How to Gain Traction at Work
Six simple ways to a happy and productive workplace
A young person is doing all the right things to get ahead at work. He is following all the advice that his parents have told him about what it means to be a good worker. He is working hard (80+ hours a week), taking on extra assignments to show that he is a team player, he pays attention to details, and he signs up for every industry conference available. Yet, he can’t get ahead. One day he steps onto the elevator with an individual from senior management. She shows up to work late and leaves early most days, she has little technical skills, and dresses casually. He asks her, “What makes you so successful?” Her response guts him, “The secret to my success is being able to bring in high profile clients. My team figures out the logistics.” He realized that he was a team player rather than a superstar.
Define Success
Every organization defines success differently. From the above example, this organization valued individuals who were able to bring in high profile clients. Often times, your success will not be defined by a simple metric. Your industry might value a combination of things such as technical expertise, relationship building, reliability, friendliness, or initiative.
Look For The Unwritten Rules
I knew of an organization that promoted family friendly policies but strongly encouraged their employees to answer emails at all hours of the day. You’ll want to judge the organization by its actions, not by what they say.
Ask For Feedback
Most managers and coworkers are good people who have a hard time giving pointed feedback. They speak in generalities and hope that employees will be able to read between the lines. When you ask for feedback, get specific. I had a boss tell me that they didn’t like the slide deck that I created. When I pressed him on what I could do to improve it, he told me that I should use a specific font because it looked more professional. It was an easy change and he had never mentioned it in the last five years that I had been working with him.
Return on Investment
I had a coworker who worked 10-hour days. They were always busy at their desk frantically trying to get everything done. Not all tasks and skills are created equal. You’ll want to prioritize all the big-ticket items.
Work Harder And Smarter Than Last Time
Bosses and coworkers like to work with individuals who complete projects quickly and efficiently. Successful individuals possess specific skill sets and develop mental models that allow them to get up to speed quicker.
Teach Yourself
With the rapid change in technology, workflows and processes change. People at work will see you as the expert of your job. Your boss might be able to point you in a good direction but it is ultimately up to you to find a solution. Successful individuals build diverse skill sets that help them pivot when times are tough.
