How To Excel At Work (And Be Noticed By Everyone!)

Remember back in schooling days, there would be that one particular student who always raised their hands first, did all their projects really well and was generally liked by all teachers? Sure some of us didn’t like this teacher’s pet but they got the most special treatment out of the whole class. Well did you know it’s not very different in the workforce? Of course you don’t have to be a boss’ pet to be excellent, you just have to go above and beyond to prove that you are capable of so much more than you are now. Here are 4 ways on how to do exactly that!

Put Feedback Into Action

One of the most impressive things you can do in your job is to keep wanting to improve, and learn from your mistakes.

Listening to feedback from your boss and colleagues and actually using it will push you much further in your career. For example…

When your boss casually mentions that you left out the index page of your report or that you seemed a little shy in your presentation, keep that information for later.

 The next time you have a similar assignment, put those corrections into action. 

As you continue to improve, your boss will be impressed that you’ve put that feedback to good use—and will realize that he or she doesn’t have to worry about proofreading your work or putting you in front of a big meeting anymore.

Anticipate Needs

“I’ve actually already started on that” is music to your manager’s ears—it means that instead of waiting for him or her to ask you to do something, you’ve already thought of it and taken action.

And while it may be impossible to always read your manager’s mind, start by thinking back to your previous projects. For example…

When you turn in your monthly report, does your boss always throw in a “Can you also you graph some of these numbers?” Instead of waiting for that question to arise—again—complete the charts and turn them in with the report.

Also, try to think about your department or company on a slightly higher level. For example….

Are you launching a new software update next week? 

You’ll most likely need to get your department’s newest hire prepped for the impending influx of calls. 

Instead of waiting for your boss to ask you to go over those details with the new employee, take it upon yourself to teach him.

Bring Your Ideas To The Table

If you have an idea that’s going to improve efficiency, help you and your teammates perform your jobs better, or produce a financial boost for the company, your boss wants to hear about it. 

But to help you and your idea stand out even more—and increase the chance of it actually being executed—present it with a plan. For example…

Employees often will casually mention, “We should really improve this process.” 

But the main reason that process never actually gets fixed is that no one makes concrete suggestions as to *how * it should be done.

If you bring an idea to the table with a plan, you’ll show your team and boss that you’re prepared, innovative, and dedicated to constant improvement. And as a bonus, those ideas are much more likely to be turned into reality.

Go Out The Way

You can go out of your way to make your interaction a little more memorable with your colleagues and clients for example…

 When it’s 1 AM and a client calls, answer the phone—even though you’re already going to sleep or are already sleeping.

When a customer makes a slightly strange request, see what you can do to make it happen instead of just replying, “Sorry, I can’t do that. Company policy.” When you show this kind of commitment—everyone will notice.

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When you consistently incorporate these things into your daily life at work, you’ll quickly rise above the ranks. But more than being known as the employee who’s just trying to elbow his or her way to a promotion, you’ll be seen as the employee who genuinely wants to see the department and team succeed.