Here's how you can establish credibility and influence with your boss.

To build credibility and influence with your boss, focus on understanding and anticipating their needs. Strive to provide comprehensive yet concise reports that address all potential questions upfront. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and save your boss valuable time. An employee who consistently delivers thorough, well-prepared information will likely earn more trust than one who requires frequent follow-ups. You showcase your reliability and strategic thinking by consistently meeting your boss's informational needs. Remember, it's not just about the information itself but how you present it to support your boss's decision-making process. This proactive approach can significantly enhance your credibility over time.

- Begin by delivering high-quality work on time and exceeding expectations whenever possible, showcasing your dedication and competence. - Keep your boss informed about your progress on projects and any potential challenges, highlighting your problem-solving skills and commitment to transparency. - Seek opportunities to share insights and innovative ideas that align with the organization’s goals, positioning yourself as a valuable resource and thought leader. - Actively listen to your boss’s feedback and show a willingness to adapt and improve, demonstrating your openness to growth. - Additionally, maintain a positive and professional attitude, fostering a collaborative and respectful working relationship.

One key to building credibility with your boss is to under-promise and over-deliver. Don't commit to more than you can realistically accomplish, but then exceed expectations when you complete the work. This shows your boss that you're able to accurately assess the time and effort required, and that you're committed to going above and beyond.

I take my time to learn about people—understand their temperaments and pay attention to the little details of their likes and dislikes, including when they prefer or don't prefer certain things. In my experience, this approach has proven beneficial in connecting with my bosses. I have found success in: - Showing genuine interest in their life beyond work. - Explicitly and implicitly demonstrating that I care. - Being tactful in when to bring up new ideas. - Creating an environment where feedback is easily given and received.

From my experience, to take the lead and show initiative, you need a clear vision of where the organization is heading, particularly the goals your boss is pursuing. Demonstrating this understanding through your proposed initiatives strengthens connections, builds trust, and shows true ownership. Simply put, being proactive isn't enough—you must know the right direction to steer, or else proactiveness can backfire.

One of the best ways to build credibility is to show initiative beyond just your assigned tasks. Look for areas where you can add value to your team or organization, and then take the lead on proposing and executing new ideas or projects. This proactive approach signals to your boss that you're not just a thinker, but a doer who is invested in driving progress. Taking on extra responsibilities that move the needle can be a game-changer for building your credibility.

When you truly listen to understand your boss's goals and concerns, it lays the foundation for a true partnership. Then, when you present your ideas, do so with confidence and unwavering logic. Back up your proposals with the kind of reasoning that commands respect. But the communication can't stop there. Regularly updating your boss on progress - both successes and challenges - ensures there are no surprises. This transparency fosters trust and makes it so much easier for your boss to get behind your initiatives and support your growth.

had an experience where attempting to share my expertise and knowledge turned sour instead of being helpful. Reflecting on it, I realized that what was missing was the approach—I must have come off as bossy to my boss, thereby missing an opportunity to nurture trust.

Be the positive force on your team. Negativity can destroy innovation and a team ethos so quickly. Be the champion, the mediator and the encourager. Your boss will notice and appreciate your input and then begin to enjoy working with you. Being positive doesn't mean agreeing with everything. You can even be critical in a positive vein by choosing your words carefully!

In my experience at the MIT Teaching Systems Lab, we use this mantra: "We are nice to you, but not towards the ideas and suggestions you bring." It may sound harsh, but it's not. Once you've internalized this mantra, you realize you learn and grow, producing increasingly better work. Being open to tough feedback is essential for building trust with your boss; otherwise, you may appear immature.