Career Guide: How to Stand Out at Work

With job losses hitting the news on a daily basis, you may be wondering how your boss and coworkers view your work performance. It is important to stand out at work as a good employee. It may or may not help you to avoid a layoff, but it will help you to have a better work environment, and help you get promoted. There are few ways that you can stand out in a positive light at work.

How to Stand Out at Work: Have a Good Attitude

While this may seem overrated, there is nothing that will get you noticed more than a positive attitude. This means acknowledging people, saying good morning to them, asking how they are, etc. It also means, not gossiping or being negative about work. Put a positive spin on things. Never say negative things about your job or coworkers to anyone at work. Save the scoop for your significant other and friends and have a laugh about it later. Being a professional means that you are able to handle the stresses of the workplace without having a tantrum or needing a gossip session.

How to Stand Out at Work: Make your Boss and Coworkers Look Good

When the boss looks good, the boss is happy. When the boss is happy, everyone in the workplace is happy. Stand out at work by making your boss look good. That means that you should offer to help out when they are stressed. You should prioritize any assignments they give you and work out a way to do them first, and you should be a little bit more careful and thorough in your work to make sure it is stellar. This goes for coworkers as well. You don't need to go overboard, just be friendly and professional. Don't allow your coworkers to get you caught up in favoritism and gossip. Someone you don't like may get promoted over you, and where will that leave you? Never leave a coworker hanging in the hot seat. Try to lend a hand when they are in trouble, or at least a few words of encouragement,

How to Stand Out at Work: Do More than the Minimum

Stand out at work by doing more than the bare minimum that is expected of you. When you are finished with your job responsibilities, offer to help your coworkers. If you depend on your manager to direct your work, ask for another assignment. Be open to accepting special projects, which may get notice from your manager, as well as higher ups in the company. Going above and beyond the minimum makes you a good employee and helps you stand out at work. Be creative and think about ways that your workplace can be made better, workflow can be improved, etc. Be careful not to step on any toes, and be positive when you help out.

These are just a few ways that I have learned to stand out at work, beyond the obvious rules of looking good and being on time. A good attitude, producing consistently good work and asking for more, and making your team look good are the best ways to stand out in the workplace. Whether you are seeking a promotion or are just want to keep your job, consider how your boss and coworkers see your role in the company, and make sure that you stand out at work. And by that, make sure you stand out in a good way.