Let’s face it, we all want to know the secret to getting ahead of work. How can we become the person that’s able to juggle multiple tasks at once, build great relationships and take on new responsibilities, all with a smile on their face?
The answer is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every workplace is different and certain employers will value certain attributes in their workers.
However, there are a few factors to consider, which will help you to get ahead at work. Read on for our insights and start making a great impression, immediately.
Be the best you can be
By this, we mean completing every task to the best of your ability. Can you look back at each piece of work you’ve done lately and safely say that you’re proud of your achievements? If so, that’s great! If not, it’s time to take pride in your work.
We all have our down days, where the simplest of tasks seem a struggle. If this seems to be happening more frequently, you should take a step back and consider what’s impacting your productivity.
By being the best version of you as possible, you’ll set a great example to the rest of your team, while also showing your manager that you’re a reliable and trustworthy individual.
Remember, a positive mind-set often leads to more positive outcomes at work and can boost office happiness.
Avoid the dramas
You can’t expect to get ahead at work if you’re getting bogged down by the office gossip. Work should be a place to work and while it’s important to make friends, engaging with toxic individuals isn’t going to get you very far.
If you feel as if you’re constantly being drawn into dramas at work, you may want to reconsider who you choose to engage with in the workplace.
Being associated with gossip and negativity is only going to paint you in a bad light, so it’s best to step away, if possible.
Avoid engaging with these sorts of individuals – they’ll only drag you down and make you feel negatively about work.
Build positive relationships
Instead, you should focus on building positive relationships with your co-workers. By being a voice of reason, helping more junior staff to learn new skills and supporting senior staff to execute new projects, you’ll forge positive relationships with your co-workers.
What’s more, these relationships should take place outside of your immediate team and department. Establishing yourself as a go-to colleague across the business can help to grow your network and build your brand within the company.
Relationships are important in all areas of our lives. And this doesn’t mean you need to be best friends with your boss. It just means you should be amicable and approachable.
Learn new skills
The best employees are the ones that constantly challenge the norm and find new and successful ways of completing their tasks. This involves learning new skills and constantly developing in order to get ahead.
Whether your employer offers training in-house, or you choose to learn more about a certain topic in your free time, you should be looking to learn new skills, in order to progress in your career.
If you’re not sure whether your company offers this, chat to your manager about the opportunities available. Let them know that you’re keen to develop in new areas and discuss how you can achieve this.
Get the balance right
Getting ahead at work isn’t all about putting the hard work in and burning the candle at both ends. The happiest employees are the ones who have a strong work-life balance and this is extremely important in today’s working world.
In order to get ahead, you need to understand how to switch off at the end of each working day, ready to recharge for what tomorrow has to offer. In the long run, this will make you happier, healthier and ultimately, more productive.
Ready to get ahead at work?
Every employee needs to have a clear understanding of their career path and what they need to do to reach their goals. If you want to get ahead at work, we hope the advice outlined above gives you some food for thought.
If you need more career advice, why not check out our blog, full of helpful articles on resumes, cover letters, job searching tips, work-life advice and more.
