Do you pride yourself on meeting the expectations in your job description and completing tasks on time? That’s a great start, but if you want to be the first one promoted in good times and the last one fired in bad times it’s important to stand out from the crowd. In today’s employment market, many qualified applicants compete for a limited number of openings. Even when you do land a position, you must keep proving your worth. You need to go beyond just fulfilling your job requirements.
Strengthening your skills and adding to your achievements makes you more competitive and gives you more security. Expectations are higher now, even for entry-level positions. You can find ways to increase quality and save money whether you work as an intern or lead from a corner office.
Let’s explore some brilliance hacks for making your value more visible while you widen your opportunities and develop your career. Try these 13 strategies for increasing your impact at work.
1. Continue Learning.
You’re more likely to spot issues and resolve them if you stay on top of developments in your area of work. Keep your technology skills up to date. Read industry publications and attend conferences.
2. Clarify Priorities.
Focus your efforts on the areas where you can expect the greatest returns. Talk with your boss about what matters most to them.
3. Treat Every Proposal Like A Sales Pitch.
Be prepared before you present your ideas to your boss. If possible, offer several options. Try to identify possible obstacles and strategies and address them.
4. Take Risks.
Embracing change can feel scary, but it’s essential for making progress. Remind yourself of what you have to gain. Start small and learn from your experiences.
5. Participate in Meetings.
Use face-to-face meetings, video calls, and conference calls to deepen your office relationships and communications. Create a goal for each meeting and practice what you want to say. Questions can be just as helpful as statements.
6. Choose Your Assignments.
Take more control of your workday. Volunteer for projects that align with your career goals. Ask to trade away assignments that are a better fit for someone else’s skill set or availability.
7. Network Vigorously.
Reach out to colleagues in your workplace and at other companies. Aim to meet someone for coffee or lunch at least twice a week if you can.
8. Manage Your Presence Online.
You do not need to be an influencer or celebrity but if you engage online in any way you need to be aware that you and your information is searchable. Do your social media pages convey the professional image you want? Update professional profiles at least once or twice a year. Tweak your LinkedIn profile by updating your headline and work samples. Check your keywords and add a new photo.
9. Share Feedback.
Talking with others about their performance can be awkward, but it’s one of the most effective ways to help them. The bottom line, though, is to provide specific and constructive input that they can act on. Be grateful when someone does the same for you.
10. Provide Recognition.
Let your coworkers know when they’re doing a great job. Write a thank you message and copy their supervisor. Building up your colleagues is likely to bring you more happiness and success. Earn a reputation for being a team player.
11. Make Referrals.
Be generous with introductions and referrals. You may spark rewarding partnerships and reinforce your own network.
12. Pitch In.
Offer your help without having to be asked. Tackle any remaining tasks necessary to meet a deadline or put together an outstanding client presentation.
13. Teach Others.
Maybe your employer has a formal mentoring program or welcomes a new slate of interns each year. Maybe you can find your own ways to train others and pass along your knowledge and skills.
Find areas where you can excel at tasks, make your accomplishments more visible, and transform yourself into a more valuable employee. Having more impact at work will increase your job satisfaction and help you to advance toward your career goals.