The Secret to Having a Greater Impact at Work

Do you pride yourself on meeting the expectations in your job description and completing tasks on time? That’s a great 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 limited number of openings. Even when you do land a position, you must keep proving your worth.

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

Discover the secret to impressing your boss while you widen your opportunities and develop your career. Try these 3 strategies for increasing your impact at work.

Cultivate Innovation and Creativity

Expectations are higher now, even for entry level positions. You can find ways to 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.
   
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 possible 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.

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 a great job. Write a thank you message and copy their supervisor.
   
3. Make referrals. Be generous with introductions and referrals. You may spark rewarding partnerships and reinforce your own network.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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 to advance toward your career goals.