5 Point Guide To Get Noticed At Work

Forget spouting the 'right phrases' and walking the boss's dog. There
are more solid ways to be noticed at work. And no, you don't have to
stoop to sycophancy and late hours. If you really want to stand out at
work, here are the things you should do:

1. Don't wait to be asked: Take the initiative and do little things
that impact the team, without being asked. Preparing progress reports,
putting back-ups in place or setting up reminders -- it's a sure way to
be noticed in a hurry. Very often, we only do as we are told and this
turns the boss into a task-master. You are acting like an adult,
paying attention and displaying foresight.

2. Don't shut up: Meetings are black holes that gulp time, attention
and energy. First off, don't sit in a corner or near the door which
indicates you are anxious to buzz off or remain unseen. Ask questions
and voice opinions -- but not too much. You don't want to be the person
that extends meetings pointlessly. Don't be afraid to disagree, just
do it in a way that address the issue and does not make it personal.

3. Jot it down: It's a boring job, but the rewards make up for it. The
reputation for being reliable is slowly built and start with small
steps. Keeping all the visiting cards you collect handy, phone numbers
in a file, pens in a stand, a calendar on your desk -- and you become
the goto guy for everything. Jot down every little deliverable, task,
errand so that you can remember or bring it up when everyone else has
forgotten.

4. Keep books around: Sure, you can find everything on the Internet,
but books give you an air of intellect. They also indicate that you
keep yourself updated, cross-check your knowledge and believe in
reference. Keep reference books, dictionary, thesaurus and journals
pertaining to your profession at hand in your cubicle or desk. People
may laugh at first, but then they'll head your way to look-up a thing
or two; then you can laugh back.

5. Know the staff: Be kind and respectful to the staff you don't have
to 'work' with -- janitors, liftman, peons and watchmen. But don't be
condescending. Know their names like you would your colleagues' and
address them by it. Treating people, from whom you have nothing to
gain materialistically, with respect immediately gives you exemplary
character traits. While you are at it, also know the names and a
little information about your colleagues' spouses and children.
--timesofindia