Do you want to stand out from others? Do you want to impress those around you? Do you want to have your name come to mind for projects, events, etc.? I have two tips:
- If you say you are going to do something, do it.
- Do needed work others don’t want to do and do it extremely well.
Seem simple? It is but so many fail at doing these two things. They say they are going to do something and then never do. They only take on shiny tasks while they let very needed work sit and rot waiting for others to pick up on it. Take initiative, take ownership, and do the work. Take note of those parts of your work others complain often about and champion fixing it. Highlight problems and create solutions!
I have found in my work experience being reliable has made me stand out more than any good idea I’ve come up with. The ideas fade, the shiny projects lose their shine, and time passes. Taking on the larger structural problems may be less rewarding but it stands out in a different way than working on an important project. You stand out by default if you are working on something “important” and not everyone can be at the table working on those important items. There’s still plenty of work to be done and rather than waiting for the next big thing look around you for the “trash” that needs to be picked up where you are now.
Gravitate towards what others avoid – there’s work to be done there.
Being known as reliable and as someone who does any type of work well sticks in people’s head. You move from being someone interesting to work with to someone people want on their team because they know they can count on you when it matters most.
agm 