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oydeep is a performing employee, he is working well and his
manager is happy with him, but he is not in a list of high potential employees.
He is tagged as a good employee, but not an excellent employee. Sudeep is
another employee, he is also working well, but manager is more happy with
Sudeep and he is definitely in the list of high potential.
Why this difference?
All of us know businesses thrive on strong relationships, so
we do all we can to impress our clients and external stakeholders. Most people,
however, pay little or no attention to their relationships with peers, bosses
and co-workers, though this might seem an obvious thing to do. Here's how you
can become the 'Go to' person and get noticed at work.
The difference is Sudeep is more smart than joydeep and
knows how to do the personal branding. There are different ways to create your personal
impact. Following are few tips:
Be visible in the
office. Walk around the office:
Offices are communities, communities of different workgroups.
Most of us spend up to 9-19 hours a day
in close proximity, sharing the same office space, facilities, break rooms,
refrigerators, coffee pots, etc, with our work colleagues. Everyone shares
responsibility for making the company work, run smoothly and stay profitable.
Keep aside about 10-15 minutes a day to take a round, greet all the people you
know with a smile and exchange pleasantries. Show the interest in other people.
Recognize their achievements, their attire, good thing, you observe.
A smile and a warm handshake can wear off the stress most of
us go through. Besides, making this effort adds to your desirability factor at
work. And, even though it is considered a cliche, do remember smiling is
contagious.
Recognize and appreciate
your colleagues:
Always recognize the good work done by the colleagues. Communicate this to
manager how much you appreciate a certain colleague or subordinate for the
specific skill sets. When your colleagues come to know this appreciation, you
have already build the credibility. You can
also do this in his presence. You would have won his/ her trust and it will make your senior colleague respect
you.
Be genuine and specific as you can.
Make your name
visible:
Have you thought of contributing to your organization's newsletter or
Website or the journal that gets distributed within the organization? Since
company publications are frequently read by top executives, you'll be
increasing your personal reach while establishing yourself as an expert in your
chosen area. It's a great way to blow your own trumpet, albeit in a
sophisticated fashion.
Join a cross
functional team or committee:
Organizations now a days take lot of initiatives for improvements
and developments. Cross Functional Teams (CFTs) are formed and company either
nominates employees to work or expect some volunteers to join the same. Have you thought of volunteering to Join such
CFTs? Interacting with the same
colleagues everyday won't increase your exposure; however, working on a CFTs
with new people gives you an opportunity to make new contacts. It also gives
you the opportunity to show your talent and skills to people who matter within
the organization.
Handle and sustain
with the Conflicts:
Workplace conflicts are most common and therein lies the opportunity to
demonstrate your leadership and management skills. When done correctly, it can
give you amazing results.
If you are trying to resolve a workplace conflict, do not get judgmental and
take sides; rather, just serve as a facilitator and establish the ground rules
for professional conduct at work. Keep resolution of the conflict in mind at
all times; do not get involved or become emotional.
Offer a Support:
Fill it up. If you've used the last piece of paper in a
shared copier or printer, fill it up again 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 his/ her boss. Often, these small
gestures help you build relationships and also spread a good word around about
you at the workplace.
Your best performance:
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 before the key decision makers in your organization. Remember,
you won't get ahead with mediocre performance, regardless of how many other steps
you implement.
Keep updated:
Read industry publications, reports and magazines, and be aware of market
trends. Your knowledge will 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.
Be a Subject Matter Expert & Volunteer
for conducting trainings:
Organizations prefer internal SMEs for training employees and new recruits.
Choose one of the area where you are strong and offer the module to new
employee in the function or other department. Get the support from your manager
for doing this.
Don't shy away from personal branding at work.
If done well, it can have a positive impact and help you get ahead at work.
You may also like to read Personal Branding .
