JC SiLent:You cant be that far away from me ; if we're looking on the same side of the moon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Nobody knows that I am good!
Mon, 06/22/2009 11:21 Eunike Hidajat
http://community.jobscentral.com.sg/node/386
In today's high pressure, dynamic job market, results alone aren't enough-you have to get them noticed. No matter what field you're in, self-promotion is a key factor in making sure that your talents will become well known and widely appreciated. Here are some ways to blow your own horn to create music for your ears!
By Joshua Rayan
With fewer corporate ladders to climb and a more dynamic workplace, it’s easy for hard-working employees to be overlooked for advancement and promotions. If this is happening to you, well you’re not alone. Many others are fed up of not getting the credit and limelight they deserve. The trick is to realise that when the attention doesn’t come to you, it’s time to seek it out and bring it to your cubicle!
Many of us were brought up to believe that “my work should speak for itself”, and that modesty is a desired virtue. Well, the game has changed. Modesty is still a virtue but so is speaking up and getting noticed! Don’t get us wrong, self-promotion is not bragging. It is, however, a list of simple skills and practices that can be learned, which are necessary to shine and start making things happen for yourself! You want the spotlight, well you got to chase for it!
Make it clear you're on your way up
Increasingly, bosses notice young execs not just for who they are, but for who they might become as well. You can’t know everything or everyone now. But if you don’t know anything, do you have the resources and initiative to find what’s needed? Do you have a strong network inside and outside of work to help you build your knowledge consistently?
Says consultant Mary Frances, whose career spans from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to manufacturing, hospitality and human resource, “There is no job or industry in which you can be rewarded entirely for your knowledge and performance. Everyone, from the technical person to the frontline receptionist to the senior manager, needs interpersonal skills to deal with clients, colleagues and superiors.”
Software engineer Jeff Tan agrees. “Even when you’re working with software or components, you have to do your job well but also be able to relate to others, because there are team assignments and deadlines, and often two heads are better than one,” says Jeff. “You have to know who to ask, and have people to help you.”
Self-promotion is as much about the product (you and your accomplishments/capabilities) as it is about promotion. So keep up with current events as well as specific developments that can have an effect on your field, or industry.
It's a team event
Bosses also like to see a team player – someone who isn’t stingy about letting their achievements, skills and knowledge benefit others around them. Do you jealously guard your secrets, or do you give of yourself – sharing your knowledge with others?
Jeff makes it a point to sometimes help colleagues working on other projects – after finishing up his own work, of course, or to change gears for a while as a break. “I just do it to help out and maybe learn something, but I do make sure my boss knows, especially if it takes time, or during performance review.”
However, don’t steal or hog the limelight. Jeff stresses: “I don’t mention every little thing I did, or make it seem like the others would have fallen apart without me.” When it is obvious that you are a valuable team player, good people will seek you out and with that comes praise and recognition.
Widen your circle-network!
“Many people dread the idea, but networking is here to stay, and it can make a real difference in your career, no matter what industry you’re in,” says Mary, adding that if you’re shy, don’t worry – it is definitely a skill that can be learned.
Networking simply means making a point to meet and get to know new people, whether in other departments, companies or even industries. This doesn’t have to mean super-socialising. For example, if you’re on a project and get to pick your project mates, pick people outside your immediate group, as well as people you think it would be helpful to know.
On a bigger scale, join professional or social organisations. It’s about visibility, so don’t be silent – have fun and participate! Once bonds start forming and others see you in action, they’re more willing to work with you or recommend you to someone they know.
Be the go-to-guy(gal)
Nothing speaks so highly of you as someone else praising you to your boss – especially when that someone else is a client. Do your job well, or better. Value your clients, and treat/serve them well. Remember, clients include external clients (your company’s customers) as well as internal ones (your colleagues, and other departments that work with your department). Be the person that people ask for when they want something from your department.
be pro-active
No one will hear you if you don’t speak up. Send your boss regular progress updates on your work assignments, or when you feel you’ve achieved something noteworthy. Don’t overdo it and pester them, though – weekly or even monthly updates is usually enough, depending on your work environment.
Keep a positive attitude. If you feel like you’re being overlooked, set up a meeting with your boss to discuss ways to improve the dynamics of your work flow/relationship. Does your boss need specific details or actions from you? Be positive, and make it clear you want your work to excel.
Jeff used to be more particular about workload and responsibilities, but over time and after some discussions with the boss, he’s developed a more flexible approach. “Things are a lot smoother now,” he smiles, “and my boss appreciates that I can take a bigger view and see things from his perspective.”
Your workplace has its own scenario. Be honest with yourself, and ask or work out what it is. Then, like Jeff, take steps to improve it.
Be disciplined-limit yourself
Choose your activities carefully, and focus on doing them well rather than trying to be seen all over the place. You want people to see you on your way up, not falling over with exhaustion! It’s not about doing it all at once.
Finally, most of us wish we could let our accomplishments speak for themselves. Sure, skills and results are important. But the plain truth is, if you want credit for your abilities and accomplishments, you need to find ways to get it. And remember, this isn’t a one-off chore to get over with as soon as possible. Demonstrating your accomplishments and capabilities is a life-long activity. So work out some things you can do, and then go self-promo – get moving, and speak up!
& 11:56 pm