No matter where an employee works, they usually like the idea of being seen in a positive light by their employer. Sometimes, it doesn’t always work out and the employer ends up with a negative impression of the employee. Regardless of whether you’re a new hire or someone who has been with the company for five years, you can take steps to improve your relationship with your employer. And young people especially can take steps toward careers in public relations by working to optimize their own reputations. Here are a few tips on making it happen:
1. Always Be Honest
Relationships of all kinds are built on trust and integrity. If your employer can trust what you say, this will go a long way toward building a strong relationship. Even if the truth is unflattering, you need to always tell the truth. Often times you don’t get a second chance to be taken at your word.
2. Be Someone to Count On
Whether you are in the healthcare industry or direct sales, you need to make sure that you are someone that can be counted on. When your employer asks you to do something, you need to come through. Even if you have to stay late to get the job done, make sure that it’s done.
When your employer looks at you as someone that they can count on, this will go a long way toward developing a positive relationship. Part of PR in the digital age is reputation management. A quick Google search will turn up preliminary info testifying to your character. Healthcare staffing services and other medical job portals will not entrust the lives’ of the sick or injured to employees that have not been thoroughly vetted online.
3. Stay Focused
Employers don’t like paying wages for people who sit around and never get anything done. If you can stay focused on what you are supposed to be doing your job, this can make a huge difference in the impression that you create.
Most people who work an eight hour day might only put two or three hours of actual work in. If you’ll just make an effort to work the entire time you’re at work, it can make a lasting impression on your boss.
4. Be Creative
When you are creative, it helps separate yourself from the rest of the pack. If you have good ideas, your employer will start to remember you. You’ll stand out from your fellow employees and start to develop a positive reputation for yourself. Most bosses don’t like “yes men.” They want someone who is going to actually come up with a good idea that the company can use occasionally.
If you’ll take the time to implement some of these traits, you will have a much better chance of looking favorable to your employer. At that point, your career will be much better off as a result.
Liz Becker is a blogger, freelance writer and recent college graduate. She currently performs market research for an online marketing firm when she is not contributing her own thoughts and observations to the online community for a wide range of clients.
Hello, my name is Danielle Harville and I am a senior preparing to graduate this December from Southeast Missouri State University. I really enjoyed this article and thought it had a lot of good pointers. However, I was wondering if you had any advice on how to get into your boss’ good graces if you had happened to get off on the wrong foot with your boss. Although this has never happened to me personally, I think any and all advice would be helpful in case it does happen in the future.
Our sixth sense tells us when we’re not on the same page with the boss. Don’t wait for the annual performance review to determine what’s bothering him or her. Regular check ins are essential for the success of any new or long-term employee. I’m not suggesting a daily “how am I doing”, but definitely recommend a follow up after completion of major projects. Simply ask if he/she have any feedback or suggestions on the project. Read the body language. Are you getting true feedback or answer avoidance? If the latter, be direct and indicate you sense there is something that you feel needs to be addressed. In most cases, you will know the root of the problem boss, but most employees hope no one else notices, including the boss.
Hello,
My name is Ryan Jetton and I am from Southeast Missouri State University. This article had really good pointers for me and I really enjoyed it. However, I had one question in regards to this article. Although this has never happened to me, I was wondering if you had any pointers on improving your relationship with your employer if something goes wrong from the beginning? Although this may not happen very often I still feel like it may be important to understand and how to deal with this in the professional workplace.
Good question, Ryan. I wish more people thought about this before they get into “trouble” on the job. While college allows for mistakes, most workplaces today are less receptive to more than a minor mistake or two during the early days of a career. Even interns are expected to do flawless work on what they are assigned. No typos, no grammar mistakes and finishing projects on deadline, not even an hour late. If mistakes occur, a new employee should meet with his supervisor to acknowledge the problem before it grows into a bigger issue. During college, be sure to take classes or workshops to help develop your writing skills and become proficient in research and media list development. These two skills will give you a jump start in your first job.