Ever wonder why some people end up being promoted when you work just as hard or even harder than them? Don’t you hate it when it seems like everyone, but you are moving ahead in their careers? I get it because I’ve been there, too, but not anymore. What if I told that getting ahead in your career could be as simple as a few tiny actions that have big results? Are you ready to stop feeling stuck and unseen at your job? I have five go-to ways to get out of that rut and shine a spotlight the awesomeness that is you and your work! I’ve developed these sure-fire strategies over my 18 years in corporate communication and marketing, and I’m still learning! These strategies will propel your career without a lot of time or effort. Okay, let’s dive in!

1. Share your ideas and thoughts, whatever your role. Titles do not matter.

Have you ever been in a meeting and thought of something but assumed it had already been discussed or that it must be a stupid idea because you’re the least experienced person in the meeting, so you stay quiet?

I spent the first several years of my career having these thoughts and dismissing their value because I figured I was surely missing something the more senior members of the team knew but I didn’t. Now I know I was shortchanging myself and withholding my true value for the organization! It turns out that leaders are depending on the whole team to contribute. They don’t have all the answers and they need diversity in perspectives.

So, quit depriving your employer of your valuable perspective, and let those ideas fly out of your mouth when they hit your brain! Give muscle to your thoughts and ideas by tying them to your unique perspective and role. Remind them of your special value and why you’re there! 

Share your thoughts like this:

• “From a <your role> perspective, I’m wondering if __________.”
• What’s running through my mind is _________ because <something that makes your perspective unique – insight that only you have because of your unique role. For example, if you are close to customer service, point that out by saying something like “customers often tell us _________, so I would expect their question about this to be _________.”

The worst thing that can happen is that your idea was already discussed. They’ll appreciate your engagement and effort to speak up; when it doesn’t seem like they appreciate it in the moment, trust that they do.

When you’re vocal like this, you’ll eventually hit the idea jackpot and bring forth exactly what was needed! And even if you don’t, you’ll still grow your reputation as a highly engaged, active contributor.

2. Use simple questions to influence change.

Have you ever spotted an oversight or gap in something at work but it’s the responsibility of another team or department? You figure it’s none of your business, so you don’t say anything. Yep, been there. It’s easier to just pretend you don’t see it. But this is how bad stuff continues, and later everyone asks, “Why didn’t anyone say something?!” Pointing out a problem or potential problem can be very sticky to handle if not done right. However, a simple question at a strategic time with the right audience can subtly put it on the radar of the people who can make the needed changes.

How to ask a question that makes stuff happen

Ask questions, even if you partly know the answers already. Always tie the question to your role and responsibility. Doing that makes it more effective than directly pointing fingers at the person(s) who should have identified the gap. Avoid making people look bad. They’ll respond defensively, and it will be uncomfortable for everyone.

Instead, frame a simple question with a tone of curiosity tied to your unique role. This way, it’s clear where you’re coming from – you are diligent to your own responsibilities and the organization and that you’re not intending to point out someone else’s mistake to make anyone look bad.

“Thinking about this from my <your role> perspective, how does _______ fit into the new process? I’m asking because when I do _______ <your responsibility>, this new process will affect _______ <something you do>. Checking to see if we need to adjust anything on my end to prepare for the process change!”

Questions are powerful. They may not prompt immediate action, but they could lead to other questions that do. When that happens, few people will remember that you asked the initial question that prompted changes but keep doing it and you’ll earn a reputation for being a valued, critical thinker. People will start proactively asking for your opinion on things that are outside of your area of expertise!

3. Lead, even when you’re not a leader by title.

Ever think you have no power because you’re not one of the leaders at the decision-making table? I used to have this mindset, too. But then I learned that, often, the most influential leaders are not leaders by titles. No matter your role, you can be a powerful, influential leader.

Being an influential leader begins with positivity, during the good times and the bad times. When the tough projects and tight deadlines pile up, acknowledge that it’s hard but point out the bigger picture. Say things like, “Okay, we have a killer turnaround for this but how awesome is it that we get to ______ for this <high-profile project/client name/important department>?” In the day-to-day operations of our work, it’s easy to lose sight of what you’re contributing to within your company. Be the one who reminds us!

Positive energy is wildly contagious. The most talented leaders masterfully manage stress. They leave whatever stressful thing is happening in their work or personal life at the door when they join a new meeting. Whenever someone starts a meeting with a smile and bold “good morning!” I always scan the room (or the screen in these virtual days). Smiles spread instantly because when one person has a genuine desire to be there, it makes us all want to be there, too! These are the leaders who inspire others to be more productive, more creative and more engaged. Who wouldn’t want to work hard alongside someone who cares so much about the team and has unwavering faith in what we’re accomplishing together?  

If there’s an uncomfortable morning status meeting that everyone dreads, bring humor and a smile. Share something funny someone said or tell a joke. Pass along notes of thanks or kudos from a client or other department. I’m not saying that if you’re an introvert, you should like an enthusiastic extrovert. It doesn’t take more than a few words to spread positivity, especially in those meetings in which the focus is always on improvements and challenges.

About 10 years ago, I started being truly me at work. I speak up, following tips #1 and #2. But my biggest impact is how I bring me to everything.  Let people get to know you by doing things like this:

• Talking about things other than work. It relaxes people. When people relax, they’re more creative and more engaged.
• Having a conversation starter about something on your bookcase that everyone sees behind you on video calls.
• Complimenting teammates in front of leaders. Do this even for those who’d never do it for you.
• Being candid about your flaws. It makes you human and relatable.

Your peers AND leaders need YOU – and all your you-ness.  Most people will never tell you that they appreciate you as much as they do. Keep the faith.

4. Be kind when no one is looking.

Do you ever get a nagging feeling that you should reach out and help someone at work? Maybe there’s an assistant struggling to learn a new technology, or someone’s in a new role and they could use some reassurance that they’re doing great. Do not ignore those feelings and assume someone else will do it. They won’t. They’re not as awesome as you. Act on those feelings right away before you get distracted by something else. Treat everyone how you would want to be treated and good things will come to you. It’s fact. Being kind when you don’t have to be ends up being seen widely, over time.

5. Be grateful, and tell people you are.

Isn’t it annoying when you do something to help someone at work but they barely acknowledge it? You may not do it again because you don’t know if it’s actually helpful to them or not.

Most people aren’t great at expressing gratitude. People are not mind readers. Your leaders and teammates don’t know you feel unless you say it. If your boss trusts you with a high-profile assignment, tell her you appreciate the confidence she has in you. Do this even when it’s a stressful, pain-in-the-butt project. It will lead to bigger things that you actually want to do.

If you hate your job right now, look for everything good about it. For example, if your job is helping you pay your bills so you can finish school and get a job in another field, be grateful for the steppingstone it’s providing. If your boss is like Miranda from The Devil Wears Prada, be grateful that you’re learning exactly how you do not want to be.

The more gratitude you express, the more opportunities will appear. They always do. 

There you go! I hope my go-to ways to ensure your career is moving forward are helpful. We spend most of our time working so it’s important that we’re doing what we love!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve learned other ways to stand out at work!