Ways to Impress Your Boss

There's something to be said about making sure your boss is pleased with your work. It can, in many circumstances, help you keep your job in times of financial turmoil. It also can help you get better jobs later on, or help you get a raise. Simply put, getting on your boss's good side is a wise way to pave your path to success.

Most people wish they'd know ways to get their bosses to notice their hard work, or at least, come up with a way to possibly get them noticed in time for a promotion. The problem is that it's really hard to figure out ways to impress your boss that can't backfire on you by inciting jealousy and other issues.

Want to learn ways to impress your boss that will boost your position with everyone? Here are the best ways to do it, without causing problems at work.

Learn to conform to the culture.

One of the easiest ways to impress bosses and coworkers alike is to conform to the company's culture. Every single company will have a different culture and personality that tends to work well there.

Most companies won't hire the person who sticks out like a sore thumb, nor will they want to hire the person who only conforms on a superficial level. You want to really get into the environment you're in at work.

More often than not, your coworkers will appreciate you more - and your bosses will take notice that you're really part of the team. It's worth knowing that this trick isn't just a one of the best ways to impress your boss; it also works phenomenally well with prospective employers.

Dress for success.

Though this isn't true everywhere, there is something to be said about dressing the right way in an office setting. It's an investment that shows that you want to be management-tier.

Though coworkers might deride you for being a bit overdressed, quite a few corporate bosses impress future clients or employees by putting the most-well dressed people to interact with them. As a result, those people tend to stay in the company longer and are also given higher salaries.

Actually do your job.

Most people who are in HR can tell you that it's actually really hard to find people who will do what they're paid to do - and do it well. This is particularly true in sales, HR, medicine, tech fields, hospitality, and the creative arts.

What I'm trying to say is that there are a lot of inept people who are just hired because they can sort of do the job they are paid to do. Ergo, one of the easiest ways to impress your boss is to show them that you do the work, and that you do it well.

It's insane how much incompetence is out there.

Assuming that the company that you're working in isn't overly political, you can ensure your staying power by making sure you show that you're competent and willing to do the job.

Notice how I said that you need to make sure that the company you're in isn't overly political in the statement above. There's a reason for this.

I've personally seen a lot of companies that would involve bullying, cliques, and backstabbing as a way to get to the top - rather than work on talent. If you're in a company like that, you should not try to impress managers this way. It will likely backfire and get you laid off.

Make work easier or more fun for everyone else.

The vast majority of people in a company want to enjoy the eight hours per day they're busy at work. The fact is that there's a lot of stress and chaos in every job, and sometimes, just having a teammate that makes things tolerable or slightly easier makes it all worth it.

Most coworkers will deeply appreciate the person who's kind to them, makes jokes, and keeps a sunny disposition no matter what happens. Employers, at least those who are wise, will also notice this in an employee - and will be impressed by it.

However, much like being competent at your job, being overly nice also can backfire in work environments that are particularly politics-filled. If your workplace resembles what you see in The Devil Wears Prada, your kindness and happy demeanor will likely be taken for weakness.

This, in turn, makes it one of those ways to impress your boss that only works in the right environments. Use your judgment here.

Be "on the ball."

This old 80s phrase may have been a favorite buzzword among managers, but the truth is that there's a lot to be said about a person who's always on top of things.

Managers and big bosses both look for someone who always knows what's up, is timely with everything, has notes prepped for meetings, and is a scheduling maverick. It's rare – exceedingly so.

If you're on the ball and show that you're capable of handling a million plus tasks, your boss will be impressed. As a result, this is one of the better foolproof ways to impress your boss while learning a crucial business skill too.

Follow through.

One thing many people in HR and business management positions are sick of seeing are people who talk the talk, but can't walk the walk. It's insanely common. Additionally, most people really dislike the idea of having to deal with people who need to be flagged down in order to be found.

That's why one of the easiest ways to impress your boss or potential employer is to show some follow through. Reply to their emails, call when you say you'll call, and deliver the results you promised to deliver.

In many situations, a lack of followup on emails and conversations can lead to a termination. So, if you're wise, you'll get used to following up with employers.

Put in extra hours if you need to.

The first thing most employers will learn about an employee is how their work ethic meshes with the company's needs. Most employers just won't be impressed by the person who's checked out mentally by 2 and rushes home by 5. In fact, if you're doing that right off the bat, then you probably will not make it through the evaluation period.

Most bosses, aside from the ones who are totally daft, will be impressed by the person who works extra hours. That shows dedication – and that's rare in today's age.

Do the work everyone else forgets about, or the work no one wants to do.

Every single workplace has tasks that people just hate doing. Whether it's sales, mopping up the place, or (ew) cleaning toilets doesn't matter. What matters is that they need to get done.

Similarly, every job also has tasks that they everyone forgets. Perhaps it's putting that stack of checks in the shredder, or just cleaning out cache memories on computers. You know, it's nitpicky stuff that needs to be done – but often just doesn't get done.

Most employers will be very impressed by employees who will do the work everyone forgets to do – or "forgets" to do. In terms of ways to impress your boss, this one almost always works.

Be assertive.

A common mistake a lot of people make when they are trying to impress anyone is to be a doormat. This is why so many jokes abound about bosses dealing with brown-nosing employees, yes men on the corporate board, and similar issues.

Assuming that your boss doesn't have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, one of the smartest ways to make yourself stand out is to be tactfully assertive. Don't lie and say something is a good idea when it's not - but be polite about it.

At the very least, your boss will know you're a straight shooter. That can go far, especially in management.

Know when it's time to go.

As much as it hurts me to say so, there are some companies where you just won't succeed - no matter what you do. If you've tried a number of ways to impress your boss only to be insulted, excluded, and overlooked time after time, you're in a workplace that just isn't good for you.

There's a certain point where finding a new job isn't really quitting; it's self-preservation. If you don't feel appreciated, or if you notice people are getting promoted in front of you, it may be time to search for a more appreciative workplace.