When you finally find a job you love, it’s a cause for celebration. But it’s also wise to think about ways to excel in your new position and keep it as long as possible.
Unlike everyday stepping stones in the career ladder, the rare ‘dream job’ comes along once in a blue moon — so you’ll need to devise a strategy that encourages employers to retain your talents for as long as possible.
To help you in your journey, take a look at these seven workplace behaviours that will put you a cut above your peers.
1. Do as you’re told – but don’t always wait to be asked
In the business world, you’ll have to strike a fine balance between following orders and acting on initiative. Where this balance lies will depend on the culture that your manager has cultivated. Nevertheless, make a point of acting on initiative every once in a while to prove to your boss that you can think outside the box.
2. Continue training
Many people who fall into a job that satisfies them run the risk of stultification. After all, why learn new skills if you have no plan to job-hop?
But keeping hold of that dream job means developing your skills. You can do this by undertaking one of our many online degrees, or through on-the-job training.
If you can illustrate how far you’ve travelled since starting, you’ll line yourself up as a promising promotion candidate.
3. Maintain the culture
A company’s culture takes years of development — it’s the engine that powers all internal and external relationships and operations.
Not only should you respect and play your part within this culture, you should also venture to improve upon it.
If you notice a flaw in the working practices of your company, let your boss know. They’ll appreciate the input and you’ll highlight yourself as a star employee who’s perceptive.
4. Don’t nurture conflict
Office politics are almost unavoidable in any place where conflicting personalities meet.
However, an ability to resolve conflict rather than create it will make you stand out in your workplace as potential management material.
5. Know when to learn and when to teach
It can be tempting to showcase all your talents in the first week of entering a new job.
But to stop yourself looking like a braggart, learn from your new co-workers and discover how your skillset can be developed with their input.
6. Keep track of your progress
Many organisations will organise a series of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to improve your skills and align them with their values.
But if they don’t, keep extensive notes of any training, personal development or other improvements you’ve made. This will benefit you in progress reviews and might even help you spot holes in your skillset.
7. Network
Even if you’re at home in your current company, it’s important to have a strong network of professionals outside your organisation.
This network could provide you with fresh business opportunities, expand your pool of corporate strategies, and keep you informed of industry news.
These 7 tips will keep you relevant in your job, convince management they can’t do without you and could even put you in line for a promotion — start following them today.
For more business motivation, take a look at our blog.