The Secret to Having a Greater Impact at Work

Do you pride yourself on meeting the expectations in your work and completing tasks on time? That’s an impressive start, but it’s important to go beyond just fulfilling your job requirements if you want to stand out at work.

In today’s employment market, many qualified applicants compete for a few openings. Even when you land a position, you must keep proving your worth.

Whether you’re just starting out in your first job or are leading a team of your own, remember that people gravitate toward those who have a positive attitude. (inc.com)

Strengthening your skills and adding to your achievements makes you more competitive and gives you more security.

It is crucial that leaders are able to think creatively and identify different ways to achieve their objectives. Perhaps by rethinking the way they approach various tasks, they can discover why they encounter so much resistance in the workplace and implement a new train of thought that will allow them to be the leader they want to be. (situationmanagementsystems.com)

Discover the secret to impressing your boss while you widen your opportunities and develop your career. These strategies can apply to investors and entrepreneurs alike. Try these 3 strategies for increasing your impact at the company.

Cultivate Innovation and Creativity

Expectations are higher now, even for entry-level positions. You can increase quality and save money whether you work in the mailroom or a corner office.

These techniques will help you provide solutions with innovation and out-of-the-box thinking:

1. Continue learning. You’re more likely to spot issues and resolve them if you stay on top of developments in your field. Keep your technology skills up to date. Read industry publications and attend conferences. Keep a running list of ways to learn when you have a few minutes and it’ll be a no-brainer to check it out when you have a chance. (themuse.com)
2. Clarify priorities. Focus your efforts on the areas where you can expect the greatest returns. Talk with your boss about what matters most to them.​
3. Develop proposals. Be prepared before you present your ideas to your boss. If possible, offer several options. Try to identify potential obstacles and strategies and address them.
4. Take risks. Embracing change can feel scary, but it’s essential for making progress. Remind yourself of what you have to gain. Start small and learn from your experiences.

Make Yourself Visible

Your accomplishments may not speak for themselves.

Use these tips to learn how to promote yourself effectively, so others will take notice:

1. Participate in meetings. Use Zoom calls and conference room sessions to deepen your office relationships and communications. Create a goal for each meeting and practice what you want to say. Questions can be just as helpful as statements.
2. Choose your assignments. Take more control of your workday. Volunteer for projects that align with your career goals.
3. Network vigorously. Reach out to colleagues in your workplace and at other companies. Aim to meet someone for coffee or lunch at least twice a week.
4. Manage your online presence. Do your social media pages convey the professional image you want? Tweak your LinkedIn profile by updating your headline and work samples. Check your keywords and add a new photo.
5. Document Your Wins. You might be thinking, “No need, I’ll remember everything.” But you won’t! And even if you’re not currently job searching, documenting your accomplishments gives you a clearer idea of what you bring to the table in your role. This is especially important to know (and be able to articulate) when you’re looking for promotions, raises, or even new responsibilities at work. (themuse.com)

Help Others 

Building up your colleagues is likely to bring you more happiness and success. Earn a reputation for being a team player.

Follow these strategies:

1. Share feedback. Talking with others about their performance can be awkward, but it’s one of the most effective ways to help them. Provide specific and constructive input that they can act on. Be grateful when someone does the same for you.
2. Provide recognition. Let your coworkers know when they’re doing an outstanding job. Write a thank-you message and copy their supervisor.
3. Learn How to Compliment Someone (and Mean It): Learning how to interact with other people is key to your career growth at any stage. (themuse.com)
4. Make referrals. Be generous with introductions and referrals. You may spark rewarding partnerships and reinforce your own network.
5. Pitch in. Offer your help without having to be asked. Tackle any remaining tasks necessary to meet a deadline or put together an outstanding client presentation.
6. Teach others. Maybe your employer has a formal mentoring program or welcomes a new slate of interns each year. Maybe you can find your own ways to train others and pass along your knowledge and skills.

Find areas where you can excel and transform yourself into a more valuable employee. Having more impact at work will increase your job satisfaction and help you advance toward your career goals.