7 Ways to Stand Out in the Office - CareerAlley

7 Ways to Stand Out in the Office - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Almost everyone in an office performs their duties satisfactorily, but only a few of them will be considered for advancement when the opportunity arises. Those few are employees who have succeeded in standing out in the office. If you want to get recognition from your employer and be a leading candidate for promotion, consider following these tips. Be Competent and Reliable The most basic thing you need to do to get into your boss good books is to do your job competently. Make sure you are able to deliver above-average performance and meet deadlines consistently. If you are having trouble dealing with your current responsibilities, your boss will think that you are not ready for a promotion. Use Your Time Responsibly Surfing the Internet and gossiping with colleagues can help reduce stress and make time pass faster, but you should refrain from such activities as much as possible. Try not to waste your companys resources and put yourself at risk of being labeled a slacker. Take Initiative Taking initiative means going beyond your regular responsibilities and doing other things without being told. It can be anything ranging from planning a company picnic to doing additional research for a project. Whenever you get some free time at work, look for things that need to be done and do them well. Be a Good Team Player Even if you can perform your work duties competently, you will not be able to win your boss approval if you cannot work well in a team. A bad team player can cause discord among employees and undermine productivity. If you have trouble working well with others, it is time to brush up on your social skills. Avoid Gossiping and Office Politics Office politics and gossiping are part and parcel of every office environment, but they usually do more harm than good. Those who take part in these activities are often regarded as untrustworthy, petty and unprofessional. If you want to give your boss the impression that you are a reliable employee, it is best that you avoid getting involved in office politics. Participate More Actively in Meetings Some people talk more in meetings than others, and they are the ones who will stand out in the workplace. If you want to get your boss attention, you need to contribute more during meetings. By doing so, you are showing your boss that you have the confidence and abilities needed to be a good leader. Improve Your Skills Constantly The business world is constantly evolving, and you will be left behind if you do not keep yourself updated with the latest developments. You can keep yourself relevant and marketable by making an effort to improve your knowledge and skills constantly. It takes a lot of commitment and discipline to stand out in the workplace. If you are dedicated enough to your goal, you will have a bright future ahead of you. About the Author: John McMalcolm is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of subjects, from career advancement to the essentials of small business management.This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search.Joey Trebif