Many of us have been there. We thought that we would stay
at our jobs forever! But before we knew it, fate intervenes and alas, we are beginning a new job with people we don’t even know and struggling with the “Should I say this? How will people take it?” issue. More importantly, there is the “I have no idea what personality my boss is and I would really like to know a little more at this point” syndrome.

Although it may be virtually impossible to pin your boss’ personality down in the first week of your new job position, there are some things that you can do to impress a boss of most any personality. Here is what we recommend:

1. Remember that your job, whether you like it or not, is to make your boss look great. I know, I know, this can be hard sometimes to remember or WANT to do…but remembering this at all times will help you become invaluable to the organization.

2. Schedule a meeting with your boss quickly. Review any expectations, etc but mostly present yourself as a learner and find out what you can do to make things smoother within the organization.

3, Get to know the other staff members. Sitting in an office or hanging at a counter with zipped lips is not the way to impress the powers-that-be. Get out on the floor. Make friends with staff members and the people who are frequenting the establishment.

4. Remember to wear your learning cap. Recognize that you are NEW and that even staff members in other positions can teach you. Be a sponge. It will help you pick things up more quickly and impress them as well. It will also help you do your job even better.

5. Ask staff members what the organization is lacking, or what they are frustrated with (note this is not a question for the first day, more like after you get to know them a little) and see what you can do to help.

6. “Go the extra mile” and “Take the high road” whenever possible. This will benefit you and the people that you work with. The staff members and boss will see that you have high integrity and that you truly care for other people.

7. When you are complimented, ask what you can do better at as well. This shows humility and a willingness to learn.

8. Remember that you are not just working for your boss, but for fellow staff member and the public as well. The “I am here to serve you” attitude, although it seems petty (and never say it aloud) can go a long way in helping to impress your boss in the early days and beyond.