Get Ahead at Work by Becoming a Star Player
Brought to you by: Tara Tucker, Express Employment Professionals
The working world and the sports world have much in common. Everyone wants to get ahead, to stand out on the team and to be the star player the boss relies on. Just like on the field or court, all team members have value. But on every team there are star players who stand out because of what they contribute. They are truly indispensable, and that’s why their efforts are so highly praised. You may not seek notoriety or fame in your job, but if you know your boss would go into panic mode if you were recruited to another organization, you know your time to shine has arrived. So how can you ensure you’re the kind of team player your boss will keep in his corner? These six steps can help anyone stop warming the bench and begin working their way to becoming a star player in the boss’s eyes.
Do Your Job Well
It may sound elementary, but the first place to start in the journey to being a star player is with your current job description. Take it out and dust it off, and get familiar with the duties you were hired to perform. Ask yourself: Do I do these tasks and am I excelling in my areas of responsibility? Whether it is meeting quotas or deadlines, building relationships or structures, or managing others, every employee was hired with certain tasks and duties to accomplish. Take stock of all the areas your job encompasses – those in your job description and those tasked to you since you were hired. Before trying to add new responsibilities, take the time and effort needed to do the basics well. Many people miss this key step and wonder why they can barely stay afloat later in their career. Mastering your current role will ensure you are on the right path to a great career.
Step Up Your Pace
Just like in the sports world, getting ahead at work requires dedication, discipline and time. So if not having enough time is one of your favorite excuses for staying in the shadows at work, consider this: A recent survey by America Online and Salary.com showed that the average American worker wastes up to two hours every eight-hour workday. Just imagine what you could accomplish with two more hours each day. Think of your time as a budget, and spend it accordingly. If you could invest 10 extra hours a week toward your career, think of all you could accomplish. You don’t have to work overtime to impress the boss, just maximize the time you are at work, and before you know it, you will begin surprising yourself with all you can accomplish.
Go the Extra Mile
The next step in becoming a shining star on your team is to go beyond what is merely expected of you. If deadlines are important for your work, make it a goal not just to meet them, but to finish early. Push yourself not just to make, but to beat quotas. Set specific goals, starting with beating a deadline by one day or adding 5% to a quota, and then work up from there. Even if it is by a small bit at first, your hard work and dedication will stand out to your boss. Going the extra mile helps you as well – when you complete your work more efficiently, you will have more time to increase your responsibilities and impress your boss.
Take Initiative
Once you’ve mastered your current duties and have begun to exceed expectations, it’s time to add more to your plate. Being proactive and asking for other tasks and projects is a great way to become a true star. It may be intimidating to think of asking for more work, but taking the initiative will definitely impress your boss. As an added bonus, your effort will stand out in his or her mind at review time, and you will be able to point to your increased responsibilities as justification for a raise or promotion. It’s also a great way to gain experience in other areas related to your job but not included in it. Consider asking to be put on a project working with other people on your team or see if your boss has any projects that could use an extra hand if there aren’t duties or tasks for you to champion on your own.
Broaden Your Knowledge
Using training or professional development opportunities to learn more about your job, industry or organization is a great way to go beyond the call of duty and set yourself apart from the pack. Many organizations will even pay for training or coursework that is job-related because it will add value to the team. Ask if such opportunities are available and let your boss know you are interested in training sessions or funding for coursework that may be available. If your company doesn’t offer much in the way of training, ask your boss about local seminars, clubs or courses that might be valuable. This may require time outside work, but the payoff can be huge. Employers who know you have the desire to learn more about your job will be assured of your commitment to your career and will likely consider you for the next promotion.
Keep Tabs on Yourself
As you grow in your career, it’s important to keep track of your achievements. Keep a detailed list of specific projects, deadlines, timelines and accomplishments as you advance in your job. Also, keep track of how you have impacted the budget, company goals and other areas that have directly affected the organization as a whole. Be able to demonstrate how you have helped save time or money, or how you have helped increased sales or profits, and you will be well on your way to being an MVP to your boss.
Following these six tips can help ensure your place on the team doesn’t go unnoticed. No matter what your job title, role, industry or aspirations, you can excel in your job and become a member of your boss’s Employee Hall of Fame.