How to get yourself noticed at work

By Goretti Kimani

The cherished dream for any  career builder is to make an indelible mark at the work place.

He or she strives for excellence to get recognised. Sadly, this rarely happens. Such events leave many to contend with the vicious cycle of boring and endless routines throughout the year.

It is everyone’s role to make their job fulfilling. Many people long for achievement, recognition and growth that come with exciting jobs. Unfortunately, many work places are filled with complacent machine-like individuals.

They take no initiative in making their job exciting. They believe that this role belongs to the employer.

Do not expect a good time at work when everything you do makes  you miserable.  Your employer may avail the best equipment, facilities, remuneration and other incentives to make you comfortable, but the decision to excel and be happy remains personal.

How badly do you want that high flying career? Would you like to see your face in the company magazine?  Are you tired of being ordinary, watching others getting that recognition year in year out?

 Getting noticed positively at work does not come by accident. It is as a result of a deliberate effort to excel. Employers are on the lookout for exciting, above average people whose second nature is to produce excellent results at work.

Such people are scarce gems that will always attract the attention of employers. Fortunately, everyone is capable of being a star at work. This must start by a conscious decision to rise above mediocrity. Note that mere declarations alone do not work unless they are accompanied by a wholesome change in your approach to issues and your career in particular. Of critical importance is an audit of your past habits at work. Doing so requires that you recognise your strengths and weaknesses. As part of your personal strategy, take note to immediately address all major weaknesses, and make a decision to leverage your key strengths to forge ahead.

Seek to raise the bar on yourself. Small goals encourage complacency and laziness. Instead, seek larger goals that challenge your inner self. Avoid comparing yourself with others. Work towards achieving your goals and dreams.

 You also need to change the way you dress and groom. This will make a new statement about your new stature. Refining your language is key as careless and coarse language tends to undermine your image.

There is  also the need to be proactive and avoid fire fighting — an energy consuming undertaking that undermines performance.

Seek to improve the quality of your work, be helpful, solve problems, take on additional roles and envisage giving more than is required. Your leadership and interpersonal skills must also be polished.

 They play a crucial role in generating the much needed influence. Build consistency and continually seek to excel in your pursuits.

 This is the way to build a lasting legacy of achievement. Should the need arise, remember to seek professional help.

—The writer is a human resource specialist with Peoplelink Consultants Ltd. Email: [email protected]