Setting yourself up for success in the workplace

By Sharine Sample

Have you ever noticed those co-workers who really shine and seem to have it all together? In reality, they probably don’t have it all together. Instead, they come across as competent and “together” because they have set high standards for their work. They’ve positioned themselves for success in the workplace.

We all define success differently, especially when it comes to our careers. For one person, success is feeling secure in their position. For another, success means constantly advancing and tackling new challenges. Think about where you are with your company and what you bring to the table. Do you feel successful? If not, what could you be doing differently?

First, think about what success looks like to you. Are you going after a promotion? Do you want greater recognition from your supervisor for all the extra effort you put in? Do you want to ask for a higher salary or hourly wage? Once you’ve defined your goals, you can start working toward making that vision of success a reality.

Here are a few suggestions on how to move in the right direction and become more successful in the workplace:

• “Make sure you’re on the right ladder,” as the old saying goes. You know that you’re climbing the right ladder if you are committed and enjoy what you are doing. If you aren’t committed and don’t find enjoyment in your work, you will not be successful. You read that correctly – you will not be successful if you do not enjoy what you do. You won’t have the fire you need to keep climbing that ladder.
• Schedule a meeting with your supervisor. Make sure that you’re being noticed in a positive way and that you are seen as an asset. When you meet with your supervisor, tell them that you’re committed to the company’s success, and that you’d like to share how you are contributing. Come prepared: update your portfolio to include projects that you’ve worked on. Make it a habit to jot down your accomplishments so you can highlight teams you’ve led, new training or certifications, and projects you’ve completed. Include stats (e.g., increased sales by 50 percent) where possible.
• Be intentional. If you plan on discussing a pay raise or want to move up within the organization, plan what you’re going to say so that you come across professionally. Make sure you have you have data and notes about your achievements and how they positively impacted the company.  Leading with your contributions makes the discussion performance-based, not based on emotions.
• Take initiative. You can’t stand out and be successful unless people know you’re there. Take the first step and request a role in a specific project. Asking for additional responsibility shows that you have the initiative to help with more than just what you are asked to do. Just be careful not to overcommit yourself so that you can fulfill the role on top of your normal duties.
• Stay out of it. You’ll be more likely to succeed in your role and to advance if you stay out of workplace drama and gossip. Set yourself apart by excelling in your work, having a positive attitude, and acting professionally.
• Attitude is key.  Remember, attitude is everything, especially when you are trying to persuade others to help you achieve your goals. At work, your attitude will influence how successful you allow yourself to be. If you want to stand out and make a good impression, think before you respond and keep your emotions in check. No one is perfect, but how you approach things can be.
• Ask for feedback. We don’t always want to hear that we need to improve, but useful feedback can help you grow stronger and take you one step closer to the success you want. In addition to constructive criticism about your performance, ask your supervisor what experiences you should pursue in order to earn a raise or promotion (for example, leading a project or supervising others).

Remember, workplace success looks different for everyone. Figure out what you want to achieve and use these suggestions as a guiding point to help you become as successful as you want to be!

Sharine Sample is the Regional Workforce Development Manager at Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina. Learn more about Goodwill’s employment services here.