Spend Time with Those Who Are Where You Want to Be

If you want to stand out, get noticed and move up in your career, then start spending time, or be around, those who are where you want to be. It is said that we are defined by the company we keep, so it is important to be aware of exactly who that company is.

While we all want to have good working relationship and to fit in, it may mean distancing from those who exhibit adverse, or sometimes negative behaviors so as not to be aligned as ‘one of those.’ Now this does not mean that you can’t be continue to be friends with Sally or Joe, who may not have good work habits; these are relationships that you have outside of the workplace.

But being around the ‘rainmakers’ lifts you up to their level which increases your performance and your outlook. It deepens your level of involvement in your work so you want to do more and be better. When those above you begin to see your new attitude and outcomes from these new-found actions, it will lead to more opportunities in both challenging work and promotional opportunities.

Here are three action steps you can take to increase your leverage and reach:

1. Assess your social circle at work: who is a high – good-low performer and what is your relationship with them; unfortunately, we are seen as being around the company we keep so if you align with Joe, who may be surfing the net, with Sally who tends to gossip, your chances of being seen as one-in-the same is high. Again, this does not mean that you can’t be friends with them but you will want to be aware of when and how you are seen.
2. Make a list of your brand and how you want to be perceived, as this will lead you to seek out the people who have those traits and get connected. Look at other high performers or leaders – both within and outside your organization – and see who ‘speaks’ to you, in the sense that you silently say “I want to be just like them.” Look at how they plan their day, how do they present themselves and interact with others, how do they dress and conduct themselves. Doing this will make you stand out, which is when you will get more recognition.
3. Go find them; how you align with those you’ve identified does not have to be complicated as it should come naturally (so you don’t come off as a brown-noser) so you are accepted easily. When you are in meetings, sit near that person, or persons, you want to be seen with which will put in you their circle; volunteer for projects or committees which will put you in direct contact with them; greet and acknowledge them – saying hello or good afternoon often leads to more conversation, which is your opportunity to get to know them better; use your networking skills to strike up conversations and begin to learn about others which will then lead to you answering the question of ‘what do you do?” One last suggestion would be to look for mentoring opportunities with them which can boost your profile and your career.

Being recognized on the job is desired by everyone; spending time with those who are will lend much to your credibility and profile. When opportunities arise, you can be on the top of the list if you follow these suggestions, act authentically, and perform at your best.

Ready to get recognized? Contact us today for your complementary Discovery Session to learn how we can help: http://www.cyscoaching.com. Take action and move your career forward!