It’s easy to become complacent at work as the year comes to a close but the truth is, no matter what time of year it is you need to go the extra mile to impress the person that really matters. And, no, we’re not talking about that cute guy in HR – we’re talking about your boss.
By Chloe Schneider
When you’re chasing your tail trying to get everything ready before the holidays and attending the end-of-year office social events, keep in mind that your boss could be making an assessment of you that could see you finally score that promotion you’ve been striving towards.
We asked founding editor of CareerOne, Kate Southam, for some tips on how to impress the boss get ahead now, in the new year, and beyond.
RESCU: In big companies, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. How can employees make themselves, and their work, known?
Kate Southam: Be passionate. Always strive to do the very best you can.
Be positive. People are drawn to “can do” people. They get noticed. Being positive also includes talking positively about your employer and co-workers.
Be proactive. Scan for opportunity. Highly successful people are proactive in finding ways to get their ideas heard and to contribute beyond their pod. Ask advice. Who is someone you admire in another department? Ask their advice but in the context that you will betaking your idea to your manager but wanted to tweak it first after getting direction on issue A or question B.
Find a mentor within the company. Ask HR if there is an official mentor program but if there isn’t, then cultivate a relationship with someone you admire.
Participate! Volunteer for one of the cross -department committees such as Corporate Social Responsibility or the WH&S team. If the company uses an internal blogging tool such as Yammer be on it but use it professionally.
Introduce yourself. At the All Staff Briefing or at inter departmental functions make a point of meeting new people.
RESCU: We often have several bosses – the one we report to, the team leader, the owner of the company… who should we aim to impress?
Kate Southam: Your immediate boss most of all. You are there to do your job and support your manager. Your performance reviews are given by your immediate boss too. If you aim to impress the most senior person you are:
a) not doing the job you were hired to do
b) will really tick off your manager – the person with the most influence over your success
c) will tick off everyone around you and without cooperation from colleagues, getting projects completed is a lonely road
Sure, when interacting with other managers in the organisation you should always aim to impress with good eye contact, insightful questions or just a pleasant smile and polite small talk. However, don’t be one of those who ONLY manage up. Treat everyone as if they matter because they do.
RESCU: Women in particular worry about coming across as egotistical when they are trying to impress – how can we over come this?
Kate Southam: I think this one has more to do with the internal world of individual women that anything else. It is what you do and say and how you do and say things that count so let’s look at that.
– Remember, you are paid to be good at your job. So being confident about your ability is why you were hired and what your boss wants you to be. Find an authentic style of owning your success and opinions while making room for others.
– Think honestly about whether you do display any egotistical behaviour. Women – like men – who are egotistical are actually insecure. Remind yourself of what you contribute and of your achievements so you don’t feel the need to shout about yourself. People who are confident know what they are good at and quietly get on with things. They also know their stuff so when they do speak up people listen but they don’t need to dominate the discussion every time.
– Don’t apologise for having an opinion and don’t water down your suggestions. I’ve heard women at meetings say things like: “Look, this could be a silly idea but…” or “I like to add something … if that’s alright”. Not only do such statements distract from the point you are making or even turn listening ears deaf, it is not respectful to your listener. “Hey I am going to say something but it is not worth listening to so I am just taking up air time.” You don’t mean it that way, but it could be read that way.
RESCU: What are the top three things employees commonly do that DON’T impress the boss?
Kate Southam:
1. Go to the boss only with problems. The best approach is to go with a problem and a solution. It doesn’t have to be “the” solution but your boss will really appreciate you being proactive.
2. Gossip and or bitch about other people in the company or team. Don’t do it. Try and focus on behaviours you don’t like rather than sounding like you are back in school.
3. Demand a pay rise and get emotional while doing so. Many women do not ask for a pay rise, instead they wait and fester with resentment and then when they do ask, they are angry. Pay rises have to be justified all the way up the line so the best way to approach it is professionally. Know the pay rise system in your company (annual review, end of year etc.), then prepare a pitch. People have different approaches but I think flagging the fact you want to ask for a pay rise with the boss is a good idea and then sending your reasons in writing so you can follow up with a face to face when the boss has had time to think through your pitch.