So you’re no longer a newbie at work and can answer any question relating to it even in your sleep. You’ve become so skilful at delivering on your job roles and expectations. And that’s commendable. But do you know you can take it a notch higher? Do you know you can stand out at your place of work?
How? You may ask. I’ll share some tips with you soon. But first, you need to recognise that you can be so excellent and valuable, not just at your job description but to your organization at large. In fact, you can be so excellent that the term, “good employee” will be inadequate to describe you because of your outstanding qualities.
You can become so indispensable that when opportunities and promotions come, your supervisors recommend you. Also, were your organisation to face challenges and consider retrenchment, you will most likely not be considered.
Now that I have your attention, you might want to go through these 7 tips to stand out at your place of work
1. Offer to help
It’s wonderful when you’re good at what you do. However, have you considered your fellow colleagues? I want to believe that you are not the only employee in your organisation.
Have you thought about how you may be of help to your colleague as well? Is there a project he’s working on? Is he falling behind in meeting the deadline? Is there anything you can do to help? These are amazing opportunities to add value.
Ask how you can be of help. A team player isn’t only concerned with her own work but has one or two helpful tips for others as well.
2. Think like Your Employer
It is not pride. Neither are you praying for your employer to die or lose her job. No. What it means is that you’re actively interested in the progress of your organisation.
This is a trait organisations look out for – job ownership. Your ability to display this shows that you do not see yourself as an ordinary employee but rather have taken an extra step into the shoes of the owner. This means that you’re constantly on the lookout for improvements, whether in the system or processes.
3. Speak Up
The next thing to do is now to speak up. What lapses have you discovered in your search for improvements? How can they be optimised? It is important to note that you do not only present the problem to the board, you proffer solutions to it too.
It’s a skill called creative thinking and employers are big on it. So speak up in that meeting. Be articulate and polite. If you feel that a meeting is not the appropriate place, then mention it to your supervisor in private. Trust me, your supervisor will notice your efforts and will be impressed.
4. Keep learning
How much do you know about your organisation? What else do you know apart from your job description and duties? I’m not asking you to distract your colleagues from doing their job or to constitute a nuisance in your office. What I’m telling you is to take hold of opportunities to learn when they arise.
Attend trainings. If you have the time, try to learn a thing or two about your desk partner’s work. This will give you a rounded perspective about your organisation. It will also prepare you for change when it comes.
5. Certifications
I was having a conversation with a colleague recently and he said that the new tie breaker when it comes to hiring. I daresay it helps you to stand out in your place of work.
This is not to displace the importance of finishing with good grades or gaining mastery, but when push comes to shove, this may be the final criteria in deciding who takes the (lead) role. I hope you understand.
So beef up your portfolio. Take courses. Learn from the experts. Open your mind to how things work in your profession instead of relying on what is obtainable in your organisation alone.
These courses show you the standard, which is why they are so crucial today. Besides, this has never been easier. With the rise of online training platforms like Coursera, Udemy etc, you can achieve this from the comfort of your desk or couch.
6. Don’t just do your job, do it with attitude
Want to learn another way to stand out at your place of work? Do this: Leave the traces of your personal touch on your work. How? Don’t just work, be full of life and zest. Approach the task with positivity and energy.
Attend to that customer with a smile. Be courteous and polite both to your customers and colleagues. Colossians 3:22-23 has something to say about this too. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” It’s not what you do but how you do it that leaves true and lasting impact.
7. Work with Confidence!
Attend to that customer with a smile. Be courteous and polite both to your customers and colleagues. Click To TweetThis can never be overrated. As I write this, mind is probably on that colleague who walks and does his job with an air of confidence. I’m sure you want to be like them. The truth is, the best of your efforts may go unnoticed if you are constantly doubting your abilities and results.
When a colleague offers a complement for a job well done, don’t try to belittle or explain it away. Accept it and say thank you with your full chest! If they assisted, thank them too. If you have questions, don’t ask from the standpoint of one who doesn’t have a clue, except if you don’t. But even then, don’t belittle yourself.
Tell yourself, “I’VE GOT THIS.” Every morning as I get to the office, I tell myself, “My organisation is blessed to have me here. I add value today. I bring solutions.” This is something God taught me recently and I’ve seen myself do better these past few weeks. You’ve got this, okay? Now work like it.
It is my desire that as you implement some of these tips, you experience much progress and excellence at your place of work. I am rooting for you!
Do you have other suggestions as to how others can stand out at their places of work? Then do not hesitate to share. See at the comments section!
Cheers to your success always!
Would you also like to read 10 Tips for a Productive Remote Work Experience ?
Written by: Elegbeleye Oluwatobi
A really good read!