Stop being a backbencher

Let me ask you a question; how creative and innovative are you in your work? How are you making your organisation better for having you? If you are not sure, here are some ways to stop being an extra and become a player of note.

Don’t treat yourself with kid gloves: Only you can and should be as ‘hard on yourself’ as necessary to give yourself the push. Step out of the normal working routine. Find ways to do things that make life easier for others. Propose simple doable changes or suggestions that will benefit everyone. Learn from your superiors; ask about their experiences for useful hints and tips on what top jobs are about. Always ask; what is the best in any situation and how it might be done. Take a radically different path if you assess to be the best way.

Never regret making an effort: Effort gives you experience and the chance to grow innovate and appreciate what you are made of. Always make the best effort even when you’re not sure whether it will yield anything or not. Every effort adds to you, nothing is wasted. View things from an organisational rather than from a personal point of view as it helps you think like a manager and talk about issues that are relevant. Build your energy reserves so you can become a known quantity.

Let your organisation see you are on side: Become one of those in the know, those who care. Focus on what’s good about the organisation. Don’t bad mouth it under any circumstances. When you change your perspective and focus on the positive, you’ll be surprised how much good you notice. Show interest in initiatives, handle responsibility with integrity. Find a way to get the heads up on important things. Lift your head, be open to new ideas, new suggestions and new directions the organisations may be headed in. If in doubt, ask questions.

Now take action: What is one thing you can do to step up to the frontlines at work?