The Secret to Career Growth: Elevating Your Boss's Success

One of the most impactful ways to ensure your own success in the workplace is to help your boss be successful. This might sound counterintuitive at first, but when your boss thrives, it creates a positive ripple effect that benefits the entire team, including you. Here are five ways you can make this happen.

1. Understand Their Goals, Align Your Goals to Support

The first step in helping your boss succeed is to understand their goals and priorities. What are they trying to achieve? How will their work be evaluated? By aligning your efforts with their objectives, you can ensure that your work directly contributes to their success. Try using the question, “Thinking about your goals, how can I help you the most?”  Asking this question sets you apart as someone who is more focused on team success than a personal agenda.

2. Communicate Promptly and Effectively

Effective communication is crucial in any professional relationship, but it’s especially important when it comes to your boss. Keep them informed about your progress, any challenges you’re facing, and any successes you’ve achieved. Answer emails from your boss on the same day you receive them. This not only helps them stay in the loop but also builds trust, demonstrates reliability, and communicates your ability to move quickly. Remember, communication is a two-way street. Be sure to listen to their feedback and act on it.

3. Be Proactive

Don’t wait for your boss to tell you what to do. Take the initiative to identify areas where you can add value and take action.  This could involve streamlining processes, coming up with innovative solutions to problems, or simply offering to take on additional responsibilities. By being proactive, you show that you’re committed to the team’s success and that you’re capable of thinking ahead.

4. Deliver Results

At the end of the day, the most important way to help your boss be successful is to deliver results. This seems intuitive, but many look for excuses rather than work completion. Consistently meet or exceed your targets and strive for excellence in everything you do. Your boss’s success is often measured by the performance of their team, so by excelling in your role, you’re directly contributing to their success.

5. Focus on Elevating vs. "Kissing Up"

It's important to recognize that elevating your boss's achievements is not the same as "kissing up." Helping your boss succeed should be rooted in genuine effort, respect, and a desire to see the team thrive. Help your boss avoid land mines. Be willing to disagree if you feel it is in their best interest. It's about contributing to the overall success of the organization, rather than seeking personal favors or superficial approval. 

Helping your boss be successful is not just about making their life easier—it’s about creating a positive, productive work environment where everyone can thrive. By understanding their goals, communicating effectively, being proactive, delivering results, and focusing on elevating vs. kissing up, you can play a key role in their success and, in turn, your own.