How Can I Impress My Boss with My Progress? Seeking Advice on Effective Communication Strategies

Hi,

Recently, my boss has given me a target to fulfill within 3 months, and I have already achieved 25% of my target within 10 days. I am seeking guidance on how to communicate my achievement to him. Please advise me on different approaches such as using graphs, presentations, or simply crafting an impressive email.

Thank you for your prompt assistance.

If you do that, next time you will get a target of doing the same thing in 1 month! Remember, people who work hard get more work. People who do not get bonuses and increments. Just sit tight, and if you are able to achieve the entire target soon, show that you did it earlier than expected, such as 2.5 months instead of 3 months, but not 1 month instead of 3 months. Chances are, your boss will say, "Oh, that means I gave you too much time."

These are just my views. Experience from the big bad corporate world.

Regards, Shikha

50% agree. This is for those who don't want to work. I don't think every boss is like this. How you explained "Oh, I have given so much time", the boss knows everything because he is your boss. If he finds out you have finished your task in one month instead of three months, he will appreciate your efforts. He will definitely understand your effort, your dedication towards your work. So, don't stay negatively as you described your bad experience. If the boss doesn't have knowledge, he only acts like this as you described.

Certainly! Here is the corrected version of your text:

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I too agree with Abhishek's views. Bosses have much more experience and knowledge. We shouldn't make a mistake by underestimating or overestimating them. They are aware of everything happening. Controls and reviews are their major jobs. So go ahead and put in your work. Surely, you will be appreciated, and bosses give targets to the doers. So, if you want to learn more, you have to accept the targets. Take his appointment well in advance and make a PowerPoint presentation to get his views and suggestions further. Good luck.

Yaa don't do this mistake as employers have this tendency; they definitely load you with lots of work and sometimes others' work too. So, think twice before doing so. Smart work is good. I mean, we are employed because of our abilities and skills to do the job, but sometimes when we work too fast or achieve success in a short period, our seniors/bosses expect a lot more from us, due to which we have to sacrifice many things at work.

I totally agree with Shikha.

Have a nice day ahead.

I also agree with Shikha that persons who do not work on time and say they are loaded will get an increment. This has happened with me also. However, though I was not demotivated, I didn't stop doing things on time. The reason being, the more you work, the more you will learn. So, work with a motive to learn. I am sure this will definitely give returns, not in the short run but in the long run.

Dear Radha,

Only 25% has been completed in 10 days. Please wait and complete the remaining 75% before setting off the trumpet blowing. I don't disagree with Shika, but not all bosses are the same. There may be a chance that Radha's boss (after she completes the 100% target before the set time) may even consider her for bigger projects.

Think positive. There are good bosses who are really interested in grooming the young lad and recognizing them suitably. Don't expect any rewards instantly because you are being paid for what you are doing.

Dear Radha,

I totally agree with Asha Mathew, but instead of getting disheartened, take it as if you have learned the art of being proactive. Burning the midnight oil is one thing, and the addition of bigger, meatier assignments in your KRAs is another. Together, through smarter execution, you will definitely achieve career growth. (May I add here that how well you sell yourself after achieving the targets is also equally important.) All the very best in your future endeavors.

Dear Radha,

I agree with what Ash said. You have only covered 25%. Wait and complete 75 to 80%. In fact, I suggest showing him once you've done 95% and then take some of his views, saying that you wanted to show before the final submission.

I don't agree much with saying that employees who work hard get more work. Hard work is different, but you need to work smartly. I feel everyone must know to draw a limit line. After all, we are judged by performance only, and the boss is not a fool. He might be judging you with this.

Think and act. Take care.

Akanksha

Hi. Whom are you cheating by not disclosing that you have finished earlier than 3 months? At the end of the day, it will cause a lot of damage to you. Give a 10% of time to re-check and submit it with ZERO DEFECTS & 100% MATCH OF EXPECTATIONS. If it can be done in 1 month, let it be that way. What if tomorrow somebody does it in 28 days or the Boss finds out that he himself can do it in 30 days? Forget all ifs and buts or future outcomes. Always remember, just think at the end of the day what you did is right or wrong. Short-term benefits never take you anywhere.

Dear all,

It is our right to post our views on this site. Why is everyone saying that they agree with xyz? Please give your own views.

Actually, both concepts are appropriate:

"Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab, pal mein parlay hoyegi, barhui karega kab."

Another one is "Sahaj pake so meetha hoy."

Now, how should we respond?

Dear Friends,

Let me clarify that I also believe that not all bosses are bad, and not all situations are as negative as I described.

Looking at the query posted by Sri Radha, she seemed like a fresher and new to the corporate world, hence so happy and excited about her work. I thought it's best to warn her so that she remains happy :)

Regards,
Shikha

All those recommending that she go slow, please remember that the 'boss' has also gone through the mill; and if he is anything like you, knows what he did and can see through the act that is put on.

Like Asha aptly says, wait till you complete the whole. Why do you think that the next 75% can also be finished in such a time and that you do not face hurdles? Not knowing the nature of work and its intricacies, I am in no position to comment.

