How to Expand Your Role at Work
Whether you are currently happily employed or are currently looking for a job, there are times when you may want to look for more opportunities - either within your current role or outside of it. These concerns are completely natural, and they’re pointing you in a positive direction. However much you excel at your job, the truth is you’ll probably need to do something more if you want a promotion or a significant raise. There are various ways that professionals can expand their role within their organization so that you feel more fulfilled and accomplished.
This is where expanding your role at work comes in. These ideas can help you to position yourself for a brighter future.
Define Success - What does success mean to YOU? One important part of growing successfully in a career is knowing what success means specifically for each individual. This involves defining one's own goals and working toward them accordingly.
Analyze Your Strengths - Understand what you’re good at and what you like to do. Observe your own behavior and ask others for input.
Strategize - Clarifying your goals shows you where to focus your efforts and how to measure success. Spend time thinking about what you want to do, as well as how to do it. Ask about key issues confronting the organization or company where you want to expand your role. For example, if an organization or company has not met its goals this past year it may be time to think about improvements next year instead of doubling down on improving this past year's efforts which may have failed miserably so far (so much so that there was no improvement). The issue then might involve managing current resources better without adding anything new.
Continue Learning - Adding to your knowledge and skills makes you a more valuable employee. Sign up for courses at work and read the major publications for your industry to stay on top of what’s trending.
Take on a Project - Raise your hand for the next big project or, if your options at work seem limited, you may be able to add to your qualifications by freelancing or creating a personal project. Choose activities that align with your goals.
Volunteer in your Community - Develop your potential while you support a worthy cause. Reach out to a charity you care about and offer to provide IT support or copywriting.
Be proactive - Do you think about managing your career only when you’re searching for a job? Setting personal goals on a consistent basis will give you more structure and motivation.
Have Fun - While professional success requires hard work, you’ll accomplish more if you keep your life in balance. Spend time with family and friends, take care of your health, and try to see the humor in difficult situations.
Your job description is just that, a description, of what you are supposed to be doing. Additionally, there are ways to take on more responsibility at work or find opportunities in other areas that will empower your professional brand. When you’re willing to move out of your comfort zone, you can expand your career and discover what type of work will be fulfilling for you so that you can flourish!