12 Ways To Earn Your Boss's Respect At A New Job

Being a working person is tough, especially in your early 20s. You are just getting to know yourself as a human, and for the first time you're outside of your immediate family's support. Then, all of a sudden, you have responsibilities up the wazoo. You try to catch your breath, all the while enduring all the new pressures of having a full time job — one of which, of course, is impressing your boss. Getting far at any job means making the person in charge happy to the best of your abilities. Some of us thrive with that added pressure, and some of us freeze.

Your boss will expect the most out of you because you were hired for a reason. The interview process and the sleepless nights wondering if you got the job all culminated in you being plucked out of a group of eager beavers. Your boss wants to know that she or he made the right call in taking you on to the team. But how do you assure your boss they made the right choice and earn their respect? After all, earning their respect is key in moving up in the workplace. What can you do to increase your odds of success and make you someone they think of when promotion season comes along?

If you are ready to kick it up a notch, earning your boss's respect should be your top priority. The following list will help you get there. Start taking notes.

1. Own Up To Your Mistakes

Don't pass the blame. The mature reaction is to take responsibility right away and own the mistake, which will assure your boss that you are self-aware and dedicated to the good of the company, not just in covering up your mistakes.

2. Fix Your Mistakes Right Away

It's cool to own your mistakes — but it's even cooler to fix them right away, which is more sincere and actually helpful reaction than an apology alone.

3. And While We're On The Subject ... Try Not Too Make Too Many Mistakes

Of course stuff's going to happen, but it should go without saying: pay attention to what you are doing. If you feel like you're uncertain, don't be afraid to ask questions and speak up. You're saving everyone time and stress by preventing mistakes in the long run.

4. Come In Early

Being punctual is required when you are getting paid for your time, and as the old adage goes — to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be rude. Make sure you're always leaving the apartment with a few extra minutes to spare.

5. Immediately Write Down Important Events And Details

You are not going to magically remember everything that happens during the first few days of a job. Always, always, always write important details as they come in, whether it's your first week or you've been there for years. It's not worth risking something sliding past your notice.

6. Save Your Complaints For Home And Non-Work Friends

It's a job — of course you're going to have little day-today complaints. Air them out somewhere outside of the office to get them off your chest, because venting in the office for a few seconds of relief could have weeks of consequences. People want you to come up with solutions at work; complaining is off-putting and unproductive, unless it's a genuine problem that affects your ability to do your job or your health.

7. Volunteer

There will be a time when your office will be asked to do something annoying. Be the one to volunteer. Show initiative.

8. Don't Start Rumors

If you cannot be trusted with secrets, or gossip too much, you will never earn the respect of your boss — or any of your other coworkers, either.

9. Don't Be Afraid To Speak Up

Your boss needs to know you exist. That means you have to speak up when the time comes, and squelching that fear that your ideas aren't "good enough". They are. Own them. And remember that everybody there is just as nervous to share as you.

10. Finish What You Started

If you tell your boss that you will do something — do it. The more you make good on your promises, the more you will find yourself in positions of leadership.

11. Go Easy On The Brown Nosing

I know it will seem tempting, but being a yes-(wo)man is never a position you want to be in. Have valid input instead of agreeing with everything, and make sure that you're taking on projects that promote your professional growth and are actually beneficial to the company, not just anything that comes your way.

12. Figure Out Your Office's Vibe

Maybe everyone in your office is super buttoned up, or maybe they're lax and chill. Take note of what the office culture is like, and make sure you never toe the line of what is acceptable and what isn't.

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