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Making Your Boss “Work” For You

🦉 7 steps to turn your boss into an ally.

Author

Joe
May 23, 2024

❝

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Theodore Roosevelt

TODAY’S TAKE

Making Your Boss “Work” For You

Navigating workplace dynamics can often feel like a daily survival challenge. But what if you could turn your boss into your greatest ally? Yes, your boss might suck, and helping them might not sound great, but think about the big picture: a promotion, a reference, an insider’s perspective, a new skillset. Being your boss’s go-to can have a major impact on your future. It’s not just about avoiding conflicts or impressing them; it’s about becoming a trusted partner and positioning yourself for future success. Here are seven tips to help you master this art and get ahead:

  1. Figure Out What Keeps Them Up at Night

    • Every boss has that one thing that stresses them out. Find out what it is and tackle it head-on. If your boss is obsessed with hitting sales targets, brainstorm ideas that could help. Show them you get it and that you're on their team.

  2. Take Initiative, Don't Wait for Instructions

    • Waiting around for your boss to tell you what to do? That’s what everyone else is doing. Be the person who spots problems and offers solutions before anyone else. This shows you’re proactive and dependable, and it will make your boss's life easier.

  3. Understand They're Human Too

    • Your boss isn’t a robot (yet). They have bad days, stress, and personal lives too. Show a little empathy. If you see them struggling, ask how you can help or just offer a kind word. This small act can build a lot of goodwill.

  4. Keep Track of Your Wins

    • Don’t rely on your boss to remember every great thing you’ve done. Keep a running list of your achievements and subtly remind them of your contributions. This can be a lifesaver during performance reviews.

  5. Adapt and Be Flexible

    • Not every strategy will work with every boss. Pay attention to what clicks and what doesn’t. If your current approach isn’t working, be willing to switch it up. Flexibility is key to staying on your boss’s good side.

  6. Make Their Job Easier

    • Look for ways to lighten your boss's load. This could mean handling a project they hate or streamlining a clunky process. The easier you make their job, the more they’ll value having you around.

  7. Avoid the "Suck-Up" Trap

    • No one likes a brown-noser. Be genuine in your efforts to help your boss and support your team. Show you’re there for everyone, not just the higher-ups. This balance keeps your integrity intact and earns you respect.

It may not come easily, but by aiming to be a trusted partner to your boss, you’re not just enhancing your own perspective and skillset; you’re also paving the way for more opportunities. A better relationship with your boss can open new doors and create pathways to career growth, whether it’s a promotional opportunity, a stellar reference, or gaining invaluable leadership insights. Always think a step ahead.

HEADLINES

This week: robots are performing surgery and scaring customers, and Canada says, 'Lose the collar colors.'

AI analyst says plumbers' and electricians' jobs are safe but AI models like GPT-4o 'will impact any job that has data'

OpenAI's new multimodal model could help plumbers and electricians do their jobs more effectively, an AI analyst said.

Out with the old: Blue- and white- collar job labels aren't cutting it anymore, says researcher

The old way of classifying jobs as blue- or white-collar is no longer relevant in Canada's modern labor market. Our 21st century economy and workforce are too complex to boil jobs and work categories down to a simple blue- or white-collar contrast.

Sony’s careful robot is learning how to perform microsurgeries

It's still in development stage, but it's pretty impressive.

State of IT jobs: Mixed signals, changes ahead

Layoffs and salary plateaus in the wake of exuberant pandemic-era IT hiring has the IT talent market in flux. And while employers pay premiums for hard-to-find AI skills, IT pros seek the same for filling in-office openings.

Robot-phobia could exacerbate hotel, restaurant labor shortage

Using more robots to close labor gaps in the hospitality industry may backfire and cause more human workers to quit, according to a WSU study.

RESOURCES & RECOMMENDATIONS

6figr.com

6figr is a comprehensive career platform designed to help you understand your market value and make informed career decisions. Compare your earnings with peers, dive into detailed salary data across industries, and get personalized compensation insights. A standout feature is "Roast My Career," where you can anonymously submit your career profile for a candid and humorous critique. It’s a fun way to get valuable feedback and see where you stand in the job market.

Check out 6figr.com

SkillSyncer

SkillSyncer is a free resume keyword scanner and job application tracker designed to help job seekers enhance their resumes. It identifies missing skills and keywords by comparing your resume to job descriptions, ensuring it aligns with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The platform provides instant feedback, a match score, and detailed job match reports to improve your chances of landing interviews. Additionally, SkillSyncer offers features like job application tracking and a user-friendly interface.

Check out SkillSyncer

RANDOM NUGGET

55% of American workers feel pretty great about their boss. More than half! That’s a good sign, but if you’re in the other 45%, remember that perspective is key. Do your part to foster a positive relationship, control what you can control, and keep your goals in sight. How you handle that relationship can make all the difference in the opportunities that come your way.
Source: Pew Research Center

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– Joe