For most men the biggest challenge at the office isn’t doing the job, most of us are generally competent at our jobs, if not for a few development areas. No, for most of us the real up hill struggle is about getting acknowledged! Yes, get the good work we’re already doing to get noticed by our superiors and coworkers. There are lots of benefits to being a known and budding gent at the office – these include greater potential for promotion, better assignments and just plain old respect.
Elysium Magazine has put together a few of the best tips to get your personal impact on the up in the office. The benefits will show come end of year promotions!
Initiative
Want to get in your boss’ good books? Take action on your own. From little things like reloading the copy machine to large things like preparing progress reports for your boss, take action without having to be given instruction. This ticks a number of boxes which can only be good for the annual appraisal.
Participate
Meetings can be a waste of time, mostly because so little gets done in them and most people are either staring blankly at a wall thinking about home time or peeking at their phones only a few participate. While that’s good enough for the average joe, you are not trying to be average.
Speak up, participate, motivate and keep things moving; you don’t want to be a passive average, but you also don’t want to be that guy in the meeting who seems to love the sound of his own voice (there is a fine line gents). Don’t be afraid to challenge, even with your boss, if everyone agrees with everything – why are you there?
Look the part
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. A common saying of course, but one people time and time neglect. Style can play a critical part in how others perceive you. Taking a few minutes to look sharp, on a daily basis, can do a lot for how people perceive you. If your hair looks clean and sharp, and your breath is fresh, you are almost there. Get a close shave daily using quality razors. There is a wealth of information on our Style section – come time for promotion; the scruffy boy will always be second to the discerning gent!
It’s a numbers game
If you want to look sharp, be sharp. The way to be sharp in business is to know the numbers. If you know your firm’s financials inside and out you have an advantage over those who don’t. In addition to giving you good information for meetings, knowing your department’s numbers will give you a good perspective on how things are going. As they say, knowledge is power since it lets you see the bigger picture as it may help you decide the right time to approach your boss about a promotion.
iBooks
Books (in the office) are a sign of intelligence and distinction. A few good reads, especially business books, give the clear impression you’re trying to grow yourself professionally. If you’re trying to get the promotion that’s exactly the kind of message you want to send. It’s also a good conversation starter, since people approaching you about something else can also ask you how your reading is going.
Its probably a good idea to read at least a few pages to make sure you don’t trip up if questioned….try and avoid placing Fifty Shades of Grey on your desk….
PA Power
Be kind to PAs, cleaning staff and even the guy who stocks the coffee machine to fuel your daily work. Many new staff would be amazed to learn the pull these people have. Remember, often these co-workers have been in their jobs for years. Being nice never hurt anyone, but plenty of people have unknowingly shot themselves in the foot by being rude to the “little” people. What’s more, being able to acknowledge others by name is a sure way to get them in your corner and it also makes you look like the good guy you are….there is no excuse to treat anyone as beneath you.
Let us know how you get on – sometimes it’s the simple things that men forget! Personal impact can make all the difference when pushing your career to the next level.