15 Years: #7 of 15

7. Making your boss look good makes you look good. 
If our boss asks us for something, there is probably a good reason for it. Even if it makes no sense, even if the timeline is ridiculous.  We should just do it. 

Sure, there may be the occassional demanding boss who takes all of the credit for our ideas and work, or the scattered-brain boss who loses everything and needs to recreate the wheel.  But for the most part, we would be wise to remember our boss is there for a reason (talent, smarts, and experience), and the work we have been asked to do is something they actually need.  So let's stop whining and just do it.  Whether it's creating a report or picking up cigarette butts in the parking lot, we need to just smile and get 'er done.  If you were in their position, wouldn't you want the same respect and support from your employees? 

While it might affect our evening or weekend plans, it isn't going to kill us to send the completed task to them by the deadline either (if not earlier).  Oh, and if you get totally annoyed when other's do half-assed work, then let's make sure our work is thoughtful, thorough and accurate.  You know, the direct opposite of "half-assed."  Totally applebottom.