Here are some quick tips on how to break out of old, narrow roles and enjoy working with a boss instead of for a boss. These changes lead to creativity and self-confidence, and will ultimately help you be more valuable and promotable to the boss and company. Don’t forget…you aren’t being paid “by the hour”, but for the amount of “value you add” during that hour.

1. Adjust your techniques to your boss’s mood: If he/she seems preoccupied, be serious. If he/she is an upbeat mood, follow it. Simple mirroring establishes you are an ally. It implies you are already thinking of what he or she is thinking and are that you both are tackling similar problems.

2. Stay one step ahead: Become a great time and energy manager for your boss. Keep tickler files for tasks, remind him or her of when its time to start important projects, or when reoccurring events are on the horizon. Make suggestions about ways to use time and energy more efficiently. Set priorities and adopt the proactive mind-set.

3. Take over some burdens: When you see your boss struggling over some mundane tasks that you can do just as effectively, ask if you can take that off of their plate. This will increase your value over time.

4. Show comfort when appropriate: If your boss has a bad day, or his boss shot down some major ideas of his, or if he/she had to discipline folks on the staff, don’t be afraid to offer appropriate words of reassurance. A simple “Can I assist you with anything” offers a clear signal you are there to help.

5. Make the most of your position: If the staff is unhappy about certain processes, yet are keeping it to themselves because they are afraid to approach management, take the lead and inform him/her. Help bridge the gap between staff and your boss in a professional manner. This allows you to provide valuable feedback which leads to your boss being able to manage more effectively. Always try to know the temperature of the staff.

6. Honor your word: Show your boss you can be relied on by following up your ideas with action. Don’t just start projects, but be a finisher. Not finishing up a project that your boss is relying on you to do leads to major credibility loss.

7. Learn from others: When you are stuck on a task or project and after you tried to figure out a way ahead on your own, but are stuck, don’t run into your boss’s office asking for additional direction. Break that routine and ask others for some guidance. A lot of experience is in your company hallways, don’t be afraid to lean on them. This shows you as being resourceful. Resist the urge of asking your boss what you ought to do. You may even gain knowledge from someone else and learn something that your boss doesn’t yet know.

8. Arrive Early: If you know your boss comes in at 0730, arrive to the office at 0720. That extra 10 minutes goes a long way and shows dedication. Many times, your boss will need something the minute he or she arrives and you will be there to deliver. If not, someone else will be taking advantage of that situation. Also, you never know when your boss’s supervisor will need something before your boss arrives, and if you are there you can step up and deliver a product in his/her place.

9. Dress for success: Your appearance reflects on your company and on your boss. Always dress in a way that enhances the image and follow its dress code. A good rule of thumb is to dress two levels above your current position. Most folks will do the bare minimum to meet the dress code…but do you really want to just do the minimum? Stand out, look sharp, be noticed. If you want the corner office, dress like you belong there. Image is very important. Your boss will appreciate you raising the bar.

10. Maintain your attitude: Always be tactful. When your boss is joking with you, be careful not to cross the invisible line…so always remain diplomatic. Keep your attitude high. Attitude can spread through a department. When you help your coworkers see you as positive, helpful and smiling you’re making yourself infinitely more valuable to your company. Simply make a daily effort to express positive attitudes, and your coworkers will soon catch them and spread them as well.

Initiate the transition to a partnering relationship and become more valuable. Planning your encounters with your boss can be a valuable career-advancing strategy. There are MANY more ways to become more valuable to your boss but these are 10 very simple ways to do it.

Please share some other tips that have worked for you or others.