Want to ‘Shine’ at Work? 10 Tips to Ensure You Stand Apart from Co-workers

Lots of employees (in fact, most of them) go into their places of employment each day and do only the minimum required to get by.

Next you have those average workers who do work hard at their jobs, but don’t really go beyond what’s listed in their job requirements.

Then you have those few who go above and beyond the call of duty, the leaders in the workplace, are gladly doing whatever is asked of them, sometimes even without being asked.

Which category do you fall into?

If you’re one of the minority who go above and beyond in an effort to further your career or gain advancement in the company, there are many ways you can make certain those who matter most take notice. Here are 10 tips that will help you set yourself apart from the rest of the crew:

1. Don’t hold back any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions. Do you often think of ways that your job could be done more efficiently? Voice your suggestions, even if your boss or manager doesn’t seem to be too thrilled with them. When management notices that you’re the one who often makes suggestions or voices your ideas, they will take notice.

2. Take part in company meetings instead of sitting on the sidelines. Most employees simply sit quietly in meetings, listening but not contributing. When you contribute, you are seen as a leader by management.

3. Do MORE than what is asked of you. Every employee has job requirements or “duties,” but do more than just what is required of you. For instance, if you’re a stocker in a big-box store and you can see that a customer needs help, offer it. Word gets out to management when an employee is particularly helpful to customers.

4. Be helpful to not only customers, but your co-workers, too. Those who offer to help anyone in any way possible are seen as the “go-to” person in the eyes of management.

5. Don’t be a “reactive” employee. When you can see that a procedure or process isn’t going in the right direction, be proactive instead of waiting for a problem to come along. If you anticipate a problem and know of a possible solution, discuss it with your supervisor.

6. When something needs to be done, do it. Don’t wait until your boss asks you to do something; when you see that co-workers aren’t taking care of a job that needs to be done, do it yourself. When you take care of even the most seemingly minor tasks that need to be done without being asked, you stand out.

7. Be more than a nine-to-fiver. Many employees clock in at their scheduled time, do the minimum required of them on their jobs, and clock out when it’s time. Go “outside” of the actual job and join committees or groups such as the quality assurance or safety committee.

8. Keep your opinions of the company to yourself. If you have gripes about the company you work for, don’t go voicing them to co-workers, your friends, or on Facebook. Complaining about the company will sabotage any chance of advancement. If you have a complaint or concern, talk to your supervisor.

9. Be a volunteer. Maybe management is asking for volunteers to help build the Christmas parade float, or to help set up for a company picnic. When an email is sent out asking for help, be the first one to volunteer. Always let management or even co-workers know that you are happy to help whenever needed.

10. Be the leader of the team. Many companies have “teams” who work on special projects. If you’re part of such a team, make an effort to be the leader. Toss out your suggestions and ideas, and contribute as often as possible. If something doesn’t make sense to you, challenge it – ask questions, throw in your opinion. Those who are silent are also overlooked.

Ultimately, you want to demonstrate that your interest lies with the company and its best interest, not solely with yourself and your own income. Contribute, take the lead, participate, do more than is required of you, and you’ll likely see yourself moving up the company ladder in terms of advancement.

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The Livingston Post is the only locally owned, all-digital information and opinion site in Livingston County, Mich. It was launched by award-winning journalists who were laid off from the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus by Gannett Co. Inc. in 2009.