Having held several positions with very different managers, I look back and acknowledge some mistakes I’ve made in dealing with them. I want to help you in dealing with your manager.

Mistake No. 6: Going Over Your Manager’s Head

When I worked in IBM, we had an open-door policy. This simply meant any employee was empowered to go to their boss with any complaint, suggestion, or question, because the door was always open. However, the rule was you go first to your immediate supervisor, and if for some reason that was not satisfactory, then you could go to the next level of management. But if you decided to go over your manager’s head and talk first to their manager, you would be immediately advised to first talk to your manager before taking it any further, and it would not be well received if you didn’t do it that way.

This open-door policy is a good one, I believe, in keeping communications open and allowing for grievances to be resolved. But first talk to your immediate manager. Don’t go over their head. You may feel your manager will not listen and will not do anything about your situation, but until you have tried to resolve it on that level, it will almost always be a mistake to bypass your manager and go to the next level.

Mistake No. 7: Failing to Pay Attention to the “Small Stuff”

Remembering that perception equals reality, if you fail to do the things that create good impressions, you will do harm to yourself and your career. For example, dressing appropriately for your position. I know casual attire is very acceptable in many work environments, but even if that is true where you work, your casual attire needs to be neat, clean, modest, and coordinated. Looking sloppy or careless won’t do you any good. Go the extra mile, if necessary, to give the perception that you care how you look and you take time to make a professional appearance.

Take clues from your manager. If he or she dresses very professionally, that tells you they expect and respect that kind of appearance from those who work for them. Someone has said it’s smart to dress a level above your position. That might be good advice in some organizations, and it would demonstrate you are serious about moving up in the company.