October 16th is National Boss’s Day, and a great opportunity to show your appreciation for your boss or supervisor. Don’t be the person who complains about the boss, it’s often a thankless job to balance the needs of employees and customers. This is especially true of middle-managers and supervisors who are given orders from the C-suite which then must be implemented on the ground floor.
Of course there are all kinds of bosses, just as there are all kinds of employees, but let’s think the best of people and assume you have a good boss. Here are five ways you can show your appreciation in big and small ways.
1. Offer Solutions, not Complaints
This is perhaps the most tempting part of being an employee. It’s easy to slip in to negative, complaining ways when we don’t agree with something our boss says. But rather than complaining about what you can’t control, offer feedback and solutions about how the product or service could better serve the customers and make it easier for the employees to sell. A good read on this subject is The No Complaining Rule by Jon Gordon.
2. Personal & Group Gifts
Everyone enjoys a gift, make it personalized by paying attention to what your boss enjoys doing and learning from. As a personal gift, consider a book from their favorite author or subject, or the latest from their favorite band. For a bigger gift, have everyone from your department chip in and give a round of golf or a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant.
3. Write a Note
I hope a little token of wisdom you have all gained from this site is the value of handwritten notes. The note does not have to be long or verbose, but is a great way to communicate how much you appreciate their hard work and commitment to the company and it’s employees. Be original and allow your true self to show through, while still being polite and appreciative.
4. Verbal Appreciation
This is perhaps the most difficult to take action on, but can be the most beneficial. If your boss has an open door, simply poke your head and give a brief verbal appreciation of his or her work and attention to the employees. Tell them it makes a difference and you enjoy working for/with them. Certainly you can tweak this for your own situation, but a willingness to speak up and encourage will be appreciated. Take care not to be too verbose or long-winded that you sound insincere, because a clear, concise message will do even more.
5. Be Helpful
It’s easy to get caught up in thinking “that’s not my job”. But one of the best things for a boss or manager to hear is the voice of a willing employee. Having people around you who are willing to help wherever needed makes their job easier, and alleviates the stress of trying to get employees to do something they’re not enthusiastic about. Be the willing, helpful employee, and I believe it will come back around to you in the future.
What are some ways that you have shown your Boss appreciation today, or in days past? Is there anything you’ve found to be especially worthwhile or enjoyable? Please share in the comments or on Twitter @PatriciaRossi.
