many questions. "There's no such thing as a dumb question," says Marianne Adoradio, a Silicon Valley recruiter and career counselor. "Look at it as information gathering." Don't keep up the constant stream of communication unless your boss likes it, though. It's best to ask directly whether you're giving the boss enough information or too much. 2. Acknowledge what the boss says. Bosses appreciate "responsive listening," says John Farner, principal of Russell Employee Management Consulting. When your boss asks you to do something or suggests ways for you to improve your work, let her know you heard. 3. Collaborate. When your boss has a new idea, respond to it in a constructive way instead of throwing up roadblocks. "Be willing to brainstorm ways to get something done," says Michael Beasley, principal of Career-Crossings and a leadership and career development coach. 4. Build relationships. You'll make your boss look good if you establish a good rapport with your department's customers, whether they're inside the company or outside. Bring back what you learn -- about ways to offer better customer service, for example -- to your boss. This is also helpful for your own career development. "Everybody wins in the long run," Adoradio says 5. Understand how you fit in. Is your boss detail-oriented, or someone who keeps his head in the clouds? "The boss's personality is just incredibly important," says Norm Meshriy, a career counselor and principal of Career Insights. Equally important is understanding what your boss wants in an employee. It