One of your main goals in life should be to shine as bright as possible. Not everyone is destined to have a corner office, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give it your all.
I don’t know about you but I love to stand out from the crowd. Why be just another face when you can make them remember you? Growing up, I was always told to do my best and never settle for average, regardless of my profession. This piece of advice never left me and inspires me today to be the most efficient and effective professional I can.
Because of my actions and willingness to make moves, I’m thankful to say they’ve paid off in so many ways. Like most, I still have many goals I’d like to accomplish, but where I am today is leaps and bounds from my starting point.
Now is not the time to waste your potential or opportunities that come your way. Here are some tips on ways to become a power player on the job.
Understand your position and learn how to play it well. You might be on the low end of the totem pole but that doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Really study your job description and look for ways to do it to the best of your ability. Go the extra mile and become an expert people seek for advice. This could mean obtaining the necessary certifications or continuing your education.
Identify the major players. Have you ever watched a crime series and saw how they piece the puzzle together? Savvy detectives know how to connect everyone involved or at the very least find a way. You need to do the same when it comes to your workplace. Identify the major players in your office and all connections you have to them. It’s important to make the right acquaintances. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Solve problems. Those who really want to stand out should look for ways they can solve problems and needs around the office. Head up an unexpected project or find solutions to areas of need. Professionals who are able to do so demonstrate their ability to think outside the box and emphasize their work.
Go out of your way to connect. Call it sucking up all you’d like, but there’s nothing wrong with making an introduction. In fact, many upper level management appreciate the effort.
Note: If you use LinkedIn, you might want to make as many connections as you can. This will allow them to match a face with a name, and see what you bring to the table.
Stay hungry. Keep on pitching your ideas and expressing interest in your company. You need to have a certain tenacity that keeps your momentum going. For the most part employers love working with individuals who show dedication instead of the ones who drag their feet.
The more you think of yourself as a power player the easier it will be to identify your strengths and use them at work.
Here are some other reads on how you can be more successful at work.
It’s Time to Stand Out: Ways to Be More Engaging Around the Workplace
