How to Demonstrate Your Full Potential At Work
I’m often asked by my clients, “How can I make sure my boss knows I can do more?” or “How can I show my boss I’m ready for that promotion?” Since the beginning of time, human beings have yearned to achieve, to succeed, and to conquer. Unfortunately, many organizations squash this yearning. While the concept of “ability” is important for management to consider, so is the concept of “usability.” While your ability may be there, if you are not usable in your current environment, you cannot succeed. When you are usable, you can be expanded into new areas. Usability is all about integration—how well an individual acts within the team and how well he or she fits into the company’s culture.
Begin making your ambitions a reality today! Take a look at these tips that will help you stay on track at each stage of your career.
Promoting Your Potential Early in Your Career
When you’re new on the job, focus on fitting in and making connections. That foundational groundwork will build a stable foundation for your career.
1. Be Results-Driven. Track and document your progress. Embrace a reputation for exceeding expectations and completing assignments on time. Identify challenges where you can propose solutions.
2. Support Senior Leadership. Strengthen your relationship with your boss and or senior leadership. Apply yourself so that you know where and how to apply your efforts.
3. Continue to Learn. Read everything you can about your company and industry. Ask plenty of questions, be observant, and read up on the latest news. Join a professional organization related to your industry.
4. Request Frequent Feedback. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Invite colleagues to give you their impressions of your work. Be open to criticism and thank your colleagues for their comments.
5. Develop and Execute Your Knowledge. For your lessons to have a positive impact on every individual, you need to translate them into action. Examine all information to find its practical applications. Make a list of takeaways each time you pick a successful employee’s brain or attend a conference.
6. Be Humble. Let your work and your achievements speak for themselves. Contribute to the team and share credit with others.
Promoting your Potential later in your career
As a seasoned professional, your reputation for being competent can seem to be taken for granted. Now, you’re more likely to be appreciated for intangibles like leadership and vision.
1. Develop a specialty. Be prepared to let go of some duties so that you can leverage your strengths. Identify what you’re good at and what you like to do.
2. Be a Mentor. Now is the time to give back. Reach out to new hires and entry-level employees offer constructive feedback to your peers.
3. Motivate Others. Help others discover their strengths. Give your employees opportunities to learn and grow. Empower them with meaningful work.
4. Be an Ambassador. Your behavior reflects on your company as you deal with clients or the general public. Make sure you understand your company's mission statement so you can put those values into practice.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks. You can act like an entrepreneur even if someone else owns your company. Take sensible risks that will allow you to stretch your skills and enhance your company’s position. Start off small and learn from experience so you can fine-tune your judgment over time.
The best way to show your boss you have what it takes? Put in the work. Even if you're not ready for a promotion, following this foolproof formula will help you stand out in your role and position yourself for bigger and better things later on.