How to Be The MVP at Work

vemuda.com - Survival for the fittest they said and indeed it is quite difficult to do away with the competitive streak found in human beings. Competition between employees is an inescapable part of most people’s lives at work.

Most companies create a dynamic in which employees compete against each other for recognition, bonuses, and promotions.

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In fact some research suggests that such competition motivates employees, makes them put in more effort, and achieve results as it increases psychological activation, which prepares the body and mind for increased effort and enables higher performance.

Good competitiveness as per the publication Psychology Today is the drive to accomplish a goal, bring out the best in individuals and helps them understand themselves.

If you’re a working then it is inevitable that you would find yourself dragged into the race and as the company grows so does the staffing and this increases the number of people you have to compete with.

Furthermore, it may end up causing you fear and anxiety as employees tend to focus on the threat of being laid off, losing income and missing out on promotions.

Being submerged in the crowd of mediocrity can therefore spell doom for you and it is imperative that you up your game and stand out in order to be more valuable to your employer and advance in your career.

In today’s post, I’m going to share with you researched backed tips on how to be the most valuable player at work.

1. Dress for Success

If you’re thinking that dressing doesn’t count at the work place then you are dead wrong! You have probably heard of the phrase dress for success and it actually rings true.

In the professional world, your first impression will last. Many might say the way you look at work doesn’t matter; it’s only your capability and knowledge that counts. And if you’re one of them, you need to re-evaluate the scenario all over again.

It’s important to dress well and appropriately in the professional world. Dressing well will not only increase your self-confidence and earn you respect but it will also impress and attract other people.

The way you look and carry yourself creates an impression on the people you work alongside.

While some companies give freedom of choice in what one would like to wear, this is still something that everyone needs to pay attention to.

Men usually have fewer options when it comes to clothes. In a corporate environment, it’s recommended to have a clean shave with well-trimmed hair along with a crisp shirt and trousers with polished shoes in simple cool colors that are not flashy.

Women should always avoid plunging necklines and short skirts as well as chunky accessories.

2. Always Offer Suggestions

Always make suggestions wherever you can. Try to come up with solutions to problems that are plaguing the company or the projects being handled.

Do not wait for your boss to come up with solutions and fix everything and never complain about a problem when it arises.

Taking the initiative to propose solutions and making suggestions will project a positive impression to your boss.

It goes to show that you value your job and consider the company’s interests. Even if your boss declines some of your ideas, do not be dispirited.

Keep thinking of relevant ideas whenever the need arises and eventually one of your ideas will be accepted and implemented.

3. Do Your Job Well

If you are underperforming and failing to accomplish your tasks then it is no wonder that you are undervalued at work. Some employees fail to perform even the most basic requirement of their job.

Underperforming will leave your job hanging on by a thread as it shows you are incapable of handling your duties.

Employees who are professional and work efficiently and effectively will always stand out because of their excellent performance. It will frustrate your boss if he has to monitor, manage and correct your deficiencies in work.

Conversely, if your boss doesn’t have to spend energy in monitoring you then you will be a favorite to him as he will have time to tend to his own duties.

4. Get to Know Your Boss

Promotions, bonuses and salary increments all depend on your boss. Therefore it is imperative to impress your boss if you want to progress in your career and it’s impossible to impress someone you don’t know anything about.

So, keep an eye out for what your boss positively responds to and capitalize on that. Improving your relationship with your boss will only serve to benefit you.

5. Monopolize a Specific Skill

Find a skill that is needed in the company or a specific task that needs to be done and try to make sure that you are the only one able to accomplish it.

You will find yourself noticed by the management and it will make you indispensable to the company. You might even find yourself promoted as companies will always try to retain talented employees.

6. Volunteer Wherever You Can

Be willing to go an extra mile by taking up responsibilities that aren’t required of you or lending a helping hand where possible.

If someone sends an email out asking for volunteers, take up the offer. If someone sends out an email about a new initiative in the company, reply by saying, "This sounds great! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I would love to be a part of this!"

