How to Make My Manager Look Good

If possible, work hand-in-hand with your manager so you know exactly what they want done.

There are good and bad managers in the workplace. Regardless, they are still the boss. Although we spend most of our days at work, we need to try to stay neutral about what goes on in the workplace. Try to always stay positive, and rarely speak poorly of your manager, no matter how bad he may be, because in turn that can look bad on you.

Instructions

1. Know the deadlines for work that you have been assigned. Have the work done on time. To help your manager get his job done, you need to do your job within the time restraints given and do it well. If your manager has to wait for you to do your work again because it was unsatisfactory, you are holding him up on his deadline. Most work correlates into a bigger picture.

2. Continue your education on a daily basis. Read magazines, websites and the newspaper about anything that is affecting your business or company. Take classes to continue your education and learn new computer programs or management skills yourself. Share, in a positive manner, with your manager the things you learn. Perhaps she has insight.

3. Think ahead in projects and know what might be expected from you in the future. Collect this information early, so that all you have to do is update it when your manager needs it. Expediting the job she needs you to perform will help her get her job done faster, making her look good.

4. Give credit to your manager when appropriate. If someone congratulates you on a job well done and asks how you did it, mention your manager. Your manager will look good and you will look good for sharing credit. Sharing credit is an appreciated trait.

5. Don't undermine your manager, no matter how good you think your idea may be or how stupid you think your manager is. Follow your manager's lead and trust will build. The manager will then begin to allow you to do more jobs on your own or promote you when he can.

Tips & Warnings

• There will always be bad managers, but talking behind their back won't get you anywhere. Address problems to your manager personally.

References

• C6Software; Advance Your Career By Making Your Manager Look Good; John S. Reid
• CareerBuilder: Why Should You Make Your Boss Look Good
• BusinessWeek: Career Advancement in Tough Times