How to look good in front of your boss

 

As you may or may not know, I work Sunday mornings at a livery yard. It looks after fifteen odd race horses, and a couple of other various ponies. The other day, one of my bosses told me that, quote, 'what I say next is going to sound really odd, but you've got a really good walk.' I know... She went on to explain to me that the way I take big strides and am "bouncy" makes me seem a lot more lively and look happy to be there whereas some people who come and drag their feet at work give themselves a bad image.

It's a hard job and you're constantly active and on your feet, so everyday Saturday night, I get the feeling that I really don't want to get up in the morning to go and have water thrown down my wellies, or straw tangled into my hair. But when I get there I forget all of those thoughts immediately and throw myself into the job and that's the best thing to do.

So here are some top tips for being a star in your bosses eyes:

1. Look like your happy to be there. It's work, I get it; whatever it may be is probably not very exciting, but it's earning you money or a qualification so you need to see it as an opportunity and not spend the time sulking or unhappy with it.

2. Don't worry, ask! If there is something at work that you're unsure of then just ask. It may feel like your boss is getting tired of answering the same questions over and over but as long as you're doing it right, they really cannot complain. The worst thing to do would be to not ask and then get it wrong, especially in a place like the stables. If you work in an office then maybe you should just take a note of how many sugars your boss has in his/hers tea.

 

3. Keep it fresh. If there is something that you need to learn or know on a daily basis at work, then it would be good to give it some thought during the week. For example: my job consists of turning horses out into the field or onto the walker (an exercise machine), so I need to know which horse are which so I know who to take in or out. I try to picture a horse, and then name it, and then picture which stable they live in.

4. Don't be afraid to talk to your boss about the rest of the week. Small chat is easy to do especially if I just ask about a race they'd been to the day before. It also gives you an insight on them as a person and show you that they aren't really as intimidating you first thought.

Much love and brownie points, love Sophie xoxo