Enioluwa Adeoluwa: Wanna Stand Out At Work? Try These Things!

When it comes to our careers, most of us aim to succeed. We all want to position ourselves in a way that will ensure that we qualify for promotions, raises, and/or high-performance reviews in our workplaces. The goal, of course, is to be our best selves. While your career doesn’t have to define your identity, it’s a detail that helps describe your life and can make you proud of how far you have come.

In addition to accomplishing your everyday tasks, you’re probably trying to impress your boss and make your mark, (and I don’t blame you). After all, every industry is competitive and the key to succeeding in yours is by not only finishing the assignments expected of you but also by excelling in the ones that aren’t.

Here are five traits that will keep you outstanding at work:

Be willing to learn

The only thing a company loves more than an employee who can do the work is one who can do the work and display initiative of wanting to do more. Despite being successful in your role, there are always different skills and programs that you can master. Whether you’re volunteering for various opportunities within your team or sharing your latest lessons learned from a work-related seminar, your willingness to take initiative in enhancing your skillset will help improve you for your current job and strengthen you for your next.

Stay honest

Most people want to turn to that person who is always ready to tell them the truth. Don’t be a snitch but be truthful to your employers. It is the least you can do. Be the one your boss can rely on. Stand out from the crowd but do not forget the importance of working as a team and retaining the respect of your colleagues. Transparency is the foundation of any strong relationship and by displaying high levels of integrity in the workplace, you are showing you can handle responsibility.

Be known for something specific

From your ability to fix any technological problem within seconds (and without using Google) to your extensive knowledge on social media trends, the traits you possess are unique and the way you incorporate them is what will make you indispensable.

If you can already list your relevant strength(s), remember to look for opportunities to utilize it at work. No worries if you’re not sure what your niche around the office is — keep an open mind and pay attention to what your coworkers come to you for. By being known as an expert on a specific topic, you’ll establish your role in the company and increase your confidence as a team player.

Anticipate when coworkers need help

Another smart way to bring attention to yourself is by helping someone else. Even though your job description might not include sharing information and facts to guide a coworker through his or her job, it’s nice to reach out when you believe you can help. Maybe you have a cheat sheet for filling out specific paperwork or maybe you simply always know which printer to avoid. Your transparency to support your coworkers is how you’ll make their lives easier and your environment happier.

Show a willingness to learn

The only thing a company loves more than an employee who can do the work is one who can do the work and display initiative of wanting to do more. Despite being successful in your role, there are always different skills and programs that you can master. Whether you’re volunteering for various opportunities within your team or sharing your latest lessons learned from a work-related seminar, your willingness to take initiative in enhancing your skillset will help improve you for your current job and strengthen you for your next.

The last thing you want to do is to go beyond the board and step on everyone’s toes with the aim of impressing your boss, your co-workers are just as important to you as your boss.