Friday, August 22, 2014
This post was written in honor of Hug Your Boss Day, celebrated today.We all want to be appreciated at the office. In fact, I always get a boost of confidence when I get feedback from coworkers for a job well done. And I always try to return the favor by showing my appreciation for my colleagues. But the appreciation at the office always seems to fall short of the boss?s door. Think about it, when was the last time you showed appreciation to your boss?
We all should appreciate our boss. They did take a chance on you when they hired (or promoted) you. That takes a lot of trust on their part and you should appreciate them for taking that chance. However, there is a fine line between appreciation and simply sucking up. No one likes a brown noser; not even your boss. It?s important to appreciate your boss?for the right reasons. There are several ways you can recognize your boss, if nothing immediately comes to mind, try some of these suggestions.
Show Respect ? Probably the most important way you can show your appreciation to your boss is to simply show him or her some respect. If you work hard, show up on time, come up with new ideas, and do what it takes to help the company succeed, your boss will appreciate it.
Have a Positive Attitude ? Another way to show appreciation for your boss is to have a positive attitude. Always be willing to take on new tasks or projects. Also, ask your boss if there are ways you can help out more at the office. If you make a mistake, talk to your boss about the mistake and what lessons were learned.
Say ?Thanks? ? If your boss gives you a project or approves that last minute time off request, simply tell him or her ?thank you.? Those two words can go a long way. And try to do it in person ? don?t hide behind an email. For a nice personal touch, write a thank you card and really express your gratitude.
Talk to Your Boss ?The next time you run into your boss in the break room, ask him or her something that is NOT work related. Ask about their weekend plans or their favorite sports team. Remember, they?re a person first, then a boss. Once the conversation starts, listen and let your boss do the talking. Most people welcome the opportunity to talk about their personal life. Show them you care about them as a person.
Celebrate Important Dates ? Birthdays, work anniversaries, the completion of a successful work project that was particularly difficult?it all deserves to be celebrated. Offer to treat your boss to lunch or give them a small gift that you?ll know they?ll appreciate. Don?t let the big days go by unnoticed.
A little appreciation can go a long way. Start appreciating your boss and colleagues today and you?ll notice a positive change at the office. They?ll likely appreciate you, too!
