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Makin the Old Man Proud – Keys to Impress Your Boss

It’s the weekend and I am posting this Blog article. I wouldn’t want you to get caught reading helpful information while you are on the clock. This post may be relatively short because it really is just common sense. However, so often it’s just a matter of following simple steps that shows your worth to the company you work for that you are more than just a body in a spot. The majority of the people who read the first two sentences of this post and click away are those people you may pass up for a promotion someday because you hung in there. I promise, it won’t take long.

Since it’s the weekend enjoy this example of exactly what I won’t be talking about in this post

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Bus Staff, Concessions Workers, Hosts, and Maintenance this one may ring true for you. Some may think that these are some areas in a company that you would make the least amount of impact to those who visit your establishment. I want to tell you that this is the furthest thing from the truth. While your pay rate may not be the highest it can be a stepping stone to some place you want to go. The person who learns everything there is about their job and does the best at it they possibly can will get noticed. I can’t think of the number of times I have wished as a server that there had been an effective and well engaged Host at the front. Some may think that is a very easy job – I have even heard it referred to as Monkey Work, but to be really effective there it takes skill and an ability to see the big picture to make you really great at this task. How many people would think a guy who sells Hot Dogs at a baseball game could move up in the world? Do you know how many people you brush up against in life when you do that kind of work. If you are good at what you do; opportunities will happen.

Look Up

This one is going to get under your skin just a bit, and I am sorry. The person who is the most important while you are in a service oriented position is the person right in front of you. They aren’t on your cell phone, and they won’t be the server that is trying to flirt with you so you will give them more tables. The person you greet who walks through the door, or you see in the hallway when you are cleaning the room has the ability to really be an asset to you if you make them happy. A corporate praise can go a long way for you, and certainly a whole lot further than what a complaint will because they saw you smoking outside the building when the area around you is a disaster. Refer to the Manager’s frustration in the last post to understand my position.

Yes, I Can

You manager is often forced to be creative because he is in a pinch and you being willing to slide into something new is always going to work in your favor. Even if you really blow it, you were willing to try. A willingness to jump in will go a long way for you in anything you are involved in.

We didn’t have a guy to make salads on a busy night one evening and we asked a new host if he would step in. Well, that night we found out that the kid that was “filling in” was doing a better job than the guy who did it all the time. The fill in found him,self on the Expo line and now is a Server. Rob is a Diamond in the Rough. You never know what can happen.

Be On Time

I can think of so many times as a Manager that I would have really appreciated someone walking into the door that works for me when I got a sudden rush of business. It’s amazing how endearing you can become to your supervisor if you are there to bail him out. 15 minutes early is always appreciated.

The key to this one too is coming in prepared to work. In uniform and ready to clock on. A supervisor will grow tired of someone who clocks in before they put their coat away.

Smile, it’s the Best Part of Your Uniform

It’s amazing how much more what you have to say can change an impression if you smile. There are so many reasons why this is a good idea, and it’s so easy to do. Just take the opportunity and I assure you that it will make a difference in the people around you. I almost didn’t put this in because it seems so simple, but it’s essential. People like working with people who smile.

Like I said, this is a very short post and isn’t Earth shattering information.The key here is you need to do the common sense things because there are a lot of people who won’t. Keep it simple and stay true to the basics that will always be the best practice. Even if it doesn’t seem exciting, if you do your job with interest and grace it will reflect well on you at some point.

Thanks for reading!