8 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Work

Never underestimate how important it is to make a good impression at work. 

When your boss and colleagues realize they can rely on you to do a great job, then you'll likely begin to receive greater responsibility. That, in turn, can lead to promotions and raises.

1. Use Proper Workplace Etiquette

Using proper office etiquette will help you make a good impression on your boss. It may sound simple until you realize that many people forget their manners.

For example, if you're allowed to use a mobile phone at work, make sure it isn't a distraction for you or anyone else. There's also a big difference between personal and professional email. Know the basics of email etiquette in the workplace.

In addition, when dining out with your with your boss, coworkers, or clients, you must be on your best behavior. Find out what you should never do at a business lunch.

2. Face up to Your Mistakes

If you haven't already, you will at some point make a mistake at work. It may even be a big one. It happens to everyone. How you handle the blunder will influence your manager's opinion of you much more than the mistake itself.

The first thing you should do is admit what happened. Don't ignore your error or try to place the blame on anyone else. Instead, take full responsibility and then come up with a way to fix your mistake. Even though your boss may be upset you made an error in the first place, he or she will at least recognize that you did all the right things when responding to it.

3. Call in Sick to Work When You Should

Do you think coming to work when you're sick instead of staying at home will impress your boss? You're wrong. Reasonable bosses know that a sick employees are not only unproductive, they can spread germs around the office. What good will it do anyone if an entire staff has to take a sick day?

If you have a fever or think your illness might be contagious, then take the day off. You can catch up on your workload when you return to work, or if you're feeling up to it, get some done from home if your employer allows it.

4. Come Through in a Crisis

When an unexpected crisis happens at work—the caterer skips town before a big conference your company is hosting or a computer crashes—who will make a better impression on the boss: the employer who panics or the one who springs into action to fix the problem? Learn how to deal with workplace crises quickly and effectively.

One way to do this is to imagine different scenarios and come up with plans to react to each one. Then, if the unexpected ever happens, you'll be fully prepared to deal with it.

5. Avoid Controversial Topics

Bosses tend to like it when their workplaces are calm. Who can blame them? When employees work together harmoniously, they can focus on their jobs.

Avoid starting conversations about topics that make people uncomfortable and could even lead to arguments. Steer clear of talking about politics or religion, for instance.

6. Dress Appropriately

Always follow your organization's dress code. Most companies no longer require employees to wear suits to work, but it's still essential to have a neat and clean appearance.

If you're allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts, make sure they're in good condition. Your shoes should be in good shape as well. You usually can't go wrong if you follow your boss's lead when choosing your work attire.

7. Respect Your Coworkers

When coworkers respect one another they usually get along better—and few things are more important to a boss than that. No one wants their employees fighting.

Always avoid acting in an uncivil manner toward any of your coworkers. Be on time to work, especially if you are relieving someone from their shift. Don't ever take credit for another person's work. Always share the workload. Apologize if you ever manage to offend your coworker.

8. Represent Your Company Well at Conferences and Meetings

When you attend a conference or large business meeting on your employer's behalf, it's your job to make a good impression. It will reflect well on your organization, and your boss will appreciate your efforts.

Dress appropriately and network with other attendees. Make sure to bring back information to share with your boss and coworkers if they could not attend the meeting. 

Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/make-good-work-impression-526261

Mckay, D. (2019, January 10). 8 Ways You Can Make a Good Impression at Work. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/make-good-work-impression-526261