This document provides a 5-step process for impressing your boss by improving workplace processes: 1) Identify current processes, 2) Select a process to improve, 3) Research best practices, 4) Apply research to propose improvements, 5) Present your idea positively without complaining. Some tips include focusing on inefficient, costly, or frustrating processes, researching industry leaders, getting employee and vendor input, and formally proposing changes to demonstrate value. The overall goal is to stand out by streamlining operations.

1. HOW TO IMPRESS YOUR
BOSS RIGHT NOW
PRACTICAL ADVICE ON HOW TO START GETTING AHEAD IN YOUR CURRENT
POSITION

2. THE KEY:
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

3. STEP 1:
IDENTIFY CURRENT PROCESSES

4. IDENTIFYING CURRENT PROCESSES
• Use a binder, notebook, or a folder on your computer to gather the
current processes that are used in your workplace
• Examples of processes: customer service, record keeping, social
media, new employee training, etc.
• Make sure that the processes you are seeking to improve are
relevant to your position. This will help by giving you credibility and
ground to talk about improvement.

5. STEP 2:
SELECT A PROCESS TO IMPROVE

6. SELECTING A PROCESS FOR IMPROVEMENT
• Identify and focus on one process that can be improved (even slightly) to
create a better workflow.
• Watch for:
• Inefficient processes that cause frustration to customers and employees,
• Bottlenecks in processes – steps in a process that cause delays, piling up of
information, slow down the workflow.
• High cost/low value processes that require more work and investment than
the output that they are able to produce.

7. STEP 3:
DO YOUR RESEARCH

8. RESEARCHING PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
• Go online and type in search terms related to the current process
and see how other companies/organizations are handling it.
• Find companies that can help your workplace improve their
processes – make sure you reach out and get some quotes from
them.
• Interview your coworkers and other people involved in your
workplace to get their ideas on how the process might be
improved.
• Reach out to people in your industry for advice.

9. STEP 4:
APPLY THE RESEARCH TO YOUR CURRENT PROCESS

10. APPLYING YOUR RESEARCH
• In written form, apply the information you gathered to the process you have
chosen to improve.
• This can be in the form of a reworked document (keep the original), a proposal
with cost/benefit value, or a simple email to your boss explaining the issues you
saw and the solutions you were able to come up with.

11. STEP 5:
PRESENT YOUR IDEA

12. PRESENTING YOUR IDEA
• This can sometimes be the most difficult step. However, when executed correctly,
doing this can help you provide enormous value to your company and increase
your chances of success in your current position.
• Very few employers will ever get upset with you for trying to improve a process
(assuming you’ve done your research and presented it well)
• Make sure that when presenting your idea you use positive language. Don’t start
by complaining about the current process, simply state that you saw room for
improvement, opportunity to streamline, save money, etc.

13. BEST OF LUCK!
• Please feel free to reach out with any questions, clarifications, or comments.