You know the old expression, “what have you done for me lately?” Assume your employer routinely asks that question. In a competitive marketplace, you need to work constantly to increase your value as an employee.
This focus on improvement not only makes you better at your current job. It also increases your ability to move ahead. You become qualified for better (and better-paying) jobs – boosting your career and making you more valuable in the marketplace.
But how do you add to your potential? There are many subtle ways to upgrade the value you provide to your employer over time. Here are a few items to keep in mind:
Further Increasing Your Value for Your Employer
Understand Your Employer’s Goals
Figure out what your employer is trying to accomplish. By educating yourself about the firm’s long-term objectives, you can better align yourself with its mission. This way, you can make better decisions on your own and provide recommendations that play into the overall direction the company is headed.
Learn the Firm’s Decision-Making Structures
How do decisions get made in your organization? This information is crucial for pushing projects forward. By becoming familiar with the structure (and political geography) of your company, you’ll know how to get things done.
Anticipate Potential Challenges (And Suggest Solutions)
Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Instead, identify situations that could create a potential problem for your company. Alert the appropriate supervisor to the issue and suggest possible ways to sidestep it. This will show your ability to look ahead, as well as exhibit your problem-solving skills.
Be a Network Hub
Facilitate communication within your organization. Make connections with your coworkers, as well as with colleagues in other parts of the firm. That way, you’ll be first in line for any proposed collaboration.
Beyond this, build relationships with experts outside your company as well. If a problem comes up, you’ll be able to say, “I know someone who could help us out.” That will add to your overall value.
Improve Over Time
A good employee excels at their current job. A great employee improves over time, growing with the company and building a long-term career within the organization. Become a great employee by committing to constantly upgrading your skills and expanding your responsibilities.
Become a Mentor
Fueling your own professional development is one thing. You can provide even more value by doing the same for someone else.
Look for ways to become a mentor within your organization. Reach out to new employees and ease their transition. At the same time, share your hard-won experience and make yourself available when coworkers need support.
Expand Your Soft Skills
Looking to move ahead in your current company? Employers are looking for a broad range of skills when they make decisions about promotions and enhanced responsibility. By mastering additional soft skills, you open your horizons and make yourself a more dynamic employee.
Here are a few abilities to focus on:
- Organization
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Self-motivation
- Empathy
- Problem-solving
Stay Upbeat and Positive
It’s not just what you do. Your perception within your company also hinges on the way to conduct yourself. A positive attitude becomes infectious. Dedicating yourself to an upbeat approach to your work will make you a crucial contributor to team spirit and the firm’s overall culture.
Want to Find a New Opportunity That Will Unearth Your Best?
When you have the right employer, it’s easier to make additional upgrades to your performance. A top recruiter, like Hiregy, will connect you with companies that inspire the best out of you.
Contact Hiregy today to accelerate your professional development.
