Whether we admit it or not we all want to get noticed at work, not only for the purposes of getting bonuses or a promotion but because there is an intrinsic need in each of us to get recognition and encouragement for what we do day-in, day-out. However, getting noticed in this way is easier said than done. It takes more than just getting your head down and doing the work you’re being paid to do, although that’s obviously a great start. Here’s what else you need to do to get the right kind of attention in the workplace.
1. Stay on Top of Things
Always be on top of your work. Complete tasks ahead of their deadline dates. If you can’t stay on top of the work you’ve already been given, or fulfil the basic requirements of your job spec, you’re unlikely to be given any additional responsibilities.
2. Be Prepared
Put in the groundwork and preparation for whatever project is coming your way and whatever’s coming up in your diary. At meetings in particular, it’s important to be prepared when you’re about to interact with people from other teams and departments. People will notice if you contribute something to the meeting due to having prepared data, information and thoughts pertinent to the points on the agenda beforehand.
3. Have a Healthy Relationship with Your Boss
Have a relationship with your manager that is predicated on trust. A boss is never going to say to you on your first day, “I trust you”. We have to earn trust. Where can trust come from? It comes from people’s genuine belief that you are always going to be consistent and reliable and you will never let them down in any way, be it do with the task you’ve been assigned or with what you say and how you behave. It is almost impossible to measure levels of trust. You can only get an idea of how much your boss trusts you when they talk very privately about you, be it around bonus time or performance review time.
4. Get Organised
Be really well organised in everything you do. Use whatever strengths you have to achieve this, be it good memory, the ability to find information quickly or good organisational skills.
5. Never Be Ashamed of Being Busy
Some of us may feel that if we’re seen to be rushed off our feet at work, it suggests that we’re unable to balance a large workload or to get tasks completed. On the contrary, there’s nothing wrong with people noticing how busy we are, as long as our busyness isn’t actually a result of disorganisation or prior procrastination. There’s an old adage, “if you want something done, ask a busy person”. What is the logic behind this statement? Busy people are always able to find more time from somewhere because they’re usually well prepared and well organised. So if people notice that you’re involved in a lot of projects and tasks — and thriving – it’s more than likely that they’ll recognise what a great multi-tasker you are.
6. Have Low Ego
Don’t make everything about you. By being a team-player, supporting your colleagues and looking to the needs and objectives of the company instead of only going after what you want and trying to make yourself the centre of the universe, you will gain the favour and respect of those around you.
7. Lend an Ear
If your boss or a colleague wants to let off steam and you’re able to be there for them and listen well, it increases the chances of you being taken further into their confidence.
8. Avoid Conflict
You don’t want to be noticed at work for the wrong things. Starting unneccessary conflicts or getting involved in and exacerbating every argument going may get you attention, but not the type of attention you want be Noticed. Conversely, if others come to perceive you as the one who always manages to stay out of office politics, this will do your standing in the workplace no harm at all.
9. Suggest New Methods and Ideas
Bring new thinking to the way that you do things and the way your team could do things. If you can break new ground by bringing new ideas to the table, people will soon be looking at you in a new light.
10. Have No Agenda
Pursue your goals without selfish agendas. Show genuine interest in making things better for your department and your organisation. Have a team-orientated mindset.
