times, learn how to keep your employer happy and help him or her succeed.
To keep your boss happy, try these strategies:
- Make your boss's priorities your priorities. Does missing deadlines make her go ballistic? Then get your work in ahead of schedule. Does he like to keep his finger in the workaday pie? Then don't turn in your final document; give him a draft and ask for feedback.
- Agree with your boss as often as you can without compromising your own values. Then when you really have to oppose your boss's idea or approach to a project, you'll have the moral capital for your boss to see your disagreement as a different outlook rather than mutiny.
- Find ways to "make something happen." Take on that assignment that someone else doesn't have time (or inclination) to do and get it done. Chances are high that you'll boss will remember you as a team player who contributes.
- Respect your boss's time. When he or she is clearly busy, avoid looming or lurking at their desk - especially if you're prone to being a Chatty Cathy.
- In controversial situations, support your boss even if you really don't like how your boss is behaving. Then, you'll be able to be honest with your boss later (in private!) about his or her misstep without seeming too confrontational.
- Share your ideas with your boss, especially if you can make someone's job easier or increase your team's productivity. Ideas that make money or cut costs always improve higher-ups' impression of you, which in turn makes them think well of themselves for hiring you!
- If you disagree with something the boss has done, don't make a big to-do about it. Ask him or her for a rationale for a particular action. Emphasize that you're trying to understand the boss' action in order to do your job well.
- Communicate with your boss as often as possible, but don't overdo it. You don't want to get a reputation as the office "brown noser."
- Always make your boss look good. You succeed when he or she succeeds.