TOP-TIPS TO GET AHEAD AT WORK
Whether you are just starting out in your career or are undertaking an apprenticeship to progress, here’s some things you can do to make sure you stand out (for the right reasons) at work.
- INITIATIVE
Going above and beyond your normal job responsibilities to make things happen is one way of demonstrating you have initiative. By taking the initiative, you identify something which needs to be done and do it without someone else asking you to do so. Managers value staff who bring fresh ideas to a discussion and take initiative, start new projects, look at new ways to do things thereby creating value for your organisation.
- ANTICIPATE
Try to stay one step ahead of your manager by anticipating their needs, ask yourself ‘If I were my manager, what would they want done next?’. If you can effectively anticipate what’s coming up, you’ll be able to perform the task, efficiently and effectively. By taking the initiative you’ll be demonstrating your positive attitude and willingness to succeed to your manager.
- COMMUNICATE
Be proactive in your communications – inform your manager of when you’ve completed a task and ask what you need to do next. If your manager asks you the status of something you’re working on, you’re not communicating effectively.
- DEMONSTRATE
Action is better than words. The member of staff who actually gets the job done will be seen in a better light than those who ‘talk-the-talk’ but do not deliver.
- TRUST
Gain the trust of your manager by meeting deadlines, keeping your promises and delivering on your commitments. By doing so, they will have one less thing to worry about and can focus on other things. If you can demonstrate you are trustworthy, your manager will also delegate more tasks to you, allowing you to develop and grow your skills at work.
- SOLUTIONS
It is very easy to turn your problems into your manager’s problems, but managers value people who offer solutions, not create issues. Become known as the problem solver for your department, this will help you stand out when promotion opportunities arise.
- PROFESSIONAL
Present a professional image at work, both in how you look and in your actions. Be considerate and cooperative with others and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
- NEGATIVITY
Avoid negativity at work – always! Do not get involved in gossip or join in negative conversations about your colleagues at work. Take a positive approach to your work and your colleagues.
- ADMIT
When you have made a mistake at work, admit it and find ways to resolve it – don’t blame anyone else. People who admit their own mistakes and find ways to solve these will be trusted and respected.
- ASSESS
Constant self-evaluation and improvement are great ways to demonstrate to managers your willingness to learn and progress in your career. You don’t have to wait for a formal appraisal to do this but can make it a regular task to monitor your own performance. By setting yourself SMART objectives and goals and checking your performance regularly, you’ll be able to assess whether you’re on the right track and what you need to change to reach your goals. You can share your performance report with your manager to show your progression and your commitment to self-evaluation and improvement.