How to get noticed at work

[Sukumar.N]

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 peoples 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

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.

N.Sukumar
Research Analyst
www.kences1.blogspot.com