A little effort brings big rewards in the workplace

The working world and the sports world have much in common. Everyone wants to get ahead, stand out on the team and be the star player the boss relies on. But on every team there are star players who stand out because of what they contribute. They are indispensable, and that's why their efforts are so highly praised. You may not seek fame in your job, but if you know your boss would go into panic mode if you were recruited to another organization, your time to shine has arrived. So how can you ensure you're the kind of team player your boss will keep in his corner? It may sound elementary, but the first place to start in the journey to being a star player is with your current job description. Take it out and dust it off, and get familiar with the duties you were hired to perform. Whether it is meeting quotas or deadlines, building relationships, or managing others, every employee was hired with certain tasks and duties to accomplish. Before trying to add new responsibilities, take the time and effort to do the basics well. Many people miss this key step and wonder why they can barely stay afloat later in their career. Mastering your current role will ensure you are on the right path to a great career. Just like in the sports world, getting ahead at work requires dedication, discipline and time. So if not having enough time is one of your favorite excuses for staying in the shadows at work, consider this: A recent survey by America Online and salary.com showed that the average American worker wastes up to two hours every eight-hour workday. Think of your time as a budget, and spend it accordingly. If you could invest 10 extra hours a week toward your career, think of all you could accomplish. You don't have to work overtime to impress the boss, just maximize the time you are at work, and before you know it, you will begin surprising yourself with all you can accomplish.The next step in becoming a star on your team is to go beyond what is expected. If deadlines are important for your work, make it a goal not just to meet them, but to finish early. Push yourself not just to make, but to beat quotas. Start with beating a deadline by one day or adding five percent to a quota, and then work up from there. Besides impressing your boss, going the extra mile helps you - when you complete your work more efficiently, you will have more time to increase your responsibilities and impress your boss.
Once you've mastered your current duties and have begun to exceed expectations, it's time to add more to your plate. Being proactive and asking for other tasks and projects is a great way to become a true star. As an added bonus, your effort will stand out in his or her mind at review time, and you can point to your increased responsibilities as justification for a raise or promotion. It's also a great way to gain experience in other areas related to your job but not included in it.Using training or professional development opportunities is a great way to go beyond the call of duty. Many organizations will even pay for job-related training. Ask if such opportunities are available and let your boss know you are interested in training sessions or funding for coursework that may be available. If your company doesn't offer much in the way of training, ask your boss about local seminars, clubs or courses that might be valuable. This may require time outside work, but the payoff can be huge. Employers who know you have the desire to learn more about your job will be assured of your commitment to your career and will likely consider you for the next promotion.As you grow in your career, it's important to keep track of your achievements. Keep a list of specific projects, deadlines and accomplishments as you advance in your job. Be able to demonstrate how you have helped save time or money, or how you have helped increased sales or profits, and you will be on your way to being an MVP. These tips can help ensure your place on the team doesn't go unnoticed. No matter what your job title, role, industry or aspirations, you can excel in your job and become a member of your boss's Employee Hall of Fame.


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