It’s probably been many years since someone reminded you to “say the magic words” to get what you wanted, but it turns out “please” and “thank you” aren’t the only phrases that can help you get ahead at work.
Here
are four things your boss would love to hear — but all too often doesn’t.
"How
can I help you achieve your goals?"
“These words are music to a boss’s ears,” says
career coach and author Aaron McDaniels. Asking the boss about his goals and
offering assistance is never a bad idea. It shows you’re focusing on more than
just yourself, your goals and your duties.
“If
you concentrate on making others (especially your boss) look good, then people
will take notice, since everyone wants someone on their team who aligns their
personal goals with the mission of the team,” he adds.
“I
saw this wasn’t done, so I did it.”
“Initiative
is the single most valuable skill,” says Steve Langerud, a workplace
consultant. “As a boss, it is easy to fall in love with employees who see the
gaps and fill them.”
Your
boss’ nightmare is hiring someone who needs her hand held through every single
step of a project. If you see something that maybe needs to be fixed, ask. If
you know it needs fixing, just do it.
“I
agree...”
This
one sounds a little like glad-handing, but it’s really not. If your boss floats
an idea, find a way to agree with at least a portion of it or the underlying
problem that’s up for discussion. If you can frame your remarks in a positive
voice that “resonates enthusiasm, agreement and support,” the boss will
appreciate that, says Sandra Lamb, author of “3000 Power Words and Phrases for
Effective Performance Reviews.”
“Even
when you don't think something is possible, or a good idea, state your response
in a positive, enthusiastic tone. ‘We should certainly consider that.’ or
‘That's a great beginning to the process…’ will work,” says Lamb. If you
ultimately disagree with the larger idea, framing at least some aspect of your
boss’ concerns in a positive manner will help you get your point across and
make him happy.
"I'd
be happy to do that."
See
also: “I’ll take the lead on that.” and “I’ll get right on it.”
These
sentences “express a spirit of proactivity and a willingness to do what it
takes to get the job done. A person with this type of approach voluntarily
takes on responsibilities, follows up and follows through, is a pleasure to
work with, and contributes to the boss' and the team's success,” says Todd
Cherches, adjunct professor in HR at NYU and CEO of BigBlueGumball, a
management and leadership development consulting firm.
Incorporate
these statements into your office discourse, plus a sincere “thank you” when
appropriate, and your boss won’t know how she lived without you.
