The Hindu Business Line : How to get noticed at work

Most people pay little or no attention to relationships with peers, bosses and co-workers . But your growth within the organisation is often dictated by people’s perception of you and your ability to foster strong relationships. So here’s how you can become the ‘go to person’ by getting noticed at work.

Walk around for 15 minutes every day: Offices are like mini-families. Most of us spend up to 11-12 hours a day in close proximity, sharing the same office space, facilities, break rooms, refrigerators, coffee pots and so on. Everyone shares responsibility for making the company work, run smoothly and stay profitable. Keep aside about 15 minutes, walk around and just greet all the people you know with a smile and exchange pleasantries.

Give your colleagues an ego massage: Tell a senior management executive how much you appreciate a certain colleague or subordinate. Do this in the presence of that person and you would have won his/her trust as well as respect in the eyes of the senior executive of the organisation. Be as specific as you can, for example say: “Ram, I want you to know what a great job Vishal did at the presentation yesterday. We are all lucky to have him in the team.”

If a veteran employee is retiring, organise a goodbye party; someone is being promoted, set up a happy hour with your co-workers. Remember that ‘People like people, who like them’.

Get your name out: Have you thought of contributing to your organisation’s newsletter or its Web site or a journal that gets distributed within the organisation. Since company publications are frequently read by top executives, you’ll be increasing your personal PR while establishing yourself as an expert in your chosen area.

Join a committee or task force: Join a company-wide committee. Interacting with the same colleagues everyday won’t increase your exposure. However, working on a committee with new people gives you an opportunity to make new contacts and also gives you an opportunity to show your talent and skills to people who matter within the organisation.

Mediate a conflict: Workplace conflicts are most common and therein lies the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and management skills. When done correctly, it can give you amazing results. Do not get judgmental and avoid being biased. Just serve as a facilitator and establish the ground rules for professional conduct at work. Use caution and stay away when you see a professional difference turning into a personal conflict.

Offer a helping hand: Fill it up — if you’ve used the last piece of paper in the shared copier or printer, fill it back up. After you’ve poured the coffee into your cup, take a minute to make another one for the next person in the queue. Offer to mentor that new recruit at work or share a trade secret; something that will help a colleague look good before their bosses. Often, these small gestures help you build relationships and also spread a good word about you around the workplace.

Perform your best: There is nothing that will give you more exposure than getting the employee of the month or quarter award at the rewards and recognition event. Since these awards are often given by the top management, it gives you an opportunity to put your name in front of the key decision makers of the organisation.

Stay updated: Read industry publications, reports and magazines and be aware of market trends. Your knowledge would show when you communicate with colleagues and they would look up to you for advice and information. They will also talk positively about you with other members of the team. There is nothing better than third-party publicity as it establishes you as a thought leader within your organisation. Don’t shy away from self-promotion and PR at work. If done well, it can have a positive impact and help you get ahead at work.

(The writer is a Managing Partner at W.C.H Training Solutions, a New Delhi-based training and consulting firm.)

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