Simply Driven’s Kent Burns Quoted in The Street Article – How to Win Over Your New Boss in a Month

NEW YORK (TheStreet) — First impressions matter, and so do your first few weeks in a new job. It’s never too early to let your boss know that hiring you was the best decision they ever made. Here are the top 10 ways to win over your boss in your first 30 days on the job.

1. Learn to anticipate your boss’ needs

Pay attention to your boss’ day and see where they may need help, suggests Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich, career expert and co-founder of Masthead Media. “If your boss has a meeting every Tuesday morning at 9 and you notice that they’re always late getting coffee, volunteer to pick up their coffee that day,” she says. “You’ll be amazed how much credit you can earn just by giving your boss what they need before they realize they need it.” By figuring out how your boss likes to operate, you establish trust early on, says Joe Ungemah, vice president of talent solutions at CEB. “Every time you can anticipate a need, you’re decreasing your boss’ stress level and strengthening your relationship,” he says.

2. Figure things out for yourself

Try to understand all daily tasks and projects before you go to your boss with a million questions, Hochheiser Ilkovich suggests. Your boss doesn’t want to feel like they’re doing your work for you. “Many managers’ biggest complaints are that employees interrupt them all day popping into their office or asking questions via email,” she says. “A lot of what you’re curious about can be figured out on your own, or by asking someone else.” Of course you will have questions your first few days on the job, but try to save all non-urgent questions for a scheduled meeting time.

3. Take on anything you’re asked — even if it’s not your job

The words, “That’s not my job,” should never come out of your mouth, Hochheiser Ilkovich says. The best way to show you’re committed to your new job is to step up to help out with any project that comes your way. “You’re going to be approached to do jobs that aren’t necessarily within your job description. Take them on with grace,” she says. As you move past your first month or two on the job, you can hone your job description with your manager, but for now, don’t turn down any opportunities.

4. Research the company

“There’s no excuse for not having a significant amount of knowledge about the company and role you’re walking into,” says Kent Burns, president of Simply Driven Executive Search, an affiliate of Sanford Rose Associates. It takes just a few moments of your time to research your new company on the Internet and read up on the industry, the products, the competitors and the strengths and weaknesses you’ll be working with. “Lack of preparation will kill you,” Burns says. If your company is publicly traded, check out the most recent annual report, suggests Judy Robinett, entrepreneur and author of How to Be a Power Connector.

“In the annual report, the company will be very clear how they are going to grow and what their broader vision is,” she says. “You should be able to speak intelligently about how you can contribute to that vision.”

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Source: http://www.thestreet.com/story/12696973/1/how-to-win-over-your-new-boss-in-a-month.html