How to make an impact at work
How to make an impact at work
Showing up to the office on time, making an effort to be friendly with workmates and having a good work ethnic are all ways to make a difference in the workplace. Whether or not we realise it we are always making an impression on others but is it a positive one? Unfortunately, there are many people who dislike their job and a percentage of people who just tolerate it, there are also others who love a challenge. Think carefully – which category do you fall into? If you really want to do well in the workplace there are specific things you can do to make an impact. Here are some ideas:
Initiate new ideas
Take the time to be proactive and come up with new concepts or ideas. While out of the box thinking may be out of your comfort zone, you’ll generate more possibilities, learn a lot and inspire others.
Update workmates on your progress
A good colleague supports his or her workmates. Let your team members know the status of projects or jobs you are working on and invite them to share their opinions. When everyone has had the opportunity to contribute it leads to a better overall outcome.
Be positive
Sometimes this can be challenging but those who have a positive attitude attract the attention of others. Being positive helps reduce stress, increases productivity as well as interpersonal relationships with others. Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm and positivity.
Let others count on you
Always deliver high quality work and make sure others know they can trust you to get the job done. By demonstrating competence it will leave a lasting impression. It is often easier said than done but when others view you as trustworthy most likely they will respect you.
Pay attention to what your workmates say
By being a good listener it shows you are really interested in what is being said. It has been shown that active listening skills can improve workplace performance. It helps reduce misunderstandings, demonstrates a caring attitude and you can usually get jobs done quicker.
Speak up
Share what you believe, it’s an important form of honesty. Others might not always agree but speaking up shows confidence and can fuel discussion, group thinking and new ideas.
Go the extra mile
Take initiative to accomplish tasks without being asked. Your workmates and boss will notice. By doing more than what is expected or required can result in business improvement and others are likely to follow your lead, which ultimately leads to a more productive workplace. Not to mention it feels good.
Be a leader
Lead others and you will stand out. Effective leadership will help grow confidence in your team, improve business operations and increase the respect you receive from others. Those who find solutions and relay them in a constructive way also earn brownie points from their boss.
Network
Connect with others inside and outside of your office. You never know if someone you met will be able to assist you in the future. Building long term relationships has been shown to be vital to career growth.
Think ahead
Stay a step ahead and get into the habit of always looking for solutions. Voicing your thoughts is an important component to your job growth and development. A forward thinking employee is considered a real asset.
So if you are ambitious, want to get on and want to formulate a long term career you really need to make an impression in the workplace. It’s no good just being one of the crowd, getting in at 9am and leaving on the dot at 5.30pm and just going through the motions of doing you job. You need to stand out and make an impact.
Good Luck
Angela Burton