I agree with step 1: Go kick ass, but I would make it a bit more specific. Make your managers (and if possible his managers) life easier. Use your skills to so

I agree with step 1: Go kick ass, but I would make it a bit more specific. Make your managers (and if possible his managers) life easier. Use your skills to solve their problems. If he knows he can count on you, and you do work that make sure he can do his job he will be in your corner. I don't mean to suck up, just when your are doing your magic make sure it is on something that everyone else considers a problem that needs to be solved now. I have seen a few people who have done really clever stuff, but it was on things that wasn't critical for the success of the project.