be the work place go getter

be the work place go getter - ALL OF US know that businesses thrive on strong relationships so we try hard and do all that we can to impress our clients and external stakeholders. While this seems to be obvious but conventionally most people pay little or no attention to relationships with peers, bosses and co-workers at work. Here’s how you can become the ‘Go to person’ and get noticed at work. Walk around for 15 minutes every day Offices are like mini-families. Most of us spend up to 11 hours a day in close proximity, sharing the same office space, facilities, break rooms, refrigerators, coffee pots etc. Everyone shares responsibility for making the company work, run smoothly and stay profitable. Keep aside about 15 minutes and take a round and just greet all the people you know with a smile and exchange pleasantries. A smile and a warm handshake can wear off the stress that most employees go through, not to mention that it adds to your desirability factor at work. Also, smiling is contagious, and most people will find it easy to forgive you even if you happen to do something wrong. Give your colleagues an ego massage Tell a senior management executive how much you appreciate a certain colleague or subordinate. Do this in the presence of that person and you would have won his/her trust as well as respect in the eyes of the senior executive of the organization? Be as specific as you can for ex: “Ross, I want you to know what a great job Victor did at the presentation yesterday. We are all lucky to have him in the team.” If a veteran employee is retiring, organize a goodbye party; someone is being promoted, set up a happy hour with your co-workers. Take initiative and others will take an instant liking to you. Get your name out Have you thought of contributing to your organization’s newsletter or the website or a journal that gets distributed within the organization? Since company publications are frequently read by top executives, you’ll be increasing your personal PR while establishing yourself as an expert in your chosen area. It’s a great way to blow your horn in a very sophisticated fashion. Join a Committee or task force Join a company-wide committee. Interacting with the same colleagues everyday won’t increase your exposure however, working on a committee with new people gives you an opportunity to make new contacts and also gives you an opportunity to show your talent and skills to people who matter within the organization. Take up a leadership position within a task force and volunteer to lead a project. Behave like a leader and you will move into a leadership position sooner than you imagined. Mediate a Conflict Workplace conflicts are most common and there in lies the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and management skills. When done correctly, it can give you amazing results. Do not get judgemental and take sides rather just serve as a facilitator and establish the ground rules for professional conduct at work. Keep resolution in mind at all times and do not get involved or become emotional. Offer a helping hand If you’ve used the last piece of paper in the shared copier or printer, fill it back up. Even if it means going to the supply room to get another ream. After you’ve poured the coffee into your cup, take a minute to make another one for the next person in the queue. Offer to mentor that new recruit at work or share a trade secret something that will help a colleague look good before their bosses. Often these small gestures help you build relationships and also spread a good word around about you at the workplace.Remember that ‘what goes around comes around’ and the people you help will advocate for you when it matters the most. Perform at your best There is nothing that will give you more exposure than getting the employee of the month or quarter award at the Rewards & Recognition event. Since these awards are often given by the top management, it gives you an opportunity to put your name in front of the key decision makers of the organization. Remember that you won’t get ahead with mediocre performance, regardless of how many other steps you implement. Stay updated Read industry publications, reports and magazines and be aware of market trends. Your knowledge would reflect when you communicate with colleagues and they would look up to you for advice and information. They will also talk positively about you with other members of the team. There is nothing better than third party publicity as it establishes you as a thought leader within your organization. Don’t shy away from self promotion and PR at work. If done well, it can have a positive impact and help you get ahead at work.
India
January 3, 2007 12:43am CST
ALL OF US know that businesses thrive on strong relationships so we try hard and do all that we can to impress our clients and external stakeholders. While this seems to be obvious but conventionally most people pay little or no attention to relationships with peers, bosses and co-workers at work. Here’s how you can become the ‘Go to person’ and get noticed at work. Walk around for 15 minutes every day Offices are like mini-families. Most of us spend up to 11 hours a day in close proximity, sharing the same office space, facilities, break rooms, refrigerators, coffee pots etc. Everyone shares responsibility for making the company work, run smoothly and stay profitable. Keep aside about 15 minutes and take a round and just greet all the people you know with a smile and exchange pleasantries. A smile and a warm handshake can wear off the stress that most employees go through, not to mention that it adds to your desirability factor at work. Also, smiling is contagious, and most people will find it easy to forgive you even if you happen to do something wrong. Give your colleagues an ego massage Tell a senior management executive how much you appreciate a certain colleague or subordinate. Do this in the presence of that person and you would have won his/her trust as well as respect in the eyes of the senior executive of the organization? Be as specific as you can for ex: “Ross, I want you to know what a great job Victor did at the presentation yesterday. We are all lucky to have him in the team.” If a veteran employee is retiring, organize a goodbye party; someone is being promoted, set up a happy hour with your co-workers. Take initiative and others will take an instant liking to you. Get your name out Have you thought of contributing to your organization’s newsletter or the website or a journal that gets distributed within the organization? Since company publications are frequently read by top executives, you’ll be increasing your personal PR while establishing yourself as an expert in your chosen area. It’s a great way to blow your horn in a very sophisticated fashion. Join a Committee or task force Join a company-wide committee. Interacting with the same colleagues everyday won’t increase your exposure however, working on a committee with new people gives you an opportunity to make new contacts and also gives you an opportunity to show your talent and skills to people who matter within the organization. Take up a leadership position within a task force and volunteer to lead a project. Behave like a leader and you will move into a leadership position sooner than you imagined. Mediate a Conflict Workplace conflicts are most common and there in lies the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and management skills. When done correctly, it can give you amazing results. Do not get judgemental and take sides rather just serve as a facilitator and establish the ground rules for professional conduct at work. Keep resolution in mind at all times and do not get involved or become emotional. Offer a helping hand If you’ve used the last piece of paper in the shared copier or printer, fill it back up. Even if it means going to the supply room to get another ream. After you’ve poured the coffee into your cup, take a minute to make another one for the next person in the queue. Offer to mentor that new recruit at work or share a trade secret something that will help a colleague look good before their bosses. Often these small gestures help you build relationships and also spread a good word around about you at the workplace.Remember that ‘what goes around comes around’ and the people you help will advocate for you when it matters the most. Perform at your best There is nothing that will give you more exposure than getting the employee of the month or quarter award at the Rewards & Recognition event. Since these awards are often given by the top management, it gives you an opportunity to put your name in front of the key decision makers of the organization. Remember that you won’t get ahead with mediocre performance, regardless of how many other steps you implement. Stay updated Read industry publications, reports and magazines and be aware of market trends. Your knowledge would reflect when you communicate with colleagues and they would look up to you for advice and information. They will also talk positively about you with other members of the team. There is nothing better than third party publicity as it establishes you as a thought leader within your organization. Don’t shy away from self promotion and PR at work. If done well, it can have a positive impact and help you get ahead at work.
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