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5 Ways to Wow Your Boss
By Caroline M.L. Potter
 Now is the Time to WOW Your Boss!
It's more important than ever to make sure your boss is happy with your performance. In tenuous times, your supervisor is one of the few people who may be able to shield you from a layoff. They may also be able to help you pursue a promotion down the road.
However, like any relationship, the one between you and your boss can get stale. You may grow complacent over time or you may never start off on the right foot. The good news is that it's never too late to breathe new life into how you work with your supervisor, thanks to these expert tips from Alexandra Levit, author of "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career."
If you heed these five hints, you'll not only contribute to your job security; you'll also win your boss's admiration and appreciation -- as well as a little loyalty.
1. Be humble. In other words, be mindful of the fact that it's not all about you. Says Levit, "Don't approach your boss with a sense of entitlement, as though he is personally responsible for furthering your career. Instead, focus on learning what you can do to make his life easier, contribute to your company's goals, and make him look good to his boss."
2. Be honest. Everyone makes mistakes -- and you're no exception. Be forthcoming about it from the start. "Admit if you do something wrong, and then ask your boss how you can rectify the situation. Don't allow yourself to get caught in a maze of lies or excuses that will result in a loss of credibility," she advises.
3. Be respectful of the boss's time. If you think your plate is full, consider that of your boss. Use your time together wisely and efficiently. Levit suggests, "Appear in her office with a checklist of things you need to cover, and don't dwell too long on any particular subject. Your boss will be more receptive to meeting with you if she knows you'll be in and out of his office quickly."
4. Be self-sufficient. Be mindful of the fact that your supervisor doesn't have the bandwidth to hold your hand through every crisis or help you make every difficult decision that lands on your desk. "Only approach your boss with a problem or complaint if you've explored all options for resolving it yourself. When you do, be prepared to have a solution at hand that you could implement with their help," says Levit, who is also a contributor to The Wall Street Journal. "Choose your battles wisely, and decide carefully if bringing an issue to your boss's attention is really necessary or if you would be better off letting it go," she adds.
5. Be a "can-do" employee. Redefine the concept of a "yes man" (or "yes woman") at the office. She advises, "When your boss asks you to do something, accommodate them, if possible. The words 'I don't have time' should never escape your lips. If you know something needs to be done, do it without being prodded, and if your boss asks for help in a group setting, be the first to volunteer."
If you're always amenable, Levit believes, "Your boss will quickly come to see you as a huge asset to the team and as someone they can count on."
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How to Eat Better At Work
 Why is it so hard to eat right? "When you’re hungry, you’re not a philosopher," explains Dr. Daisy Merey, a physician and authority on eating habits.
Indeed, food -- and especially the lack thereof -- brings out our animal nature. And when we homo sapiens find ourselves in the artificial environment of the workplace, complete with its stresses, catered temptations, psychosocial dramas, smelly refrigerators, bureaucratic tedium and, yes, vending machines, we are animals who eat badly more often than not.
What can you do to improve what you eat at the office, which for many of us is the bulk of what we consume all day? Here are a few approaches to better nutrition in the land of heartburn and the pizza-sized chocolate chip cookie. Click here to learn more...
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The White House is Calling!
 As the holiday season quickly approaches, we would like to encourage our student-athletes to apply for a summer internship with the White House. The application for the summer 2010 program was posted December 14, 2009. A complete submission will include an application (with several short answer questions, two essay questions of 300-500 words each, and a one-page resume) and three letters of recommendation. The final application deadline is February 7, 2009.
HOW TO APPLY
- Visit the White House Internship website:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/
- Apply to the White House Internship program:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/apply/
- Learn more about the selection process:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/selection/
A White House Internship provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable
professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on
program is designed to mentor and cultivate today's young leaders,
strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them
for future public service opportunities.
Our mission is to make the "People's House" accessible to future leaders
all around the nation and cultivate and prepare those devoted to public
service for future leadership opportunities. We want to encourage our student-athletes to take advantage of this incredible opportunity! |
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