However, my advice would be to finish the whole work with diligence but not overwork yourself. Ask yourself whether you completed the work by working normal hours or by working a lot of hours over and above the contracted hours.

Please read about "Rate Busters" at [Group Cohesiveness in the Industrial ... - Google Books](http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6DPlZL1-1ScC&pg=PA6&lpg=PA6&dq=industrial+rate+busters+%2B +dalton&source=bl&ots=Mg2UwOhvRp&sig=JywnmYvinAkwC QcsvX9qj7W2t-A&hl=en&ei=OMRJSvHSGuaRjAeIoMBi&sa=X&oi=book_resul t&ct=result&resnum=2)

Have a nice day.

Simhan
A retired academic in the UK

Hi Radha,

I agree with Shikha's view in general cases. I suggest that you do an inquiry within your organization and check the history. It will help you to understand your organization's policy. If there are chances to get incentives or promotions, then please go ahead and complete the target within the period, which will be easy for you next time, too. Always think for long-term benefits. Have a good day! :-P

Dear friend, in my opinion, if we do the given work before the deadline, we are much more recognized. If this happens, you will feel great and at the same time, you will learn, even if you were given a more challenging task. Then, we become experts.

It is better to aim at fulfilling the task in a phase-oriented and complete manner.

If given a target, you have to set objectives and work on it. No way, can you send an email stating that you completed 25%, 30%, and so on.

Once you paint a picture for your boss that you have completed the task fully and in a shorter span of time, your boss may be impressed and assign you higher responsibilities.

So, it's better to complete the task fully and then aim for higher achievements!

All the best,
kb.

Dear All,

I fully agree with all of you. However, I believe you should first try to complete the task given to you and then decide on all of this, that is, the way to present your achievements to your boss. Remember, you have just started your journey, and you still have a long way to go. So, focus on completing your task first and then present it to your boss. I think this approach would be more appreciated than sending him an email now. I am confident that you will complete it before the deadline and receive a good response from your seniors.

Regards,
Sumiksha

I would suggest that you create an impressive, visually appealing presentation with graphs and clear, concise bullet points.

My suggestion is that you make this presentation at the end of one month!

At the end of the presentation, you can inform that you will make the next one at the end of the second month and the final one at the end of the third one or on the achievement of the target, whichever is earlier.

In the PPT, you can highlight the fact that you had achieved 25% of the target in 10 days, which is approximately 11% of the time allocated. Use graphs, etc.

Use minimal words and more pics if possible.

Refer to slideshare.net for ideas on how to make presentations.

I know that good work gets rewarded by more work, but I guess that's the way the corporate world works... Only if you meet and exceed expectations can you ensure customer (here your boss) delight and subsequent results in appraisals.

The reason I am suggesting periodic updates and progress reporting is that it will give confidence to both you and your boss. Your boss will gain a lot of confidence in you and your capability on seeing your progress. Also, he will and can give you feedback on what and how you have done things. This will add to your confidence and also give you a chance to improve. Maybe you end up completing your target within 2 days!

Also, it will highlight your 'proactiveness' in going ahead in reporting progress, which is a good characteristic!

All the Best!!

You have completed just one milestone. It would be better if you first complete the task and then make a presentation on the same.

Regards,
Kamal Nayyar

Hi,

Just put a salutation and attach the file you worked upon, and send it. Ask him if he needs the work in the same format as given by you or specifically on some different aspect.

Dear Radha,

There are good bosses in this world, my dear. Don't be in a hurry. Complete your 100% job, and you can present it. Always think positive. Even if you are dumped with more work or the time schedule is reduced, it is only going to test your capacity. When you complete that, the amount of satisfaction you get cannot be compensated with anything. Also, you will grow, and any sincere work will definitely pay.

"All expansion is life, All contraction is death."
- Swami Vivekananda

I love you,
Narasimhan.

My dear friends,

It's not about being overburdened with work later nor about a good vs. bad boss. The point at issue is, whether there is any need to "impress" the boss with just 10% of the work completed?

In that case, after 20% is over, then should she go to the boss again with another presentation? And then when 30% is completed, 40% is completed... etc., and so on and so forth. If a progress report has been sought for at regular intervals, then everything is fine and in order. Otherwise, why does Radha need to impress her boss? To show her smartness and efficiency? To score over her peers and colleagues? What is her hidden agenda?

Well, I recall what one of the HR Professors at IIM-C had to say on the topic of "Impression Management": "Every morning a hen lays an egg, a single egg, and then cackles around the whole afternoon, telling the world that it has laid an egg!"

Well, dear, what is the rush? One should wait till the chickens are hatched.

Regards.

Basically, we should maintain balance. If the target is completed in a very short span, chances are you will end up being overworked.

Dear,

I think you have to give reports or inform the status of your projects on a daily basis, which is given to you. Also, try to provide a plan of action with activities for completing your remaining work with deadlines. This will help you achieve your targets before the given time and also help to build trust.

Reports should include your targets, plan of action, how to achieve it (strategy), when it will be completed, who is responsible, what types of activities to be done on a daily basis, and also prepare checkpoints to evaluate yourself. Additionally, add reasons for not achieving or not completing a particular day's activity.

