Admit it. As an employee, you surely want your boss to recognise what you have done for the company. Even a simple but sincere thank you from senior manager will likely to brighten your whole day that could last for a week, even months. A Gallup study shows that employees will question themselves if they do not get enough recognition. They will probably think like ‘what am I doing this for? Nobody cares anyway,’ said David Grazian, director of corporate taxation at Granite Construction, Inc.
However, recognition does not come instantly for employees who only do what’s expected from their job. Managers, usually, notice those who are top performers or incredibly smarts among workers in workplace. Also, it is hard to tell what other drivers that boss notices in their employees. So, if you ever wish to know what acts that attract your manager’s attention, Reader Digest has summarised some actions that will get you notices at work. Let’s take a look!
Action #1 When you take ownership
Taking ownership is vital for bosses. Matthew DiGeronimo, vice president of operations for Veolia Energy North America, said, “It is a rare quality with invaluable worth when an employee takes responsibility for every aspect of a business process. This allows the boss to focus her attention elsewhere because she knows that the employee will take the necessary action, even if it’s outside their defined duties and responsibilities, to ensure success.”
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Action #2 When you ask why
Employees who have a questioning attitude is an asset. “Innovative solutions and creative ideas stem from a solid understand of ‘why the company is doing something. Too many employees are happy to keep their head down and do as they’re told,” added DiGeronimo. Bosses, on the one hand, notice employees who are willing to raise her head above the fray and ask, why. This takes courage and determination, but a wise boss will hold onto them who are willing to do it.
Action #3 When you admit you don’t know something
You might think that nodding and faking smile is a safe move to do when you don’t know something. However, managers will be more appreciative when you ask for help. DiGeronimo argued that employees are afraid to say ‘I don’t know’. It is maybe because company cultures that don’t demand intellectual integrity and accept shoddy answers in lieu of ‘I don’t know, but I will find out and get back to you.’ “Employees feel that saying ‘I don’t know’ is a reflection of a weakness and is frowned upon. Whereas, a wise boss recognizes that an employee that she can trust is more important than an employee who always has an answer,” he added.
Action #4 How you spend your breaks
The head of creative department for truckdrivingjobs.com, Jake Tully said, “I certainly do not tell how my employees what to do or how to spend their time at work, but I usually take note of how their time off is spent. Generally speaking, my best performing employees tend to get away from a screen and read during their breaks. Some do some light writing or take a short phone call, but I always think it’s nice when they detach themselves from their computers.” Additionally, investing in your personal happiness is often a driver for better performance.
Action #5 How your body language changes
Not many employees notice how they behave in office because likely managers will not pay attention to small things. Yet, Tully argues that behaviours and body language are important in how employees will bloom in future. Attitude does matter in most cases. She said, “The ability to demonstrate professional body language and to be able t maintain eye contact when speaking to someone is a challenge. I have never called anyone out on the inability to master those skills, but I notice that there are wildly different levels of differentiation in demonstrating them.”
Action #6 How forward-thinking you are
Being able to visualise employee’s path is value of good bosses. Really taking notice of employee’s vision helps them figure out what your priorities are and allows manager to help you achieve your goals. Therefore, Auston Bunsen, lead instructor at wyncode.co, said that he notices those who have figure out their vision either for work or personal life. It helps Bunsen see whether his employees are a short-term or long-term thinker.
Action #7 When you show you thirst of new knowledge
Knowledge is the strongest weapon among all. Many professionals are respected because of their endless knowledge to almost everything. Adam Hergenrother, CEO of Hergenrother Enterprises, said, “I single out people who are looking to learn and grow. If you are not growing, you are dying. I cannot have people in my firm who are not growth-minded. If I did not have a team who was constantly moving and constantly on a quest for more and more growth, then I would never be able to accomplish my goals. I look for life-long learners and people who are fuelled by progress.”
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