This blog covers 8 things bosses love to hear. These are ideas for strategic and sincere statements you can make that will showcase your professionalism and positive attitude.

#1: Is there anything else you need before I head out for the day?

This is a strong question because it demonstrates your willingness to help and it is very transparent in terms of when you’re leaving for the day. Just remember to pose this question with 15-20 minutes to spare in case your boss takes you up on the offer.

#2 Thank you for your guidance on this project.

A sincere thank you is always proper in the workplace. Add to it the word “guidance” or even “mentoring” and you’re telling your boss that you appreciate them for what they’re there to do — ensure you’re on the right track as it relates to company objectives.

#3 Do you have any feedback for me on how that went?

Managers are in their role to ensure their team making productive contributions to the organization. That starts with development. When you ask for feedback, you’re indicating your willingness to accept constructive criticism and learn. Whether it’s an exchange with an upset customer or a big presentation, ask for feedback. You may learn something that will help propel you forward.

#4 Is there anything in particular you would like me to focus on this week?

Bosses love employees who can work automomously. However, they also appreciate it when you check in to see if there is anything new afoot. This question is a great way to get at that before embarking on other tasks. Priorities shift quickly – make sure you’re up to speed by asking the right questions.

#5 Thank you for taking time out to show me how to do this.

Gratitude is a positive mindset in life, not just work. Plus everyone likes reassurance that what they’re doing matters. This quick statement does both of those things and it is almost effortless on your part.

#6 Is there anything I can help you with this week?

While this one is only safe to do if you’re caught up on your work, it’s a very nice thing to do. A big benefit of this is that you may learn something new and position yourself as an even greater value to the company. At the very least, you come off as someone willing to pitch in for the greater good.

#7 I found this free webinar on [topic related closely to your area of responsiblity]. Would you like me to attend and report back on what they had to say? 

Initiative. Curiosity. Staying on top of current trends. All great traits for an employee. Definitely in the list of things bosses love to hear.

#8 Would you like me to recap that meeting in a short email and send it to you for the group? Just so the action items and next steps are available to everyone? 

This is an AMAZING thing to do because it shows that you were paying attention and that you want to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Even if your boss politely declines, you’ve demonstrated that you’re organized and you have initiative. By the way, not many bosses will decline the offer – so make sure you have your notes in order and a firm understanding of what transpired in the meeting.

At Office Furniture EZ, we want you to be successful at work and in life. That means the right office furniture and the right approach to your job. Here in our blog, we showcase great furniture and some of the best tips we’ve heard on our travels through hundreds of workplaces. We hope you find something here that’s useful to you in your career and maybe even your everday life too.