I don't agree with Shika. Please comment.

Regards,
Devendra Patel

I agree with Asha. All companies and bosses are not the same. If Shika is able to achieve her three-month target within one month, her boss will definitely consider her for higher positions. Don't judge based on personality; evaluate based on work and results.

Dear Sri Radha,

Do not blow our trumpet before completing the work. Do it and then only speak to your boss. But ensure that you are not waiting overtime to complete your work because that means you would actually require three months. Also, check how your boss is before speaking, as not all bosses are the same. If you are someone who likes challenges and a little hard work doesn't matter, then go ahead and do it.

Because these days, if you don't take chances, you will not be noticed. So take control of your situation.

Regards, Anuja

She must be very fresh... What to shout about if she only completed 10%? If I am her boss, I won't be impressed at all. Those 10% completed may not necessarily have free mistakes...

I do agree with Shikha.
Bcz if you complete work before target time they may think that there is no accurate in your work and they will try to find out mistakes, if you work for long hours if you take much time, they will think that ohhh your are doing great job.
People who work hard... get more work
People who do not... get bonuses and increments
I do agree with this………I came across this kind of situation.

Hi Shri,

Nice to have this issue here. According to me, every boss is different. What you need to understand is how he perceives things. You can take a hint from him by discussing the issue informally.

In a recession, sales have definitely gone down, and even top managers know this, but they cannot show their concern to the team. So what matters is how hard you worked and whether you worked in the right direction. That is what matters.

GIVE YOUR BEST AND REST LEAVE ON...

Hi Shikha, this is Monil. I have gone through your message. If you take my advice, please don't mail anything to your boss and if possible, don't discuss this thing with everybody. Moreover, just concentrate on completing the remaining 75% of the target within the given time limit. If your boss asks you how much time you achieved the target, say what Ms. Shikha has recommended you to say. She is right because "Boss" is a category that is not impressed by performers but rather by "Chamchas". Wish you luck for your target. You can email me at sanghvimonil@hotmail.com or monilmilapsanghvi@gmail.com.

Dear Sri Radha,

I have read responses given by many people, and they are both positive and negative replies. What is more important in your case is just to notify your boss about your achievement.

What I would suggest instead of creating such hype is to send a simple email to your boss and apprise him of the status of the task he has assigned you. In this way, you will update him on the status of work and your achievement. Also, you can tell him your plan of action to complete the remaining work.

Thank you,

Cia

To be honest, I have 9 people working under me and have a boss as well. When I complete my work before time, I do get a lot of work always but do get a lot of appreciation for me and my team. As Asha said, my team and I do get considered for a lot of good and big projects, which in turn gives me a lot of learning opportunities. Learning brings growth.

Hi Radha,

What Shikha is saying is absolutely true. Just relax, and maybe you can keep your boss posted, but do not disclose that you have completed the work before time. Be efficient – on time every time.

I also agree with Shikha. The boss may appreciate, may not appreciate; but the next time he will double the target or give half of the time for the same target.

The basic idea is to apply a combination of hard and smart work. Hard work is necessary, of course. But you have to find out smart ways to show the same.

Shikha does not mean that you should not work hard. She only says that hard workers are always thrust with extra work. This is true. To keep their image, they finish the extra work also efficiently. But then a new extra responsibility is awaiting. Yeah, I said, only responsibility. It is not accompanied with extra salary or increase in position and honor.

They may flatter you and verbally praise your efficiency. But they don't even take the trouble to keep records or inform the higher authorities regarding your performance. They only befool you through this flattery and make you work, often more than necessary.

You only have to master the art of presenting your work in such a way that the higher authorities should be impressed. If you want to survive in this corporate world, learn the showbiz. Don't stop working hard. It improves your own knowledge and adds to your own experience. But always see to it that your performance is reaching the higher authorities.

Shruti Kings Free Lance Soft Skills Trainer

I partially agree with Shikha, but on the other hand, you must not start working slowly just for the sake of achieving it. Instead, aim to overachieve your target, and your boss will admire that.

Radha,

I would suggest you not to mention anything to your boss right now, as things may not be the same, and you may not be able to achieve the same in the next 10 days. First, reach your target, and then you can inform your boss about it!

Also, if you really want to impress your boss, just finishing up the target is not going to work; maybe some figure above the target can. You will have to be innovative and prove to the management that you are thinking about the company's business. You can present your ideas, concerns, or ways (related to your work profile) that would help the organization and show your interest and initiative.

This will help you in the long run wherever you are!

Thanks

As it's equally important to complete your task with quality, it demonstrates your efficiency. Before approaching your manager, check your work once or twice since you have enough time, and ensure that everything is 100% accurate. This will create a good impression on your boss.

It matters whether you have completed it within the timeline and equally matters whether you have done it accurately or not.

Regards,

I have read responses given by many people, and they are both positive and negative. What is more important in your case is just to notify your boss about your achievement. What I would suggest is, instead of creating such hype, you should send a simple email to your boss and apprise him of the status of the task he has assigned you. In this way, you will update him on the status of the work and your achievement. Also, you can tell him your plan of action to complete the remaining work.

Thank you,