Have you been working for the same company for years in the hopes of getting a promotion? It is not easy to stand out from the crowd and get your boss to appreciate your hard work. Fortunately, by employing a few simple habits at work, your efforts may finally be recognized and rewarded with a promotion.
1. Be punctual
Being punctual is a great way to show your boss that you are a responsible employee and take your job seriously. Make sure that you arrive at work on time each day and that you return from lunch at the designated time. Punctuality should also extend into your work, so make sure that you are completing your tasks and assignments on time.
2. Stay out of office gossip
Getting into office gossip is an easy way to derail your promotion aspirations. While understanding office politics is important in advancing your career, you should ensure that you do not get caught up in the petty gossip. Do not talk badly about your coworkers or boss, and treat all of your peers with dignity and respect.
3. Show initiative
Discuss your career goals with your manager, especially if they are attainable at your current company. Take the reins for your career and manage it. Promote your accomplishments, but do not brag, and always be sure to contribute relevant and meaningful content to conversations.
4. Be a team player
It is important to remember that organizational success is a team effort, so work hard to be a team player. Demonstrate your superior leadership skills by helping to develop a positive work environment for each member of your team. Help your coworkers when they need assistance, take the time to get to know your team members, and share credit for good work.
5. Network within your organization
Use every available opportunity to network with people who make decisions in your organization. Do not be afraid to strike up a conversation with the CEO if you find that you are riding the same elevator. Make connections with your coworkers and use these relationships as learning opportunities to become better at your job.
6. Show your loyalty
Employers value employees that show their loyalty by working for a company for an extended period of time. Loyalty will indicate how well you will be able to protect the organization. When you prove to be a loyal employee, you will be given bigger responsibilities, as you will show that you are a valuable part of the team.
7. Look for opportunities for growth
Whenever possible, step outside of your prescribed role. Volunteer to help your coworkers, take on new responsibilities, and cross-train for other positions. These tasks will expose you to other organizational influencers, and you can put your versatility on display.
8. Be professional
Employers are looking for team members that promote a good image for their business, so it is important to look and act professionally. Adhere to your company dress code, and make an effort to be courteous and helpful to every client you come in contact with.
Remember that even when you are not at work, you are still representing your employer, so a make sure to maintain a certain level of tact while interacting with the public.
9. Appreciate feedback
Receiving criticism can be painful, but you should learn to welcome both positive and negative feedback. Each bit of feedback is a gift, as it can help you to see past your ego. Criticism also gives you the chance to make changes to become more valuable, effective, and competent.
10. Learn from your mistakes
Even extremely successful people in the business world make mistakes from time to time. The reason they have been able to have future success is because they turn their mistakes into learning experiences.
Find out the reason for your error, take additional training or coursework, and alter the way that you do things so that you never make the same mistake twice.
If you are hoping to get a promotion at work, your future is in your own hands. By adopting some helpful workplace habits, you may finally get that promotion that you deserve.