Work Habits Bosses Really Like

Want to be first in line for a promotion at work? Here’s a list of habits that are guaranteed to put you on the boss’s “A-list,” according to workplace experts at Yahoo! HotJobs:

• Good work habit #1: Asking questions. Marianne Adoradio is a recruiter for tech firms in Silicon Valley. She says if you’re new to the job, go ahead and ask questions. That’s because bosses view questions as productive “information gathering.” The longer you’re on the job, the more points you’ll earn if you can show an ability to find answers on your own.
• A 2nd habit bosses love: Being able to anticipate the boss’s needs ahead of time. If you’ve been on the job a while, you should be able to guess that Fridays are when the boss’s budget reports are due. So, if you turn in your report on Thursday, you’ll earn a gold star. Experts say one way to think ahead is to think “one level up.” In other words, do your own job, but also try to understand the issues facing your direct manager.
• Another habit bosses love: Being open to change. Michael Beasley is a career coach who says bosses can’t tolerate people who dismiss new ideas, by saying: “That won’t work.” That doesn’t mean you have to be a “yes” man, who agrees to everything the boss says. It just means the boss will respect you more if you can embrace change, rather than throw up roadblocks.
• The next good work habit: Being ENGAGED in your job. In other words, the boss wants to see you show enthusiasm for your work, even if you’re just making copies. You’ll win points if you speak up when you see room for improvement - like recommending a way to save money on paper. That sends the message that you’re thinking about the company’s needs, not just your next paycheck.
• One more habit bosses love: Acknowledgement. John Farner is a workplace consultant who says when your boss asks you to do something, let him know you heard him – every time. Farner calls this “responsive listening.” He says even a simple “gotcha” will let the boss know that you’re paying attention, and put you on the fast-track to a promotion.