How to make your boss love you

It’s common knowledge that human beings are not only social creatures, but that they thrive in group environments

Naturally, when there are several people in a ‘tribe’, some kind of hierarchy is required to keep things ticking over smoothly. Who is at the top of the hierarchy? Your boss. They cast the final vote, they steer the tribe in the right direction, and essentially, they are in charge.

Surviving the modern day tribe warfare, aka the office, can seem daunting, which is why you need to ensure that your boss likes and respects you, and that they can rely on you.

Here are 6 ways to nurture your relationship with your boss and show them why you are their dream employee.

1] Be reliable

If you follow through and do what you say you will, this won’t go unnoticed. Arrive on time, or even early, to meetings, and make sure you hit those deadlines. Be alert, and take notes to help you remember things if that helps, but see this as a chance to become the go-to person.

2] Be diplomatic

If there is something you’re not happy with that needs addressing, try and steer away from a complaint, and towards a request. Don’t just say something is wrong – offer up a solution to the problem and be gracious when discussing your colleagues.

3] Take responsibility

We are all human, and sometimes we can’t always do what we’ve said we will. Instead of reeling off a series of excuses as to why you’ve arrived late, simply apologise, be honest and reassure your boss that this won’t happen again.

4] Be open about your ambitions

It’s very easy to keep working the grind, hoping that one day you will be offered a managerial position. However, if you’ve never actually told your boss that you’d like to lead a team, the chances are you may miss out to somebody else who has.

Speak to your employer and tell them if, and how, you’d like to progress in the company. Your boss will most probably love your initiative and you’ll then be first in line for new opportunities in the future.

5] Be professional

Not everyone gets along, and whilst it’s understandable that you might be working with people on your team that you wouldn’t socialise with outside of the office, try and maintain professionalism at all times.

Avoid gossip and drama, support your colleagues and if there is tension, try and act as a buffer to help ease it. Your employer will notice your positive behaviour and influence, and it will also make for a much more pleasant working environment.

6] Support your boss

Of course, employers have a responsibility to support their staff, but if you can offer help to your boss as well, you’ll stand out from your colleagues, and it will be a refreshing change from the usual working patterns of some employees.

By making suggestions to save your boss time and thinking about ways that you can help them, you will find that your boss will be grateful for your consideration, and will also be keen to support you in return.

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The British Institute of Recruiters is the Professional Body operating The Recruitment Certification Scheme

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