Six Tips to Maximize Your Impact at Work
One must adapt to the changing definition of work given how many workplaces have been transformed (or even dismantled) in the COVID era.
These days, so much work takes place outside the office. This can blur the lines between work and non-work time, namely time spent with family and friends, on recreation and fitness, and other activities that promote well-being.
When working remotely at least part of the time, it might be tempting to ease off the gas when thinking about dedication to work. After all, no one’s keeping a watchful eye on you. However, history shows that most dramatic successes at work are achieved through above-average effort.
I’m not suggesting you take the approach of an investment banking analyst who works 18-hour days and sleeps under his desk, hoping to make partner someday. There are certainly boundaries that need to be established. For example, don’t sleep clutching your phone! Instead, I suggest you distinguish yourself at work through specific, effective behaviors.
Here are six tips to help you maximize your impact at work and get recognized:
1. Do exemplary work; don’t just achieve a passing grade. Be proud of your work. Take the extra time for quality control while being mindful of deadlines. It will reflect well on you.
2. Be the problem solver. Don’t go to your boss with problems – come with solutions. Be someone who finds new methods, ways of delighting the customer, improved processes, and cost-reduction opportunities. Don’t accept “that’s how it’s always been done.” Instead, think outside of the box and differentiate yourself.
3. Raise your hand and volunteer for new initiatives. These opportunities often put you squarely in a position to help your company meet its most pressing objectives. You’ll find that task forces and committees connect you with leaders across the company and colleagues you might not have otherwise had a chance to meet.
4. If your company has a physical workplace, go in for at least some portion of your work time. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea to go into the office. I’m not suggesting going in if you’re going to be the only one there, unless you want to for other reasons. Going to the office is an opportunity to meet and connect with colleagues and learn from others without having to schedule time. And whether you do it in person or by video, don’t forget to…
5. Invest in relationship building. Reach out to your colleagues, including your boss, and find time to discuss things that aren’t directly related to completing your required responsibilities. Go for coffee, lunch, or a walk, or arrange a Zoom if getting together isn’t practical. There’s a well-known concept called proximity bias, and the data confirms that remote workers are promoted less and viewed by managers as more replaceable than onsite workers.
6. Take the travel assignment. If presented with an opportunity to spend time in another office, staff a trade show, speak on a panel, or participate in some other activity, go for it! This can go as far as considering a relocation opportunity. This broadens your network and sparks those chance encounters you’ll have on the plane, on the show floor, or at a reception. I’m not saying that travel doesn’t have its downsides, but, on balance, you’ll open yourself up to good things.
Go beyond your baseline work requirements and truly excel. The rewards, in many forms, will certainly come back to you.
I help young adults (college students and grads several years out) get hired for full-time jobs and internships through individual and group career coaching and advising. I employ a holistic, design-oriented approach to help candidates find meaningful, self-sustaining work matched to their skills and interests. I welcome you to contact me .