How To Show Appreciation For Your Boss

by Brittany Troyer on May 24, 2012

The relationship between a boss and his or her employees may not always be the most pleasant, but there are lasting benefits from showing your appreciation for one another.

Recently, many bosses and top-level executives have been facing the pressures of declining retention rates and increasingly dissatisfied employees. If they do not make necessary changes, they may consequentially lose some of their best talent.

Let’s turn the tables and do a swap of the shoes. Managers are often blamed for problems outside of their control, faced with demanding pressures, and are just as overworked as the next. Remember, they are human also and they may feel just as discouraged and unappreciated as any other employee.

A recent post from the Quickbase Blog provides some ways to score points with your boss by showing a little bit of compassion and respect for him or her as a person. Anita Bruzzese recommends the following gestures that are sure to pay off in the long-run:

Sending a thank-you note. Sending handwritten thank-you notes are a declining trend, but an email just doesn’t hold the same value. If you receive a bonus or an extra hour for your lunch break, be sure to thank your bosses in the most respectful way. Your extra effort will likely pay off in the future of your professional relationship.

Congratulating them. You expect your boss to recognize you for your hard work and achievements; therefore, it is important to take the time to recognize them as well. Everyone enjoys a pat on the back and a personal congratulatory will not go unnoticed.

Remembering they are human, too. Bosses have personal lives including relationships, family, and hardships just as everyone else. Cut them some slack by considering some of the stresses they face and sacrifices they have made for their job. Putting yourself in their shoes may help you understand some of their behaviors and actions.

Lastly, and best of all, sometimes showing appreciation for others, in turn, can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for your own self. You can read the full list here.

How else can you show appreciation for your boss without going over the top? We’d love to hear your personal stories!

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