1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Show enthusiasm for your work. Not only will the hours seem to pass by more quickly, but your positive attitude will also rub off on the people around you—including your boss.

2. Say Thank You

Let your boss and colleagues know you appreciate their support. Whether they’ve taken time to show you a new skill, introduce you to a senior manager or give feedback on your work, thank them for their consideration.

3. Show Initiative

Demonstrate your interest in the success of the organization by volunteering to take on new responsibilities and expanding your leadership role.

4. Fess Up

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Speak openly about yours with your boss. Focus on the lessons you learned from the experience and propose solutions to any misunderstandings or problems your error may have caused.

5. Become the Expert

Make yourself indispensable to your organization. Participate in training programs to gain knowledge and develop skills that will set you apart from your peers.

6. Build Bridges of Communication

Take the time to learn about your boss’s priorities. Whether it’s keeping a project within budget or boosting team morale, help your boss achieve his or her goals. Not only will you be seen as a team player, but you will also be remembered for contributing to your boss’s success.

7. Make Promises You Can Keep

When asked to tackle a new assignment, think carefully about the amount of time it will take you to do the job. While you may desire to impress your boss with how quickly you can work, it is easier to ask for additional time upfront than apologize for a half-completed job. Allow yourself enough time to handle any minor crisis that may arise such as the photocopier running out of in or a colleague calling in sick.

8. Learn from the Best

Reflect on the personality of a colleague whose work you admire. What is it you respect most about him or her? How does your colleague balance tasks and communicate with others? Strive to achieve the same degree of excellence in yourself.

9. Look the Part

Dress appropriately for your daily activities. Get to know your workplace dress code. When in doubt, wear clean, conservative clothing and practice good personal hygiene.

10. Get Off to a Good Start

First impressions last the longest, so make a good one. Use your first few minutes at work to decide on a plan of action for the day. Check your email and voicemail for any messages that need immediate attention. Prioritize your to-do list and set a goal to strike off a specific number of items before your first break.