We all get it—we all want to make our mark. But, do you know the things that make you stick out as a worker? These are some things that might make you stand out from your coworkers.
As you know, you need to make a difference and do more than just go through the motions at your job. Your colleagues need to see that you are a leader in your organization and you’re not afraid to challenge the status quo when necessary.
Here are seven ways to make sure you stand out from the crowd.
Take care of your appearance
When you look presentable, you are more likely to be perceived as competent, credible, and trustworthy. The first impression you make on people in the workplace sets the tone for the relationship you’ll build with your coworkers and the success you’ll have in your new role.
Research shows that employees who dress professionally and groom themselves well are more likely to get promoted, earn higher salaries, and be happier in their jobs.
Listen when people talk
The second psychological principle is reciprocity, which means that in order to get people to feel valued, you have to show that you care about them. And that you care about them by giving them something they want.
It’s a fundamental principle of human nature. In order to get someone to do something for you, you have to give them something they want.
In short, if you want someone to do something for you, then give them something they want. That’s the basic principle behind the concept of reciprocity.
Ask questions
How many times have you found yourself in a meeting or brainstorming session and felt like you were the only person in the room who didn’t understand the concept, point, or strategy being discussed? We all have been there. It happens to us all.
The secret is not asking stupid questions. It’s asking smart questions. Here’s what it takes to stand out in a room full of people, even in a room full of people who are smarter than you: Ask smart questions.
Be open-minded and honest
You may have a specific set of beliefs that are the result of your upbringing or education. Those beliefs are what make you unique in the world, but they are not the only way to live or think.
Don’t be afraid to be honest about your beliefs if they are different from those of your colleagues. That doesn’t mean you need to completely change your beliefs; instead, try to incorporate new beliefs into your thinking.
The result could be a greater understanding of how others feel or think.
Stay calm in the face of stress
How do you stay calm in the face of stress? The answer is simple—you act like everyone else around you. By acting as if you are stressed, people will begin to wonder if there’s something wrong with you.
People often respond better to you if they feel like you’re just like them. They’ll be more likely to trust you and take you more seriously than if you show up angry or nervous. When you’re anxious, chances are you’re going to appear stressed.
To put your best foot forward, keep your composure and act naturally.
Don’t assume everyone is like you
The last thing you want to do is to assume that all of your co-workers are the same as you. You don’t want to show up to work one day and start acting like the new boss.
People don’t want to work with people who are constantly on the lookout for the next promotion or raise. People want to work with people who bring out the best in themselves.
They want to see their best selves at work. That’s why you need to make sure you’re constantly working on developing yourself as a person.
At the same time, there’s nothing wrong with trying to set yourself apart and buying a gift for boss.
Smile more
To improve your ability to smile, make sure to smile at people who aren’t smiling back. The reason is pretty simple: When we see someone else smile, it makes us want to smile, too.
And that means that if you’re around someone else who smiles all day long, you’ll smile more, too. Smile more, therefore, to stand out from your coworkers and to look friendly and approachable.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, when you’re standing out from your coworkers, you have to keep your motivation high and have a vision of where you want to end up.
You have to focus on your goals. You have to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. You can’t compare yourself to others. You have to evaluate yourself on your own merits and achievements.
Keep this in mind because if you don’t, it’ll be too easy to get lost in the crowd.