Being Positive Person

You may be seeking something big like a promotion or something small like a better cubicle with a view, but whatever it is you want your boss to appreciate you. So what might you do to get him or her to notice you more?

Look at yourself. Are you coming in on time? Taking long lunches? Finding reasons to leave early? Meeting deadlines or procrastinating? You will need to take a good long look at yourself to see what you have done to make your boss want to appreciate you. You can do this by going through your files looking for reminders of your accomplishments.

Ask co-workers what they think of your contributions to get some idea of what your boss may think of you. Sometimes co-workers will mention what the boss has said about you. Hopefully, their words will give you the confidence you need to help you plead your case when you're ready to ask for that bonus, free class, or other incentive.

Observe how your boss has been acting toward you lately. If he or she seems to be pleasant, arrange to meet with him or her. If not, put it off until everything works in your favor.

Prior to the meeting, be prepared by having a neat, clean folder that holds copies of the things you have accomplished within the past six months. This will remind your boss of some things you have done that he or she may have forgotten about. In order to be appreciated, at times you will have to toot your own horn!

Be open to what your boss says no matter how much you disagree. Sometimes the boss will say things just to watch your reaction. This could very well be a test to see if you are ready for whatever he or she has in mind for you. Don't blow it by having a negative disposition.

Don't discuss any disappointments with co-workers or brag about anything the boss has proposed during your meeting with him or her. It is better that some things are left private.

If the news wasn't what you wanted to hear, make plans to prove your worth next time around and do a better job in whatever areas you need to improve upon. However, if your situation is one that year after year you tell your boss what you need and he or she seems like they are making excuses not to appreciate you, then you know what time it is, dust off that resume and start looking for a new job. Headhunters can be an exceptional help to you if you have been out of the job search scene for awhile.

Co-workers aren't your friends they are workers. Anything you say may be held against you later, so don't ever share details about a meeting with your boss to them. Be vague if they should ask, "Well what did he or she say?"

Now that you have all the information you need to get your boss to appreciate you, it's time to put it to good use! To your success!