When it comes to our careers, most of us aim to succeed.
We all want to position ourselves in such a way to ensure we qualify for promotions, raises, and/or high-performance reviews in our workplaces.
The goal, of course, is to be our best selves. Like other facets of life, we need to show up for our careers and advocate for our own success. Being the absolute best in the workplace is critical in order to be successful and to reach employment happiness.
So how do we stand out?
Here are some tips designed to help you get to where you want to be.
1. Own your projects
Unless you’re acing your current workload, you won’t be considered by your employer when a promotion opportunity arises.
Showing your manager and colleagues that you can handle your current projects and deliver every time, will help you to demonstrate confidence in your current position.
When you’re assigned a project, ask clarifying questions to show you’re clear on what’s expected and by when. Look for ways that you can go above and beyond and act on them, rather than having a tick box attitude to tasks. Then be sure to clearly communicate your successes.
Look for opportunities to add value. When completing a task and can see an easier way to do it, show your manager and offer to train the rest of the team.
2. There’s no I in team
Even autonomous roles usually form part of a team. When striving for your next step, don’t only think about ‘I’, but also consider ‘we’.
If you are committed to helping those around you, it shows you are also thinking about the wider success of the organisation. Having a collaborative approach while working will not only make you desirable to your employer but it will get you better results.
Volunteering your efforts without being asked and taking on responsibility without an end reward, shows you are a team player and in it for the long haul.
3. Think ahead
Going to your manager or team with a problem, without having thought out a solution, does not promote you as a forward thinker.
Going to your manager or team with a problem and proposed solution shows that you can make decisions and plan ahead.
When approaching your manager with a difficult task, try to set up your intention beforehand. Use statements such as ‘my intention is to’ or ‘I have already calculated that the best solution will be too…’ and ask for their opinion.
Problem-solvers get promoted; those with incessant complaints and questions, do not.
4. Show you have room for more
Don’t be that person constantly on the edge of a breakdown, answering emails at 2 am, working through every lunch break and running around all day in a tailspin. If you appear to be flailing, you will not be considered as a promotion candidate.
The ability to manage your workload as well as your work-life balance is a good skill to learn.
If you find you have lulls during the day, rather than watch the clock tick by, ask your manager for more. Demonstrate your great work ethic.
Participating in learning opportunities like attending professional development events or enrolling in learning programs of your own accord, shows long-term commitment to your field and career. It shows that you’re ambitious and you’re striving to get to where you want to be, rather than waiting for someone else to get you there.
No matter which way the road turns, mastering these four things will give you a boost of confidence. And you’ll set yourself apart as a professional who’s on the way up.
