Most employees give their boss a high rating and enjoy working on their team. According to a Pew Research Center survey, more than half of workers say their direct manager or supervisor is especially great at providing flexibility and giving them credit when it’s due.

You can create an even better working relationship by striving to make your boss successful. Lea McLeod, a business coach and consultant, says when your goal is to help your boss – not just yourself – you’ll grow individually and as part of the team. Plus, when you help your boss become successful, they’re more likely to advocate for you, which can open the door to new opportunities.

In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight some ideas from McLeod on ways you can stand out as an exemplary employee.

Understand your boss’s preferences. Do they like to receive updates via email or in person? Are spreadsheets preferred over slide decks? Getting to know your manager’s preferences can help you deliver the information they need in the format they prefer. McLeod says everyone appreciates that.

Understand your boss’s goals. Don’t zoom in too much on your own goals so that you forget you’re also there to help your boss achieve their goals. McLeod recommends making it part of your job to know the goals, numbers, projects and other deliverables your boss is accountable for.

Leave no room for surprises. Your boss should never be blindsided. For example, if a client is particularly upset and is about to escalate their concern above you and your boss to a senior leader, you need to let your boss know. Your manager will thank you for the heads up, McLeod says.

Don’t waste their time. This seems like a given, but many employees bother their boss with questions that a colleague could answer. If you’re not sure how to file an expense report or where to find the pens, ask a co-worker. McLeod recommends saving your one-on-one time with your boss for work-related questions that require collaboration.

Meet or exceed your quotas. Enthusiastically commit by saying something like, “I’m on it!” instead of “I’ll see what I can do.” Then, McLeod suggests striving to beat your quota.

Offer solutions, not problems. One of the best ways to become a dream employee is to proactively think about solutions to challenges. Don’t just walk into your boss’s office and complain. Instead, let your boss know you’re on it and that you’ve started taking steps to resolve issues.

Do what you say you’ll do. Can your boss count on you? Make sure you’re prepared at meetings, accountable for your projects and that you follow through on your commitments.

If you want to be the apple of your boss’s eye, keep a good attitude and try to make their life easier. From understanding their top priorities to doing what you say you’ll do, there are many ways you can take some of the pressure off your boss. When you do so, you’ll make it easy for them to appreciate your contributions.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Lea McCleod is a coach and consultant for individuals and teams who want to be better at what they do.