Boss’s favorite                     

Personal Interview - Answers to frequently asked questions

How to be your boss’s favorite?

The most important person who can help in the growth of one’s career in a desired way is the “Boss”. Your boss can do much more than any qualification can do for you. He is the person who represents you in front of the management. Whatever he says, good or bad about you definitely has an effect on your career succession with in and outside the organization. If boss is such an important person in your career, what is it that you can do to keep him happy and be his favorite?

Skills required to earn promotions and perks

This article is not about being a sycophant; it is rather about maintaining a good relationship with your superior. If you know what are the things that bosses like and dislike in their sub-ordinates you are one step closer to your destination. Even if you are made a boss tomorrow, you would expect these things from your sub-ordinates. So, let’s take a look at the traits that bosses like and dislike in their sub-ordinates.

Traits that bosses appreciate in their team members:

• Hard work and dedication
• Loyalty and discipline
• Being a team player
• Giving credit to the boss and the team
• Flexibility
  At times they may need to restructure the team or experiment making some changes in the tasks you do, don’t be resistant. Take a flexible approach and help him try out new things. You can definitely discuss if you foresee any problems in the new approach and give the possible solutions.
• Constructive feedback
  Feedback is important but if it can’t be put to any use, it won’t be much helpful. If you want to report a problem area, offer some possible solutions also.
• Discuss everything with the boss first
  Keep the boss updated about your work. Whatever it is, good or bad, tell it to your boss first. He needs to be prepared to answer the questions that may arise related to you.
• Not directly approaching the big boss
  If you want to report a problem, it is always a good idea to go directly to your line manager and discuss it with him rather than directly going to the big boss. If you directly go to the big boss, it puts your line manager in an awkward situation.
• Taking Initiatives
• Supporting the company during tough times.
• Appreciate the opportunity you are given and be thankful

Traits that bosses do not appreciate in their sub-ordinates:

• Giving Surprises
  Surprises, good or bad are not appreciated by the bosses. They give an impression that the boss is unaware about the happenings in his department and do not give him a chance to prepare himself to answer the questions that might arise.
• Unannounced leave
  There may be times when the boss is relying on you for a particular task and all of a sudden if you take a leave without informing the boss, imagine where it will lead him to. If you have to take a leave inform your boss in as much advance as possible so that he can plan his acitivities accordingly.
• Excuses for underperformance
  Accept the responsibility for underperformance rather than blaming it on the customers or colleagues. Try to find out and propose the solutions. Always ask the question “Why”. Why did we score more in this test? Why did we sell less in this season? What can we do to improve the results?
• Doing personal stuff while at work
  Would you like it if you are required to pay an employee for his personal work which he wants to do in the office? Similarly bosses also do not like it when you take out your books and start preparing for your entrance exam in the office. Your company is paying you for the time when you are at office, don’t do personal work there.
• Being Idle
  If you are done with your assigned work, do not take out a novel and start reading it. Give the advantage of your free time to your company. Go to the boss and ask him if he would like you to do something extra.
• Stretching lunch hours or coffee breaks
  If your company gives you a lunch break of 30 minutes, do not go out to smoke a cigarette or for a stroll for another 10 minutes. Finish your lunch and associated activities within 30 minutes and get back to your place.
• Taking a break at busy time of the day
  How would you feel if you go to the bank to notice that the cashier is away from his place during the work hours and you are required to wait for 30 minutes? Wouldn’t it be irritating? The boss also feels the same when you are away from your place during the busy hours of the business.
• Overtime when boss didn’t ask for
  Your company has a policy of paying the employees for every extra working hour. You make it a habit to do an overtime of 2 hours everyday without your boss wanting you to do it. Wouldn’t it irritate the boss? Do not misuse the flexibility your company offers.
• Laughing around at boss’s mistake
  Every human being is error prone. If your boss makes a mistake, do not make it a habit to point it out and laugh around at it. Genuinely bring it to his notice and move ahead.
• Badmouthing the boss or company
  Many employees have an habit of bad mouthing the boss and the company. Have you ever thought, if you your company or boss is so bad, why do you want to hang around there?
• Wasting time grooming yourself
• Taking Personal calls at work
• Misusing office facilities
• Stealing on company’s things
• Socializing too much at work