This is a guest post from HBA Learning Centres, a Registered Training Organisation first registered in 1989, where training is their largest business and people their biggest asset.
In a competitive corporate environment with high expectations, it can be difficult to stand out.
Although it requires hard work and dedication, standing out from your co-workers is an important
part in obtaining a promotion. Here are some guidelines that will help you excel.
Be the Best at What You Do
This may come as a surprise, but in most professions being the best in your department is rarely
about innate talent. A CEO once told me that the employees he looks for are “10% talent and
90% perspiration.” If you put enough effort in, you will stand out from your colleagues. The
most important step of being the best is knowing the most. Consider formal training courses and
check this out, or subscribe to industry
publications or magazines. Either way, make sure you’re up to date with the newest ideas and
techniques. Have a passion for what you do (you can train yourself into it) and it will seep through
to everything you do. This adds that little bit of extra dedication that’s almost like a personal
brand. Being the best also means being innovate and constructive. Instead of tearing apart existing
solutions, try offering new ideas and alternatives you co-workers may not know about or think of.
Be Accountable
Your co-workers may be reliable, but you need to take responsibility to the next level by being
accountable. Being reliable is an essential prerequisite for this. Meet your deadlines, and if you
volunteer for a task make sure it’s completed. Be organized, and be able to explain your system of
organization to your manager. If you want to stand out however, you need to go beyond this. Do
things without being asked. If you notice an opportunity to complete a task before your manager
directs you, you will stand out. Be personally accountable for your work. If something goes wrong
or there’s a mistake fix it quickly and effectively. Don’t palm the situation off to someone else now
it has become more difficult. But don’t take on more than you can handle – if you can’t made your
deadlines, you’re bound to make a negative impression.
Know the Business
If you want to move up the ladder at your current workplace, make sure you know it inside and out.
Knowing your own department is essential, but given the current trend of cross-area promotions,
knowing other departments is just as necessary, and can give you an edge. Know specifics rather
than just general ideas. Exactly how much profit did the company make last year? How did that
compare to previous years? Few people have the dedication to know the numbers. Knowing your
company ethos and motto can also be useful, although fortunately unlike Japan you won’t be
required to chant it on a daily basis. But just as important as the facts and figures of your workplace
are the people who compose it. Establish good relationships with your coworkers and manager. Try
to get to know them. If you superiors see you get along well with colleagues, they are more likely to
consider you for a managerial role.
