Boss’s Day, which falls on October 17 this year, may be the oddest “holiday” we celebrate. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Secretary’s Day make sense as opportunities to celebrate and thank people who do so much for us — and who are so often overlooked. But Boss’s Day? Isn’t it enough that we arrive to work on time every day and gamely undertake the tasks set before us by the boss? In fact, On Careers contributor Alison Green has advocated for abolishing the holiday as recently as a year ago.
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If your workplace hasn’t yet gotten the memo, make this the year you use Boss’s Day to show your appreciation for all the things your boss does for you — and to advance your career. Here are five ways a thoughtful Boss’s Day gift can lead to you becoming the boss.
1. Build rapport. A gift that allows you and your boss to spend some quality time together may be well-received — especially if you have already built some good rapport and are comfortable spending time together outside of the office. A few rounds of golf or an evening at the theater could be a great way to get to know each other better. Just be careful about giving a personal gift if your boss is of the opposite sex. You don’t want the gesture to be misconstrued as a request for a date.
2. Share your knowledge and industry interests. Show that you care about the industry you work in and are up-to-date on the latest trends by giving your boss the latest book about the industry or market. Or consider giving your boss the latest bestseller in the personal development niche that can help someone bring out their best. If he or she already has the book, an audiobook may be well-received since your boss may be very busy. Or volunteer to read some books of your boss’s growing to-read list and provide a summary. You could package everything up in a PDF document that your boss could load onto any mobile device when he or she has a few minutes of downtime.
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3. Humanize your relationship. You can find plenty of Hallmark cards for Boss’s Day at the store, but a more thoughtful gift will be a card that includes a handwritten note. Share your thoughts about working for the boss and the company and be specific about what you like about your relationship. Make sure to proofread and write it in your best handwriting style. Your boss is sure to remember the gesture. Be mindful about crossing professional boundaries, so your message is personalized but not too personal.
4. Be the problem-solver. Sometimes the best gifts are the little things that make life easier for everyone. If your boss is the busy type and has a hard time staying organized, consider gifting a subscription to an online organization tool or something as simple as a personalized desk calendar. If he or she always comes in wet from the rain, you could provide an umbrella stand or a rain poncho and umbrella set. If the boss always seems to misplace keys, you could gift him or her a wireless key locator and a summary of instructions on how to set it up. The key to this gift is to make it thoughtful — and actually helpful — without being too humorous or mean-spirited. A little humor will be appreciated, but a jab at behavior your boss may consider a foible or flaw will backfire. Keep your eyes open for any trick or gift that can make your boss’s workday a little less aggravating. It will get you noticed as a problem-solver.
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5. Improve your boss’s workflow and productivity. Some of the best — and most thoughtful gifts — are intangible. Bosses and managers have lots workplace and people skills, but staying organized or handling project management tasks may not be among them. If your boss has been putting off a dull or tedious project for a while, or if there’s a part of the office that needs some major organizing and decluttering, offer to help out. You could demonstrate your mastery of the latest project management tools to organize that project (and perhaps make it a little more interesting). Or you might simply clear out the clutter in your boss’s office and implement a filing system. These activities can improve your boss’s daily workflow and increase productivity. Even better, you’ll be you noticed as a problem-solver who takes initiative. You’ll need to be thoughtful in the tasks you decide to cover because the last thing you want is your solution to become your boss’s latest problem. Especially on Boss’s Day.
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How Giving a Good Boss’s Day Gift Can Advance Your Career originally appeared on usnews.com
