Taking initiative in the office is always a good thing—it keeps you energized, challenged, and excited to take on the next obstacle that comes your way. But you know what could make it even better? If your boss was watching when you were on your A-game—and loved what you were doing so much so that he or she considered you for a promotion.
Luckily, you can kill two birds with one stone by using these nine strategies to take intiative in all the right ways, just as the higher-ups happen to have an eye on you. What could be better?
- Offer to take on more work or tackle projects that no one is grabbing (or wants to do). (Chron)
- Make an effort to be be the type of employee who your team members want to work with by making others a priority, asking for advice, and not complaining. (Forbes)
- Better yet, up the team morale by complimenting or bragging about a fellow colleague’s amazing work. (Main Street)
- Here’s an easy one: Take 10 minutes to clean up your office. It not only can improve your producticity, it also shows your boss that you care about your work environment. (Lifehack)
- No one wants to learn that new content management system or series of Excel hacks? Learn a new skill to illustrate that you’re in it to win it. (Fast Company)
- While you don’t want to be constantly talking about yourself or doing so at the expense of your team, knowing how to promote yourself correctly can really help in the long run. Remember, you’re your biggest advocate. (LinkedIn)
- You’d be surprised how talking less and asking more of the right questions can lead to new opportunities. (Michael Hyatt)
- On the flip side, if you’re the shy one on the team, don’t be afraid to let your ideas be known at meetings or when talking with your boss and peers. (Fortune)
- Another secret to impressing your boss? Take initiative by setting up regular meetings together to check in. (The Daily Muse)