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For most of us, being successful at work feels a lot like chasing the spotlight. It’s not just about completing your tasks every day: It’s also about using your unique skills to make a lasting impression on your team.
Use my tips on how to stand out at work to help you achieve your career goals.
6 ways to stand out at work
1. Be proactive.
Looking for ways to contribute to your organization beyond your usual tasks will help you stand out as someone who takes initiative. It shows your leader that you're dedicated to your role and want to help the company succeed.
You can be proactive at work by:
Asking your leader if you can take on projects outside your job responsibilities.
Seeking opportunities to streamline processes you frequently leverage.
Checking with colleagues to see if they need help with their workload.
Completing sit-ins to better understand other areas of the business.
Joining business resource groups at your company.
2. Have a positive attitude.
A positive attitude in the workplace is contagious. When you approach situations with optimism and a solution-oriented mindset, you not only enhance your own experience but also influence those around you.
Having a positive mindset will position you as someone others want to work with, making you an asset among any team.
3. Offer new ideas.
New ideas are crucial for driving an organization forward. Having a fresh perspective shows your leader you are a key player in shaping the future direction of the company.
Be creative and innovative at work by:
Finding ways to make your presentations and projects more engaging.
Sharing new ideas with your leader and team members.
Keeping up with industry trends to draw inspiration from.
4. Add value to conversations.
Speaking up is one thing, but speaking up and using your voice to add value to the conversation at hand is another.
When you’re being asked for input, contribute in a way that adds valuable information to the conversation. Remember, staying silent can signal to others that you are not interested in the conversation. Use your voice whenever you can!
5. Dress to impress.
The way you dress in the workplace can significantly influence how you are perceived. A polished appearance sets a positive tone for your professional relationships and advancement opportunities (not to mention your confidence!).
As you think about how to dress professionally, consider:
Some staple items you might consider wearing could include:
6. Seek feedback.
If you want to stand out at work, you must be comfortable with receiving and using feedback.
You can seek feedback by:
Asking your leader to provide insight on recent projects you worked on or initiatives you came up with.
Meeting with a mentor for guidance and advice.
Setting aside time to discuss your leader’s and/or mentor’s findings during your one-on-one meetings.
Remember, any feedback that is shared with you is because others want you to succeed. Acting on that feedback shows you are committed to personal and professional growth.
