Loyalty is an important trait in an employee. A boss who recognizes your support can be a champion for your career and a good professional advocate for you. Being loyal to your boss doesn't mean covering for mistakes or being deceptive in any way. It means supporting your employer's goals and objectives through your own work contributions.

Don't Gossip

The boss is often the topic of gossip in a workplace environment. Don't participate in spreading rumors, speculating about your boss’s motives or otherwise participate in talking behind the boss’s back. Any time you participate in this kind of talk, your boss will hear of it and question your honesty, reliability and professionalism. If you hear colleagues talking poorly about your boss, discourage the conversation, say something positive or leave the conversation so you're not associated with the behavior.

Back Up Your Boss

Support your boss’s ideas among the employee ranks. Offer positive comments in staff meetings and generally strive to support initiatives, either in word or in action. Learn what your boss’s strategic objectives are and look for ways you can contribute to their success. If you can advance your boss’s agenda through your own work efforts, look for ways to do so. It creates a successful situation for both of you.

Do Your Job Well

You’re a reflection of your boss to upper management, and doing your job efficiently and professionally makes your boss look like a competent manager. Don't miss deadlines or do sloppy work, especially if you're working on a task or project that will be a direct reflection of your boss or your department. For example, if you're putting together financial data for a board meeting presentation, failure to complete your tasks on time will make your boss look out of control of the department.

Make the Boss Look Good

Make your boss look good to others, like customers, clients and the boss’s superiors. Acknowledge your manager’s contributions and give credit for ideas and concepts. If your boss takes time to mentor you and help you with your career advancement, say "Thank you." Express your loyalty through honest communication. If you decide to make a career move that takes you outside the company, be forthright about your decision so you can part on good terms.