Are You Engaged (At Work)?

Did you think that this was a relationship article? Well, in a way, it is! This article is about your ability to build relationships at work and how that one critical skill can elevate your career. This article is about you actively participating at work beyond your responsibilities. As a Supervisor with a team of 14, it wasn't enough that I was expected to coach and develop my direct reports. My leader needed to have me "engaged". He needed me to be involved in other aspects of the business. I was a Recognition Champion, I was a Diversity Champion, and I was even a Quality Champion-all of which involved more conference calls and additional responsibility. This sounds like a lot and you are correct, it was! I had to ask myself whether or not being engaged was really worth it and the answer is YES!!!

When I decided to get engaged, I began to build relationships with colleagues in other locations and with others who worked in various departments. These relationships allowed me to establish my very own professional network. Within my network, I was able to introduce my direct reports to others and those who were in my network were able to introduce me to colleagues in their network. Are you getting the picture? I hope so. The goal isn't to have a large network of people; the goal is for you to contribute to the business as only you can and to strategically build partnerships.

Being engaged at work can make a difference in your career. You gain advocates who will tell others about your performance, your work ethic, and your character. Being engaged doesn't mean that you no longer have the responsibilities of your role. It means that you have reached a place in your job where you can not only do your job well, but you can be trusted to produce results in another area of the business. So, the next time you are asked to take on more responsibility, measure your level of engagement and think long term. I am so glad that I became engaged and I hope that you will, too.