Dealing with a boss that you find tough can be arduous, but at some point or another, you're likely to have a boss you find impossible to impress. Having a tough boss, although mentally draining at times, is not necessarily a bad thing. There are few things in life that can drive you to always be on top of your game like a tough task master can. But we understand, not being able to please your boss even after you feel like you've given the job your all is exhausting at best.
Here's the thing - every job might be different, but there are a basic set of characteristics that every boss looks for in their employee. Get a head start by making sure you exude these qualities in your workspace. Even if your boss doesn't seem impressed yet, in the long run it'll help paint you as someone who is reliable and committed to their work.
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1. Think long-term
If you're putting in work as someone who sees themselves as a part of the company for the long-run, it'll show in your work and your attitude. Thinking about long-term goals sometimes means putting the company's interest ahead of yours and putting in extra hours in order to get issues sorted. Assimilating into the company and treating it as your own means taking ownership and responsibility for the work that you do. If you can remedy a problem on your own, do so. If something seems out of your league, talk to your boss. Don't take on more than or less than you can chew.
2. Be consistent
There will be days when you feel completely tired and unable to put your best foot forward, and days when you're at your productive best. It's completely normal to have waves of high-productivity for days or weeks, followed sometimes by days of low-productivity. The key, though, is to be consistent. The problem is that those days of ultra-high productivity and long hours can result in a burn out. It's better to put in work consistently, everyday, than work hard for one week and fall short on your work commitments the next. Aim for even output, so you don't burn out.
3. Follow through
It's quite simple really - you had a meeting and made some suggestions or were told to take on a project by someone senior. What do you do? You follow through. After the meeting, even if your boss or another manager who suggested the assignment forgets to reach out to you, do it yourself. Take initiative and establish yourself as someone who is responsible and reliable.
