- A good employee knows his job, inside and out, and if faced with something new, puts in the necessary time on his own, to try and figure things out, then presents options to the boss, who decides if any changes in policy or procedures are needed.

- A good employee doesn't take time off except for real illness or emergencies. He's the one who does his work, gets the job done, and is proud of his contribution to the overall success of the company he works for. He's one who's ready to help a fellow employee or newcomer without having to be asked to do so.

- A good employee lets the boss know that he's completed his work, and is free to assist him or her with special projects. He's the one who doesn't camp out at the water cooler or coffee machine engaging his fellow workers in idle gossip. He's the one who sets up his work area either for the person on the next shift, or so that he'll be ale to go right to work when he comes in the next day.

All of these things and more, are the basic ingredients to the definition of a good employee, and being a good employee is the best way of getting along with the boss! The practice of good human relations and displaying the virtues of the ideal employee, requires the constant use of one's common sense for ultimate success. On needs to be aware of the boss's sensitivities, and eccentricities. If he bristles at any hint of criticism of how he does things, he needs a subordinate who'll be willing to work under less then ideal conditions.

So, the bottom-line to getting along with any boss is first be a good employee yourself. Master human relations. Understand that your boss is a human being just like yourself - with a job to do, and bosses of his own to answer to. So do everything you can to make his or her job easier. It will go a long way to making your job easier and having a good working relationship with the boss!

If you can master the all important "people skills," someday you may enjoy the power and prestige of being the boss, and enjoying all the perks and other trappings of being in charge!