9 ways to get your boss to love you

6. Don't insult his/her intelligence
"When people send me a text message saying they're too ill to come into work, it's so obvious that they're lying."

There's a right and a wrong way to pull a sickie. Sending an email, text message or calling in sick to the HR Manager is a sure sign that you're lying. Next time, grow up and call your boss directly.

7. Ask for and give feedback
"I love it when someone from my team gives me feedback on something I've done."

Communication works both ways and we all respond well to positive feedback. If there's something that your boss does that you like, tell him/her. Something as simple as saying "I appreciated your support in that meeting" will make her sit up and take notice of how his/her actions affect you. Positive feedback will reinforce the behaviour and will improve your working relationship with your boss.

8. Stop whingeing
"There's always one person who complains about everything. It drives me and everyone else mad."

We all need to let off some steam every now and then, but your colleagues and boss will notice if you're always the instigator. Like the boy who cried wolf, how will your boss ever know when there's a real problem? Your boss will respect you more if you pick and choose your battles and steer clear of 'group whingeing'.

9. Be proactive
"I take note of people who actually follow through with their ideas."

We all have lots of suggestions on how to improve things at work or ideas for new projects. It's no use sending your boss a list of ideas, it's likely that none of them will actually happen unless you also take responsibility. Pick one or two of the best ideas and follow through with them. Your boss will not only admire your innovative thinking, but the initiative you've taken to make them happen.