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Advice / Succeeding at Work / Getting Ahead

10 Ways to Make Your Boss Smile

Making someone smile is a nice thing to do regardless. But when that person is your boss? Not to be too Machiavellian, but happy bosses mean extra perks, better projects, and even promotions.

Here are some ways to get your superior grinning, so you can start reaping the benefits.

  1. Thanks to “emotional contagion,” if you smile, your boss will, too. (Wall Street Journal)

  2. Matching your manager’s communication style will automatically make him or her happier. (Hcareers)

  3. Pick up the book your boss is reading—and eight other ways to win him or her over. (Forbes)

  4. If you wear this color, your boss will view you as more focused, committed, and trustworthy. Definitely smile-worthy traits. (AOL Jobs)

  5. Want to make your boss smile without sucking up? Here’s how. (Money Crashers)

  6. Or you could just figure out what compliments he or she loves to hear. (Lifehacker)

  7. While you’re in the giving mood, here are 24 fun and cheap gifts for your supervisor. (Business News Daily)

  8. To make your boss smile, ask these three questions. (Don’t Panic Mgmt)

  9. Seven things you can do to make your boss think you’re wonderful. (Forbes)

  10. Bring in cookies or start an office round of applause and you might make your supervisor’s day. (Inc.)



Want more? Check out some of our great articles on becoming your boss’ favorite.