Question

You are an intern in the Cybersecurity Operations Office for the new National Youth Social Media Administration. You just graduated from the Webster University Cybersecurity Program and you want to impress your supervisors in order to have a greater opportunity for a promotion. Discuss your proposal for a Cybersecurity strategy for this new national office.

Answer 1

Put yourself in your boss’s shoes. Figure out the challenges your boss will encounter that day and be prepared to offer solutions. “Anticipate the questions that your supervisor may ask about your work or a project and have thoughtful answers or next steps for them to take. Thinking ahead can really show that you’re an invaluable team member.”Teach says it's easy to be resentful of your boss, especially if they treat you a certain way, “but they have a job to do, just like you,” he explains. “There's a lot about their job that you don't know about or see, so don't assume that they're out to get you,” he adds. “Sometimes they act a certain way for a reason--perhaps their boss is putting a lot of pressure on them--so try to be understanding.

Show value. “They hired you for a reason, so make sure that you’re adding value to the organization and/or position,” . “Bosses want employees not only to agree with them, but also be willing to speak up about the realities and challenges in the business that need to be addressed. Be the person that speaks with facts, confidence and reasonable suggestions that produce results. This builds your boss’s confidence in you.”

Do whatever it takes to make your boss look good. “Everyone cares about their work reputation, or at least they should,” Teach says. “If you can make your boss look good, they will be happy--and if they're happy, you'll be happy.”He says this also means that you shouldn’t correct your boss in front of others. “There is almost nothing worse for a boss than to have a subordinate correct them in front of other people. This is embarrassing for them, even if they are wrong about something. You're better off mentioning their mistake to them after people leave. At all times, display a level of professionalism that not only benefits you personally, but also reflects highly of your boss.

Know when and how to communicate with your boss. Does your supervisor like one sentence e-mails or prefer a detailed account of what's going on? Does she want to receive an outline of where your project stands, or do you need to provide all of the details? “Learn how your supervisor likes to communicate and receive communication, and mimic this style suggests.

Ask for feedback. “Don’t be afraid to ask your boss for feedback, Don’t assume that your work isn’t valued because your manager is juggling multiple deliverables and not spending as much time with you as you’d like.” Too many people shy away from speaking up for fear of the unknown. “Ideally your manager should already be providing feedback but this is your career so don’t be afraid to take the driver’s seat

Get to know your boss personally. You don't need to be friends with your boss or hang out with them on the weekends. However, it couldn't hurt to ask them how their weekend was, or find out what their hobbies and interests are outside of work, Teach says. “Bosses are human, so communicate with them on a personal level.”

Offer to help.  you should ask as your boss if they need help on any projects. “Many bosses have a full plate, and sometimes will not speak up about needing help. So during conversation, ask them if they need a hand with anything.”

Keep your supervisor informed. “No one likes surprises, so if you are experiencing challenges in your work, communicate those, Don't hide behind obstacles or mistakes; just keep your supervisor informed along the way. “Whether things are going well, or not so well, you're building mutual trust and integrity if you keep your supervisor in the know.

Under-promise and over-deliver. Put your best foot forward to exceed your boss’s expectations. “For example, if you are working on an assignment, be sure to provide a realistic timeline for when you’ll get the work done and surprise your boss by completing it earlier than expected. This will show that you are proactive, and that you can manage your workload.”

Ask for help and advice. survey respondents indicated they’d prefer that management invest in their professional development rather than spending on creating a fun environment. “Clearly people want to acquire new skills, Your boss will likely warm up to you if they see you as a possible protégé.”

Show your boss respect. Even if you don't like your boss, respect them, Teach advises. “Chances are they've earned their position for a reason. Whether you like it or not, they are your supervisor. They're higher up in the food chain than you and if you disrespect them in any way, this will definitely hurt your relationship with them.”

Be authentic. “Be authentic in your approach.” For example, swinging by your boss’s desk each day with a cup of coffee might not be a good idea, unless that’s in your job description. But, if you’re on your way to the break room, extending the offer to grab them one too is a nice gesture.

Stay above office politics and gossip. Your behavior reflects on your manager, so avoid snarky commentary, “and when it doubt, be circumspect.”

Establish a line of open communication. If you are honest and communicate openly with your supervisor, this will help build transparency and trust in the relationship,scheduling a weekly or bi-weekly phone or in-person meeting (15 to 30 minutes). “Use this time to build rapport, share progress and seek advice. If possible, try to get out of the office for lunch or coffee every so often with them.”

“At the end of the day, it's all about building trust within the relationship between you and your supervisor, Employees need their supervisors to be a mentor, cheerleader, go-to person, and advocate all in one--and so it's important to instill trust so that this can happen.” Also, if you're working for a supervisor that lives and believes in the values of the company and recognizes and rewards their employees for adhering to those values, then it will be a successful relationship.