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Here’s how to impress your boss

Guest post by: Andrew Rondeau

Article Overview: Just as you manage your employees, you need to manage the boss. Your management career will take off if you can show the higher-ups that you’re a reliable, trustworthy star. The very thought of trying to impress the boss may make you cringe. The notion of currying favour with powerful people at your organization may strike you as a fake, calculated attempt to get ahead.

Here’s how to impress your boss

Just as you manage your employees, you need to manage the boss. Your management career will take off if you can show the higher-ups that you’re a reliable, trustworthy star. The very thought of trying to impress the boss may make you cringe. The notion of currying favour with powerful people at your organization may strike you as a fake, calculated attempt to get ahead.

There’s a right way and wrong way to impress VIPs.

If you exceed expectations, anticipate and address a boss’s concerns, and consistently look for ways to add value, you’ll shine.

But if you show off, bad-mouth colleagues, and hog credit for team accomplishments, you’ll muddy your reputation and lose any chance of advancement.

Speak in can-do language.

Bosses will heed your comments if you sound like you’re organized, enthusiastic and eager to deliver results. When they ask you a question, give a one-sentence overview before you dive into the details. For example, start by saying, “We have three options” or “Let’s examine this on three different levels.”

Look ahead when discussing the status of a project.

Focus on what will happen next rather than rehash what’s already occurred. And never admit you’re in wait-and-see mode. It’s better to say, “We’re going to make progress when we resume our meeting next week” than “I’m waiting for a return call so we can schedule a meeting next week.”

When the boss asks you to do something, respond with confidence.

Say, “I’ll have that for you by 8:00 tomorrow morning” rather than “I’ll try to get that to you tomorrow morning.” Don’t leave yourself an out. Executives grow suspect of managers who lace their remarks with qualifiers and back off from making bold commitments.

Look for patterns in your interaction with your superiors.

Anticipate what issues or requests the boss will raise and be ready to answer. If you promise to do something, follow through promptly. Never make your boss nag you.

Most importantly, adopt a “no excuses” policy.

Failing to produce results almost guaranteed that a boss will doubt your abilities. When you’re asked to give a progress report, start by summarizing what you’ve done, not what you haven’t been able to do. Say, “Here’s where we are at” or “So far we’ve achieved these five goals.” Don’t say, “I haven’t had a chance to…..” or “I’m hoping that soon I can….”

Prepare to delight the boss by taking these steps:

Arm yourself with answers:

Think in advance of what the boss will ask you – and prepare concise answers. Research the facts and gather the latest information so you’re ready to impress with your vast knowledge of an issue.

Under-promise and over-deliver:

Set time frames that you can beat. List your project objectives – and then accomplish all of them along with tossing in something extra. Consistently go beyond what’s expected and you’ll stand out.

Challenge in private:

Wait for a calm moment to question a boss’s order. Make sure no one else can overhear. Never object to the boss’s comments in public.

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Article Tags: management tips, manager skill, manager skills



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Re: How should a young entrepreneur dress to impress? - Hi Kevin, If the young entreprenur are techies they don't need to impress anyone. They dress in T-shirt and blue Jeans and their products speak for them. As for me I don't need to impress anyone because I don't see my clients face to face. All my products are on autopilot
Re: How should a young entrepreneur dress to impress? - [quote="ideasuniversity":bc0t5flr]Hi Kevin, If the young entreprenur are techies they don't need to impress anyone. They dress in T-shirt and blue Jeans and their products speak for them. As for me I don't need to impress anyone because I don't see my clients face to face. All my products are on autopilot[/quote:bc0t5flr] I smiled when I read this -- so true. Just be yourself when you're at home. If you know you're making money, or capable or doing so, wouldn't it just make sense to wear clothes that feels comfortable?
Re: Money, money and mo money! - Good answer GT. Yes there is always a boss of one sort or another but as you say as an entrepreneur we can choose our boss. Every business has a certain amount of risk, but isn't that the case with everything in life. That is what makes it all so exciting. MichelleJ
Hi to all - Hi there - have just joined.I am a serial entrepreneur at am really pleased to have found a place where like minded people get together - nice to find a forum on a topic I am passionate about with so many people contributing. Heres to our future success! Paul
Re: Differences between men and women entrepreneurs - Hi Jude, I looked at your website. It looks great and I agree with what you say! I think you have a great concept that will really get women's attention. I hope it helps a lot of women. I wanted to read your article, but I couldn't find a way to read it without signing up for your services. I did like what you wrote about women on your home page though! I too, have noticed women tend to be the hardest on themselves. I think most of us have heard that women usually dress for women, not men. I remember hearing about a study that said women usually scan their competition in the form of other women when they enter a room. They said most women want to know that they are the best woman in the room. That study was on a social scale, but it's still interesting to consider how it might translate to business. Hmmm... just who are women trying to impress anyway? We don't need to compete! If we just learned to accept our own unique talents and chose to see them as great assets, there's no need to impress anyone! When I finally learned this truth and took it to heart, I was freed up to really grow forward! Wishing you all the best! Tami


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