Stop being an unsung martyr at work. Do these things to stand out and shine
In all likelihood, you are competent at your job. But while you have been slogging your butt off, you may not have been acknowledged as much as you deserve. It's never too late to start building a reputation and putting an end to your tragic, unsung hero saga.
Here are five effective ways of getting noticed by your superiors and colleagues:
1. Take initiative: Taking up work on your own is a certain way to getting in your boss' good books, like preparing progress reports for your boss without being asked to. So if you are doing tasks A and B, stretch yourself and wrap up task C. Your boss will know that you are paying attention and joining the dots by yourself.
2. Walk the talk: Considering how little productive work comes out of it, meetings can be a colossal waste of time. Instead of twiddling away on your phone or pretending to look interested in the discussion, you can speak up and make your view heard. Feel free to be the voice of dissent, as long as you do so in a polite, constructive way.
3. Know your colleague: Just as you care more for your loved than your coworkers, so do your colleagues. Getting to know a little about those who matter to them and your boss, is a great way to forge better ties. Sound genuinely interested to know about their family and close friends or else it might come across as forced. Likewise, be kind to administrators, janitors and the support staff. Acknowledge them by their name and don't call out to them across the work floor.
4. Take and give: Pointing out problems in others' ideas is fine as long as you offer a solution as well. Picking out mistakes may come easy but it doesn't earn you respect. Building things up is always better than breaking something down. Ensure your overall contribution remains positive.
5. Number game: Knowing your numbers is a surefire way to be sharp in business. If you thoroughly know your organisation or department's outputs, financials and other key numbers, you score an advantage over those who don't. Not only do they arm you with solid information for meetings, they also give you a good perspective on how things are panned out. This context helps you formulate your plans to the boss better and lets you see the bigger picture.
This also makes you the 'go-to-guy', just by developing diligent organisation. Make a note of ideas you come across or hear of, have a calendar posted in your area and jot down everything that you think can potentially be of use later. Even being the one with everyone's phone numbers taped up near your desk makes you memorable.
In all likelihood, you are competent at your job. But while you have been slogging your butt off, you may not have been acknowledged as much as you deserve. It's never too late to start building a reputation and putting an end to your tragic, unsung hero saga.
Here are five effective ways of getting noticed by your superiors and colleagues:
1. Take initiative: Taking up work on your own is a certain way to getting in your boss' good books, like preparing progress reports for your boss without being asked to. So if you are doing tasks A and B, stretch yourself and wrap up task C. Your boss will know that you are paying attention and joining the dots by yourself.
2. Walk the talk: Considering how little productive work comes out of it, meetings can be a colossal waste of time. Instead of twiddling away on your phone or pretending to look interested in the discussion, you can speak up and make your view heard. Feel free to be the voice of dissent, as long as you do so in a polite, constructive way.
3. Know your colleague: Just as you care more for your loved than your coworkers, so do your colleagues. Getting to know a little about those who matter to them and your boss, is a great way to forge better ties. Sound genuinely interested to know about their family and close friends or else it might come across as forced. Likewise, be kind to administrators, janitors and the support staff. Acknowledge them by their name and don't call out to them across the work floor.
4. Take and give: Pointing out problems in others' ideas is fine as long as you offer a solution as well. Picking out mistakes may come easy but it doesn't earn you respect. Building things up is always better than breaking something down. Ensure your overall contribution remains positive.
5. Number game: Knowing your numbers is a surefire way to be sharp in business. If you thoroughly know your organisation or department's outputs, financials and other key numbers, you score an advantage over those who don't. Not only do they arm you with solid information for meetings, they also give you a good perspective on how things are panned out. This context helps you formulate your plans to the boss better and lets you see the bigger picture.
This also makes you the 'go-to-guy', just by developing diligent organisation. Make a note of ideas you come across or hear of, have a calendar posted in your area and jot down everything that you think can potentially be of use later. Even being the one with everyone's phone numbers taped up near your desk makes you memorable.
"Pleasing everyone is impossible but do not disobey conscience." Dr. Kurien S. Thomas
