Creating good impressions

“You will never get a second chance to create a first impression.”

These words from the legendary speaker and trainer Zig Ziglar, repeated in his seminars and books, resonated with me.

So, a new boss enters your workplace. You are feeling each other out. You know the person very little, and the new boss wants to know you more. It could be nerve-wracking. But you want to create a good impression. The question is how?

Well, the first thing to do is to leave your nerves behind and focus on these simple yet effective strategies for making a good impression:

Project confidence

Here is reality. From the college graduate dealing with her first “real” boss to the workplace veteran reassigned to report to someone he’s never met, virtually everybody gets a bit nervous in a new situation. But shaking those jitters can set the tone for a good working relationship.

Bosses still like people who look them in the eye when they say hello or shake hands. This translates into “I have confidence in myself.”

Master basic professionalism

While your office may have fancy sleep pods, ping-pong tables, modern interiors and bright-colored walls that project a relaxed and casual workplace that is both hip and cool, bosses still prefer workers who practice office etiquette. Show up on time, dress appropriately, and keep your workspace clean.

Listen more, talk less

Another casualty of nerves can be talking too much. Whether rattling on about every detail or trying to prove competency by showing what they know, many workers would be better served by listening and processing rather than vocalizing.

As a professional trainer and communicator, trust me when I say this may sound simple, but it is challenging to listen more than talk when you want to impress people. However, displaying good listening skills is best to demonstrate respect. This does not mean that you shouldn’t talk at all. Summarizing your boss’s instructions can help clarify information and demonstrate your understanding.

Be eager to learn by asking questions

Sometimes, workers refrain from asking questions for fear of looking bad or appearing incompetent, but asking questions is beneficial. Posing intelligent questions about the company or field shows that you are interested in your job beyond your paycheck.

Display an eagerness to learn. Be constantly curious about the industry you are working in and ask questions. If you happen to have a slight lag time, instead of sitting at your place with eyes staring at your phone screen, think of ways to fill it in productively. Ask if you can help a co-worker with a project or even ask if you can interview some other employees in the company to get a more rounded picture of your organization and what it does.

“Prepare a couple of good questions to ask, and not just ‘What do I do next?’ Bosses need to believe that you have a real interest in the work. Remember, they may still be thinking if they made the right decision in hiring you. So, in the first two to three weeks, you must keep making that good impression.”

Embrace mistakes

Try as you might, mistakes are a fact of life. While your first inclination may be to avoid your boss or to assign blame for your error, taking responsibility when something goes wrong shows trustworthiness. Own up to your mistakes and be honest about what you don’t know. Experts agree that a simple yet genuine “I’m sorry,” and perhaps a short explanation is most effective. Being overly emotional or offering a lengthy reason why something went wrong will likely make the situation even more uncomfortable. Alert your supervisor before a problem occurs. Doing so maximizes options—such as getting a deadline extension or having a co-worker lend a hand—and shows that you are concerned about the organization’s well-being, not just making yourself look good.

Act and behave like you really, really want to be there

Enthusiasm is contagious. Showing up with a positive attitude and a willingness to help out can prove that you’re a team player the boss will want to have around. Your demonstration need not be grand, just heartfelt. Here is a brilliant idea: never eat alone. Relationships and connections work best during mealtime. It is a great way to meet people, become acquainted with your workplace, and show your boss, “Yes, I am happy to be here, and I want to be a team member.” Just make sure you eat your food and not another’s.

Francis Kong’s “Inspiring Excellence” podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google, or other podcast streaming platforms.