He is a man just as you are that has strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes just as you do. He is not much different from you except that - he is your boss. He has a job to do just as you do and in most cases he also has a boss, who has a boss too.
Your boss can be your best friend or worst enemy but as far as career advancement is concern - choose the first option. Take his advice, counsel and guidance that can give way to recognition and eventually to the promotion you have been waiting for.
Believe it or not - a genuine boss is interested in your welfare. Actually he should be as part of his job. If your boss is surrounded by better performer employees - the greater chances of developing people into better positions and the higher he would be rated as executive.
So start befriending your boss, not necessarily in a social way but purely business. Do the jobs designated to you in the best way possible, quick but efficient and without argument or discussion. Perform the job exactly as you are told for he has a good reason for wanting it do be done that way. Do not improvise or make changes unless you are told and your opinion is asked. On the other hand, do not just be a “yes-man” or an apple polisher.
If you think that you have a better and easier way of doing things - write it down and present it to the boss as suggestions. More importantly is that you did your job exactly as you were instructed and let him decide what to do next base on your suggestions.
One sure way to deal successfully with your boss is to become a better worker than the rest of his staff. Learn everything there is to know about the job ahead of the others and then start implementing it. Just keep repeating this formula and you will not miss going right to the top.
By learning ahead of the others and performing better than the rest - you are displaying to your boss that you are equipped with the sound comprehensive job knowledge. Because of this you will be in a position to deal with him successfully and be able to make more suggestions that will win recognition and advancement for you.
A boss would be pleased to know that his employee is showing the desire to improve his job and eventually your boss would consider an increase in your salary. The fact that he increased your salary, opportunity for promotion is also at hand.
As you go up to the ladder of success you will find that the rules you have applied in dealing with your current boss can also be applied with your bosses at higher level - the top executives. Remember that these executives are busier than your boss and minutes are their most precious possession and therefore they will surely appreciate helping them save time.
The Economic Journal for Presidents, published by Dun and Bradstreet gave the following pointers in dealing with a company president:
- Go to the president with decisions, not for decisions
- Go to the president with fundamentals, not with details
- In dealing with the president - be clear, concise, complete, and convincing
- In dealing with the president, be prepared
- In dealing with the president, be briefed
Just follow the above rules and these will guide you to approach the inner circle slated for big things.
