This is not trying to teach you to compete with your coworkers, but instead how to be a better employee. If you’re looking to advance yourself but don’t know what aspect of yourself needs to be changed, then this article is for you. Help yourself create your future and stand out in the workplace.
How To Get Ahead At Work
1. Be A Role Model Employee
Being prepared and on time is the first rule of being a good employee. Even if your workplace has a habit of running late, it’s always preferable to arrive on time—or preferably early—for all meetings and workday events.
If you’re the one facilitating the meeting, come prepared with an agenda and keep track of the time. It demonstrates your organization and regard for others’ time. Give a brief summary of the meeting and list the next steps when it is over.
2. Take Initiative
As employees, there are times when we just carry out our duties. And once we do it, we frequently wait for new tasks to arrive. Make it a habit not to wait for instructions from others. Decide for yourself where you can add value, and then take action to address those areas. By doing this, you advance not just among your coworkers but also preserve your credibility and dependability as an employee, which are two of the most valuable qualities for a successful business.
3. Don’t Squander Your Boss’s Time
Be mindful of your boss’s schedule. Consider the urgency of the situation before seeking assistance; try to resolve it yourself, or at the very least, come up with a plan of action you can run by your manager. You’ll show that you have initiative by making the first try.
Keep a running list of things to address for situations that do demand your boss’s involvement but are not time-sensitive. To ensure that both of you are prepared, request a slot on your manager’s calendar and specify in the meeting invitation what you plan to discuss.
4. Stay Informed
Make it a habit to stay up-to-date, regardless of the business you work in. Use the internet to stay informed of the latest trends, news, and advancements in your field. Being knowledgeable before you get to work will help keep your mind fresh when an unexpected brainstorming session with your coworkers and your supervisor occurs.
5. Put A Good Face In Whatever You Do
Avoid being the squeaky wheel! Perhaps you are thinking of a “pabida” or “bida-bida” mindset at work. But later you will realize that having a “can-do” mindset and being proactive in whatever you do will go a long way. When you offer your services without others asking, long-term benefits are probably in store for you if you can do anything to lighten your boss’s or coworkers’ load. You can assist by offering to take on a new task or even by coming up with answers when a problem arises. A legendary baseball player, Wade Boggs, once said, “A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, and it sparks extraordinary results.”
Thus, whatever you do, avoid whining. Even when you’re feeling anxious, keep your complaining to yourself and always put on a good face for your supervisor.
6. Zip Your Mouth Responsibly
Function as a vault and gain someone’s trust by keeping information about private or controversial topics to yourself. Don’t engage in backstabbing or gossip beyond that at the water cooler. You’ll gain everyone’s respect and trust by working hard and being a stand-up employee.
7. Speak Up
Contrary to number 6, though, since you are reading this post, zip your mouth responsibly but never with a bright idea. It is obvious that you want to stand out, so be sure to speak up. You may showcase your knowledge and talents and leave a lasting impression on your peers and superiors by confidently expressing your opinions and subject matter expertise in discussions or meetings.
8. Have Confidence
Effective communication involves much more than just your words. It’s possible that how you say something—including your body language and voice tone—matters more than the actual words.
Professor Albert Mehrabian of UCLA, a specialist in nonverbal communication, has shown in his study that how you say something is much more important than what you say. More importantly, there are inflections and body language.
According to Professor Mehrabian, “non-verbal features are extremely significant for transmitting feelings and attitude, especially when they are inconsistent: if words and body language conflict, one tends to believe the body language.” Having said that, you can project a sense of authority with your body language, which includes your posture, stance, handshake, eye contact, and smile.
9. Ask Questions
Contrary to popular belief, engaging your supervisor about your professional objectives can be beneficial. Individuals regard those who seek assistance as more capable than those who do not, according to a study by Harvard Business School Professor Alison Wood-Brooks.
So, if done at the right time, asking your boss for advice can be advantageous.
10. Develop Your Skills
What other things can you do to advance your career? Consider taking an online course if you want to improve your skills. However, if you think you lack the time or money to return to school full- or even part-time, fret not, because there are a selection of online classes, social and interactive platforms, and learning tools readily available online for free. They are adaptable and available right now, allowing workers to learn skills in situations where they will be needed. You can fit in a lot of accessible online business courses around your schedule. Even so, your company might foot the bill.
11. Take Care Of Yourself
Last but not least, assuming you have taken care of everything listed above, the only thing left to worry about is maintaining a work-life balance by caring for your mental and physical health. No matter how busy you are at work, never forget to prioritize yourself.