With unemployment lines growing, layoffs on the rise, and job stability a distant dream, you’ve started to sweat every time your boss pauses outside your cubicle.

You’re working hard, but you’re beginning to wonder if simply meeting the requirements of your job (completing tasks, delivering on time, punching the clock) is enough to keep you employed.

If you’re one of the many Americans who feel that your job may be in jeopardy in this bleak economic landscape, then there are several steps you may want to take to ensure that your employer appreciates your contributions and sees you as a real person (rather than just an expendable number).

1. Be punctual. If you didn’t know you had to show up to work on time, this is a wake-up call.  Those who are perpetually late will garner attention in the worst possible way, so buck up and do whatever it takes to get you to the desk on time.

Along the same lines, don’t take extended lunches or leave early too often.  Certainly there will be occasions that warrant a break in the norm, but don’t make it a habit if you wish to avoid raising the ire of the higher ups.

2. Dress the part. Just because you’re allowed to wear your sloppy jeans and t-shirts to the office doesn’t mean you should.  Dressing for the job you want (rather than the one you have) will help others to visualize you in that role, and may make it easier for you when promotions come around.

3. Go the extra mile. So filing TPS reports is not in your job description.  But here’s what your job does entail: doing what your boss asks (within reason and under the umbrella of work).  You don’t have to pick up his dry-cleaning, but if he makes a reasonable, work-related request, expend the effort to go above and beyond.  This type of attitude is both recognized and valued.

4. Don’t dip your pen in the company ink. This may bring to mind a couple of different scenarios, but what it really entails is a professional attitude.  Keep your work and personal life separate, and don’t do anything that could be construed as taking advantage of company resources (whether it is the young receptionist or an expense account).

5. Steer clear of office politics. Water-cooler gossip is one thing (virtually harmless, but best avoided).  Engaging in office politics is another matter entirely.  Becoming embroiled in schemes to make other groups or individuals fail (in the interest of making yourself look better) is not only bad for morale, it can hurt the company as a whole.

It also exposes you as insecure, petty, and even insubordinate.  Remember that you’re all in this together and the success of each group only contributes to the stability of the company and all of its employees.

6. Sound off. Nobody will recognize you (or your efforts) if you’re a timid wallflower.  You can be your best supporter or your worst enemy depending on how you act, so don’t be afraid to tout your accomplishments to the brass.

While this is especially hard for women (who tend to emphasize the efforts of the group), it is even more important for females to make their endeavors known if they hope to succeed and excel in a corporate setting (which is still largely a boys club).

7. Keep learning. If you want to progress in your career, you need stay up-to-date with advances in your field and prove that you are prepared to take it to the next level.  So consider research and development an ongoing necessity for advancement and success.

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2 Responses to “Seven ways to “Wow” your Boss”

1. Sachin Saxena says:

   July 13, 2010 at 4:33 AM

   Excellent… though not practical in current offices…

   Still, it is appreciable, not easy but, definitely a right choice…
2. Geno Prussakov says:

   July 13, 2010 at 5:08 AM

   Excellent post, Kyle. The only thing I’d change is put learning first. After all, your knowledge/expertise is your best competitive advantage which also makes you a great asset for your company.