~by Rachelle Wilber~
The best way to advance in your career is to be seen and recognized by those who make the decisions on promoting or teaching new skills. Therefore, you will want to take steps that will help you stand out from the crowd and catch the attention of your bosses and others in your industry.
What are some specific actions you can take to increase your visibility at work?
Interact With Your Boss
If possible, try to develop a good working or even a personal relationship with your boss. This may make it easier to engage in conversation at work or help you get private meetings with your immediate supervisor or other superiors. Some ways to get face time outside of work may be to arrange a dinner that includes your boss and both of your spouses or to invite them out for a round of golf.
Go the Extra Mile
Taking the time to go the extra mile at work can lead to great results. For instance, gamification in the workplace is a hot trend these days that could help you aspire to do more than what’s expected of you. For instance, your boss may say that anyone who gets 5 sales a week is a bronze level employee, while anyone who gets 10 sales in a week is a silver level employee. Your goal should be to hit the gold target of 15 sales a week, and then exceed that goal whenever possible. By going above and beyond, it shows that you are always willing to test and exceed your abilities, which is what will ultimately help the company grow and be successful.
Be Happy at Work
You should be the person who other employees like to work with and your bosses like to have on the schedule working for them that day. Happy people are also more attractive to customers who want to feel as if they are taken care of before, during, and after a purchase. While you don’t have to be overly cheery each day, you should have a good attitude and be helpful to others in any way possible.
Be the First One to Work Each Day
You can set the tone for the entire company if you are the first one to work each day. It sets an example that being on time is important and that details matter. Others who wish to move up in the company will ultimately follow your example, which helps the business as a whole. Over time, your bosses will notice this, and you will be one step ahead of others in the organization. In addition to being the first one in the office each day, striving for perfect attendance or other such goals can help you stand out among your peers and get the respect and admiration you are after.
Be Bold and Forthcoming With Management
While managers don’t want to be talked at or questioned in front of other workers, they do appreciate when employees provide input. As long as you are tactful when asking for more resources or offering alternate solutions to a problem you are directed to solve, there should be no reason why you can’t be honest and straightforward with your bosses. As you get to know your managers and develop a relationship with them, they will come to respect you more, and may actually seek out your input.
You may be tempted to blend in with everyone else at work to keep your job secure. However, that rarely leads to job satisfaction or the ability to move up in the company. Instead, it just results in 30 years in the same position. Therefore, if you are ready to stand out from the crowd, work on setting a helpful example for others and make it a point to get to know your bosses.
Meet the Author: Rachelle Wilber
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym.
Follow Rachelle here:
- Twitter: @RachelleWilber
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