5 Steps to Distinguishing Yourself

Step 1 - Decide What You Want

This sounds simple, but it is often quite complicated. You might see the owner level as the ultimate goal, however you are not sure if the “owner model” in your firm is really worth the time and effort involved. Then you look at the Manager level and think that might be the way to go, however you don’t really know what it will take to get to that level. The bottom line is… you must know what your goal is before you can begin to negotiate about how to get there. Many times if you see the position you want and you let the right people know, strategies can be put into place to help you accomplish those goals. Without the goals, you are unable to even begin the process. Set the goals!

Step 2 - Determine your specific talents

Ask someone to tell you about the talents of their co-workers and they can come up with a very long list. Ask the same person to tell you about their personal talents and often they will stutter and look embarrassed. Determining your talents and “tooting your own horn” can be difficult; however, if you cannot tell others about what makes you special, don’t expect that they will automatically see those wonderful traits. You must learn to market yourself! Make an inventory of your cognitive strengths (education, certifications, classes taken), your affective traits (what motivates you, your values, your beliefs) and your conative behaviors (your instincts, how you prefer to work). With this comprehensive list developed, you will be ready to talk with management about the talents that you are bringing to the firm.

Step 3 - Commit to doing very little

It is interesting that some of the best people often are those that are unrecognized because they are busy doing lots of “stuff” but nothing that is noticed by firm management. That is because they are so engrossed in the STUFF! One of the best things you can do for yourself is to commit to doing very little, but do the few “carefully selected” things that you do very well. When you do important things very well, you will be noticed!

Step 4 - Find a Coach

The most successful people in business have developed relationships along their career path with people that can “coach” them to a higher level of productivity. The person must be someone who you trust to tell you the truth and who will help you see things about yourself that might be holding you back. These people will be very valuable to your long term success, but only if you listen to them with an open mind and then do what they say you should do. Changing behaviors that are seen as negative in the workforce are often hard, but if a trusted coach helps to open your eyes to those behaviors, they will be invaluable to your long term success.

Step 5 - Talk to the Decision Makers in the Firm

If you complete all the steps above and fail to have a conversation with the decision makers in the firm about your goals, you may never accomplish your long term objectives. You must have all of your information gathered and be confident in your abilities. Be prepared with a plan and be prepared to explain how your talents, goals and experience can be beneficial to the firm. When you show benefit to the firm, you have a much higher chance of a successful outcome.

Distinguishing yourself among your peers is not an easy endeavor, but it is certainly worth the time and effort that you need to put into it. The reward will be a career that is challenging, and fits your personal long term goals. You must plan, commit, build relationships and communicate… don’t put it off… begin your work today and reap the benefits for years to come.