by Ann E. Smith

Created on: August 01, 2010   Last Updated: September 06, 2010

Your boss has a great deal of influence on your career and on your day-to-day job experience. Whether you like it or not, others will listen to what this person has to say about you and will likely use this information when forming perceptions. That being the case, it’s wise to learn to work well with your manager. It’s also important, when possible, to earn the respect of your boss. While there’s only so much you can control in any given situation, the tips below provide practical suggestions on who to earn the respect of your boss.

* Show up to do the job and to do it well

One of the things you can control is your attitude and efforts in the workplace. Your work ethic will show, regardless of what others say or do. So make a decision to show up to do your job and to do it to the best of your capabilities. Strive to be reliable and consistent. In other words, try not to let a bad mood affect the way that you’re performing on the job. Or don’t let a mistake set you back so that you no longer give all you have to offer.

By performing well and at full throttle, you will be recognized as a hard worker. And bosses tend to like that in their employees. Of course, this trait will be more respected by managers who also share a strong work ethic. Regardless, though, of who your manager is, you will feel better about yourself when you work hard and try your best. And usually, this approach will go a long way in earning respect from your boss.

* Be a team player

Your boss likely has a lot on his plate, so your job is to try to make things easier for him. One way to do that is to be a team player. Be open to whatever you’re asked to do, as long as it’s ethical, and strive to contribute to the performance of a team or the outcome of a project. Try to focus less on yourself and more on the actual work at hand. Your boss will respect that you’re a team player, and you’ll enjoy your work more, too.

* Give appropriate pushback

It’s hard to respect someone who always says ‘yes,’ and that’s just a fact of life. Sure, you want to be helpful and open to what you’re asked to do, as already suggested. But you also need to know when to give appropriate pushback, as not every idea is a good one. Your boss is under pressure to deliver with efficiency. You will earn the respect of your boss if you help contribute to efficiencies, and sometimes that’s through giving pushback.

* Contribute to improvements

Many people go to work each day, focused only on the job at hand and getting a paycheck. Those who shine, though, make a conscious effort to contribute to improvements. Just because a process has been done the same way for 10 years does not mean it’s still the best way. You could earn the respect of your boss by suggesting a newer, simpler process. Remain focused on how you can help improve things, and your boss will surely take notice.

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