
Reach out to your superiors to impress and strengthen relationships. Image courtesy of patrisyu and freedigitalphotos.net
Part of being a great support for your MD or CEO is about developing a strong relationship with them, by showing them you are both working towards the same goals and are on the same team. This isn’t just about making their life easier: it will make your job easier if communication is kept tight, and your manager will trust you more. Have a think about what you have done to help out your superiors lately. Use our thinking points to consider where you could impress.
Get to know your boss
Like you might when you get to know a new friend, pleasing your boss relies on knowing what they like! We’re not talking about what they want for lunch, but the things they like in the work environment. How do they like to communicate? How much do they want to know about your progress and updates? What are their goals and priorities for the business?
Make their priorities your priorities
Speaking of goals, you should make yourself clearly aware of the direction the organization wants to head in, particularly when in a development role you should know about this already. Do you know what key developments would really please your manager? Is it turnover, or is it employee morale? Is it retaining staff or ensuring your company has fresh, motivated young graduates? Remember you’re a team and keep your goals clear.
Provide solutions, not problems
Problems will arise all the time, but it is not the problem itself, but how we deal with it that shows your worth to your manager. When a problem does arise, don’t just simply point it out; consider possible solutions. If it is appropriate, go ahead and try to fix the issue straight away, but the least you can do is suggest a way forward. It is positive, helpful and shows you are thinking!
Be an honest and loyal employee
As a manager in your office, you are a role model, and as such the respect you hold for those above you will impact on your team too. Do not express criticisms of your manager or speak poorly of them infront of others. If you have an issue with the way something has been done, it is far better to air this to them personally and respectfully, for the good of the business. If done the right way, your manager is likely to be grateful for your input. Trust is always key.
Work for the future, not just today
Your job is bigger than you, it’s not just about working towards this month’s pay check or the end of the day, your superiors are thinking about the long term plan for your business and so should you. Do your job well, and take a long-term interest in the company and its objectives. It’s likely this way you will feel a greater satisfaction with your day-to-day jobs too. You will also grow and develop in line with the business, and come to see your superiors as people who are supporting your development, which they are! So do your bit and give 100% to your job each day.