7. Be a Team Player

We all know that colleague in the office who never talks to anyone and who is simply not good company. Maybe they don’t know how to interact with others or they don’t put any effort to it. These people definitely stand out but not in a nice way.

To truly be indispensible to the company, you not only need to prove yourself to the management but also to your colleagues.

Offering help to colleagues when they are stuck will improve your work relationship.with them. If they always turn to you for help or for leadership in a project then it speaks a lot about you.

8. Stay Current with Technology and Trends

The world of technology is constantly advancing and these changes will always impact various industries which will include your company.

Try to be up to date with the new and emerging trends in technology. This will make you the go to person as you’ll hold valuable skills relevant for the growth of the company.

Consequently you will be more valued by your boss not just for your skill but also for your flexibility and growth mindset.

9. Improve your Communication Skills

Oral and written communication proficiencies are consistently ranked in the top ten desirable skills by employer surveys year after year.

This is because a lot of tasks depend on the sharing of information which makes communication very essential.

Employees are often encouraged to take online courses and in-person training to improve their presentation and communication skills.

Being able to communicate effectively can be the spark that creates opportunities for you. Especially in the world of today of twitter and texting, having good communication skills will give you an advantage over others.

10. Have a Positive Attitude

Having a positive attitude in the workplace won't necessarily make you better at your job, but it will improve the way people view you as a person and they will be more inclined to help you succeed and cheer you on.

The general consensus among experts is that showing a positive attitude is all about your demeanor. Showing a smile rather than looking miserable can alter the mood of an entire office.

Not complaining is also a sign of a positive attitude. A positive attitude will also motivate you into trying new things and will keep you feeling brave when brainstorming new ideas.

Projecting a positive attitude will make your boss recognize you as someone who promotes a good working environment which will directly increase your worth in the company.

11. Do Not Be Quiet in a Meeting

During a meeting there are two kinds of people – the ones who take the front stage and those who take the back stage.

There will always be that one person who just refuses to shut up and seems to hog all the spotlight to himself.

These are the proactive people who take the front stage and while this may seem overenthusiastic to other employees, to the management, they see them as valuable team players who participate.

As for those who keep quiet perhaps as a show of thoughtfulness and humility, they take the backstage.

The management will often take this as a sign of them being disengaged, distracted and not confident.

It is also not a good idea to wait for the meeting to end so that you voice your opinion as it minimizes your contribution. So it is imperative that you participate.

To ensure that your suggestions are relevant, you should first find out the purpose of the meeting as well as why your presence is necessary so that you may be able to know what you are expected to contribute.

12. Be Confident

People who stand out at work are normally those who are confident in themselves. They come up with new ideas and stand by them.

They defend their opinions and don’t just take no for the sake of it. These are people who will go out of their way to learn and try out new things and they easily become leaders.

Being confident will allow you to speak concisely and with clarity.

Professionals who communicate with confidence can convey what they want to their clients and co-workers in a clear and efficient manner.

One must always be confident at work to gain visibility. No one is born confident so you need to take the initiative and encourage yourself to develop confidence while dealing with people and work.

13. Take Responsibility

Responsibility is the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something; a duty or task that you are required or expected to perform.

In a workplace, responsibility drives business results. Responsible workers are more engaged and hold themselves accountable to deliver results.

Being responsible is not always enjoyable, and it’s not always easy but it stands to testify for your integrity. Everyone one makes mistakes but there is no worse thing than shifting blame.

14. Be Goal Oriented

Being goal-oriented is a valuable personal quality that can produce impactful results in your career. No matter your level, job title or industry, it is important to learn the ability to navigate the process of setting goals, reviewing your progress and revising your strategy.

You will be able to focus more and it will provide you with the motivation to accomplish tasks efficiently.

Well, that’s all we have for you today. Hopefully with these tips you can start working on becoming the MVP in your workplace. With that said, I’ll see you all in the next one.