The views expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
As the CEO and co-founder of a growing technology company, I have had the privilege of overseeing tons of of employees as they have come through our team. From leading a team of 5 to managing a robust team of over 150, I have seen first-hand what it takes for employees to face out from the crowd.
The excellent news is that standing out is more straightforward and attainable than you would possibly think. Whether you’re looking for a promotion, looking for a mentor, or just wish to be more recognizable to your team, here’s what your boss may be looking for.
1. Objectively speaking, you are great at your job.
This could seem obvious, but being good at what you do is a huge a part of getting noticed. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or you’re in a management position. Either way, performance is key. There are many aspects that help someone stand out, but I think this one is the most significant.
If you should stand out, make sure your KPIs and other metrics are meeting (or ideally exceeding!) your goals and that you’re performing well in your role. (*3*) is also a factor – hitting your goals occasionally is not a substitute for ongoing excellence. The more often you’re winning and driving your online business forward, the higher.
In addition, showing initiative by identifying problems and proposing solutions can set you apart. Employees who go above and beyond their job descriptions to contribute their very own ideas show a level of commitment that is noticeable. It’s not only about doing all of your job well—it’s also about taking ownership and showing that you care about the company’s success as much as you do about your individual.
If you’re currently struggling with your performance, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback to see how you possibly can improve. This is also showing initiative! And when you exceed expectations or accomplish something great in your role, make sure to document your success in case you could share it in the future.
2. Generally speaking, you are liked
Meeting all performance criteria is vital, but if you are rude or demeaning to other team members, it does not enable you stand out in the right way. Being nice and approachable to the remainder of the team (each managers and coworkers) shows that you care about greater than just yourself.
Our culture at Lemonlight really emphasizes a positive attitude at work, so that’s one of the things I look for the most. (This could be a great indicator of what your leaders will probably be looking for! When in doubt, modeling your organization values will likely enable you get noticed.)
If you have the opportunity to attach with your team members, offer support to someone who needs it, or just be a friendly face in the office or on Zoom, benefit from the opportunity. It’s a great option to feel more integrated into your team AND a great option to get senior leaders to take notice.
3. You are wanting to learn
Finally, I really respect and appreciate individuals who are working on self-improvement, in search of growth in their role, or staying on top of their industry. A real desire to be great is noticeable and impressive — and hard to fake!
People who are wanting to learn see mistakes as learning opportunities moderately than failures. They focus on improving and finding solutions, which is much more productive than dwelling on problems or blaming others. This approach to self-improvement also leads to higher results, so it could actually work doubly to your advantage.
If you should stand out, take the initiative to hunt down learning opportunities: formal education, online courses, and even reading industry-related articles and books are all great options. Attending conferences, networking with industry professionals, and attending workshops can even enable you learn and stay ahead of trends. You can even ask your manager what resources they think could be useful to enable you grow.
Being proactive about your development shows that you are committed to your role and the company. It shows that you are not only doing the bare minimum to survive, but are actively looking for ways to face out and add more value to the team.
As I’ve watched our team grow over the years, many things have modified, but these basic traits are at all times the hallmarks of a great worker. We’ve had many team members—each past and present—who will at all times stand out because they emulated these traits.
If you’re looking for recognition, focus on these elements. Being great at your job, being liked, and having a thirst for knowledge are the things that make star employees stand out. Embrace these elements, and you’ll be well on your option to making a lasting impression and achieving your profession goals.