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If we want to succeed, we need to be noticed, which means that we must somehow stand out from our colleagues. Preferably without prejudice to their interests. Psychologies columnist Olivier Bourkeman explains how to accomplish this dual challenge.
Business coaches say that it is difficult to count on professional growth if you do not stand out in the team. But by what means and at what cost can we make ourselves known? Here are some psychological subtleties to consider.
Goal
The first thing to remember is that getting attention is not as difficult as it might seem.
The second important thing is that the most obvious ways are sometimes the least effective. In other words, you should not run for coffee for your boss, it will be perceived as a toady (unless, of course, bringing coffee is not included in your official duties). A peremptory tone towards your subordinates in meetings will not add to your authority, but will create a reputation for being obnoxious. Sincerely try to be helpful. Always keep in mind that others see perfectly well when we are just trying to be influential and when we are really influential.
Theory
Rare spectacular deeds do little. You will achieve more by focusing on small steps towards your goal. They are so important that renowned business coach Jeff Olson even dedicated a book to them.1. Insignificant, at first glance, the rules that you adhere to will eventually bear fruit and set you apart from the crowd.
Don’t try to guess what the boss wants. Most bosses will be happy if you just ask what needs to be done first.
Become, for example, that employee who always completes work on time (This is a much more effective tactic than sometimes doing everything extremely quickly, and other times breaking the deadline — because such a person cannot be relied upon). Become the employee who comes up with a worthwhile idea at every meeting.
Ask yourself what process or project is giving your boss headaches, and be the one to lighten his burden. The well-known advice “just work harder than others” will only lead to burnout, for which hardly anyone will reward you.
Here’s what to try
1. Feel free to promote yourself. It’s not about boasting, it makes a repulsive impression. But why go to the other extreme? A short letter to the boss with a message about what has been done is not bragging, but only informing about the progress of things. And a guarantee that your efforts will be noticed.
2. Remember the Benjamin Franklin effect: “The one who once did you good will help you again more willingly than the one whom you yourself helped.” Paradoxically, it is easier to win people over by asking them to do a favor than vice versa by doing them a favor. The secret is that when we help someone, we want to think that this person deserves our efforts, and we unwittingly begin to feel good for him.
3. Just ask. Many people think that in order to be appreciated, they need to figure out what the boss wants. It’s a delusion. Most bosses will be happy if you just ask what needs to be done now. And you will save a lot of energy.
1 J. Olson «The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness» (GreenLeaf, 2005).