10 Tips to Succeed at Work and Win Over Your Boss

When you need to have a conversation with your boss and answer complex questions, you need to stay grounded. There are some simple hacks that can make your working environment much easier and will launch you toward success.

We at Bright Side like to promote a healthy environment at work and would like to share some tips that can be effective for you.

1. Don’t start a conversation with, “How are you?”

Harvard researchers say that to have a successful talk it’s better to not start a conversation with the question, “How are you?” It’s meaningless, too abstract, and hard to answer. Instead, show more empathy and be more exact.

For example, you can try, “How are you today?” or other options:

1. Do you have a long shift today?

2. Did you do anything fun over the weekend?

3. Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?

2. Observe your surroundings and use them in your conversation.

For example, when you’re talking to your boss in their office, find something to focus on in your surroundings. It can be a piece of art or a family picture on his desk. Start asking if he is interested in art to make some small talk, this will help your boss to feel more sympathy for you.

3. Try to talk early on in meetings.

When in a business meeting, don’t wait for someone to ask you something. There can be lots of people talking and discussing so you will miss your chance to express your opinion and be recognized.

Ask yourself why you are speaking. It shouldn’t look like you’re showing off. What you’re talking about should be the topic at hand. Also, it’s important to understand what information should be discussed in person with your boss or with your colleagues.

4. Ask a lot of questions.

Asking increases likeability, researchers say. When people ask more questions, they are perceived as higher in responsiveness, understanding, and care.

For example, a new colleague joined your team. It’s better if you don’t ignore them, but have a conversation with some pointed questions that can establish communication between the 2 of you.

5. Set your interview for Tuesday at 10:30.

It’s also crucial to make a good impression at your first meeting with your potential boss. This step normally happens at the interview. Here are some tips on how to succeed at the very beginning. Mondays and Fridays are not recommended for a job interview because people are not as focused on these days. The most optimal day, experts say, is Tuesday.

Also, the time between 10:00 and 11:30 is more suitable, because being the first candidate for the interview is not recommended. This is because interviewers will subconsciously compare others to you. Being the last is also not a good thing, because after too many candidates they start to experience decision fatigue, where it becomes difficult to make a decision.

6. Choose blue or black for an interview and skip orange.

According to 2,099 hiring managers, blue and black are the best colors to wear to a job interview, and orange is the worst.

Orange can be too loud and says more about creativity than being a team player, a leader, or an analyst. White can be also good for shirts because it’s perceived as being well-organized.

7. Keep your head tilted.

According to body language experts, tilting your head shows sympathy and attentive listening.

At the same time, it can express a lack of authority and power. So, if you want to show that you agree with your boss, tilt your head.

8. Keep your feet on the ground.

There’s a neurological reason why it’s better to keep both feet on the ground. It means you can access the balance between the creative and rational sides of the brain more easily.

If you need to answer a hard question, don’t cross your legs.

9. Sit next to your enemies.

While at meetings and press conferences, experts say it is almost impossible to argue with someone if you are sitting next to them facing the same way.

If you have a colleague who doesn’t like you, just sit alongside them so it will reduce the level of aggressiveness between the 2 of you.

10. Bring your boss 2 or 3 possible solutions.

Loss of control can become a huge problem for many bosses. If you have an issue to solve, bring them multiple options. It can also make you a part of their trusted inner circle, experts say.

Which trick could be the most useful for you and why? What tricks of your own help you to maintain a good relationship with your boss?

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