by Todd Pheifer

Created on: February 13, 2009

When people don't get along with their supervisor at work, life can be definitively miserable. After all, one has to deal with the person who can control their hours, compensation, and vocational future. In theory, keeping that person happy can lead to a positive work life, both in the present and in the future. Therefore, some people work very hard to please their boss. Here are a few techniques.

Pay attention

Pleasing the boss is about paying attention to what the boss is saying, what they "imply", and what they seem to expect from their employees. Of course, many people suggest that simply working hard and "keeping your nose clean" will more than suffice. However, there are often subtleties to the supervisor that should not be ignored. Every supervisor has a particular style and adjusting work to that style can reap many benefits.

Punctuality

Many supervisors pay attention to when their employees show up for work. If possible, it is always helpful to "beat" the boss to work or stay late after the boss leaves. Granted, people should not ruin their lives working ridiculous hours just to overwork the boss, particularly if the supervisor is one of those people that work long hours. However, being on time each day is a minimum requirement, as supervisors seem to notice when people are missing.

Conflict style

Arguing with the boss is something that should always be done with care. Again, this is why people should pay attention. As a general rule, people should not "call out" the boss in a public setting like a staff meeting. Most supervisors want concerns to be expressed behind closed doors. Also, there are some supervisors that don't want to hear ANY complaints, which can be frustrating for the employee that wants to speak their mind. However, if the boss has proven to be someone who does not listen, then continuing to bring up issues can have negative ramifications.

Quiet production

Sometimes the best way to please the boss is to produce outstanding work and approach it with a certain amount of quiet confidence. Supervisors don't necessarily want to spend a great deal of time hovering over their employees (unless they are a "micro-manager") so quality work is often appreciated. Again, pleasing the boss is best accomplished by understanding what the boss wants and tailoring work to that particular style. That may seem a bit manipulative to some, but overall it is just part of "playing the game."

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