10 Habits That Bosses Love

Every boss wants employees who do their jobs well. But even among highly competent employees, practicing certain habits can really make you distinguish yourself. Here are 10 tips for making sure you're on the boss's A-list:

Communicate

Especially at the beginning of your relationship -- that is, when either you or the boss is new to the job -- err on the side of giving your boss too much information and asking too many questions.

"There's no such thing as a dumb question," says Marianne Adoradio, a Silicon Valley recruiter and career counselor. "Look at it as information gathering."

Don't keep up the constant stream of communication unless your boss likes it, though. It's best to ask directly whether you're giving the boss enough information or too much.

Acknowledge What the Boss Says

Bosses appreciate "responsive listening," says John Farner, principal of Russell Employee Management Consulting. When your boss asks you to do something or suggests ways for you to improve your work, let her know you heard (i.e. "okay, so I'll make sure to call the contractor before I set up the flooring appointment and I'll copy you on the email to the window vendor.")

Collaborate

When your boss has a new idea, respond to it in a constructive way instead of throwing up roadblocks.  For example, if your boss wants to implement a new email system, you may suggest bringing in a trainer to get all the employees up to speed on the new program, instead of complaining about how difficult it will be to transfer messages and contacts.

"Be willing to brainstorm ways to get something done," says Michael Beasley, principal of Career-Crossings and a leadership and career development coach.

Build Relationships

You'll make your boss look good if you establish a good rapport with your department's customers, whether they're inside the company or outside. Bring back what you learn -- about ways to offer better customer service, for example -- to your boss. This is also helpful for your own career development.

"Everybody wins in the long run," Adoradio says.

Learn the Boss's Pet Peeves

If your manager has said repeatedly that she hates being interrupted first thing in the morning, don't run to her office to give her a project update when you first get in.

Anticipate the Boss's Needs

Once you have worked with your boss for a while, you should be able to guess what information he will want before approving your purchase order, for example.

If you provide it ahead of time, "that's a gold star," Farner adds.

Think One Level Up

You still need to do your own job, of course. But when managers consider who deserves a promotion, they look for people who understand the issues that their bosses face.  Perform your job as though you are always anticipating a promotion.

Open Yourself to New Ways of Doing Things

When we start a new job and the processes and procedures are different from what we are used to, the tendency is to think (or even say out loud) "well, that's now how we did it at my old job."  Remember, you AREN'T at your old job, so you need to adjust accordingly.

Be Deliberate and Thoughtful in Everything You Do

Being deliberate means that you know the purpose of the task at hand.  Consider the boss' overall goal, are you completing the task with this goal in mind?  Being thoughtful means that you are doing everything possible to avoid a mistake.  Take the time to double-check your work and don't turn in a project until you feel it represents the best "you."

Be Engaged in Your Work

Arguing with your boss over every request is not a good strategy, but neither is simply shrugging your shoulders and agreeing with everything your boss says. "The manager would like to see an engaged individual," Beasley says. That means both showing enthusiasm for your work and speaking up when you see room for improvement.