Desperately Seeking Success? – Find It By Stepping Into The Spotlight

By Brian Maynor

The rules for success have changed, which means keeping your head down and doing your job well aren’t enough to get you noticed anymore.  To advance in today’s office means you need to be seen doing more than just a good job.  Think of success like a spotlight.  It only comes to those standing in it.

Career councilors, HR directors and bosses all seem to be looking for those employees who shine, especially if they are considering a promotion.  Here are the qualities they look for most:

1. Set yourself apart.  This is the name of the game.  If you want to become a leader it is imperative that you become an expert in at least one area.  While you will need to master any number of skills, there should be a few things you do better than anyone else in your office.   This will single you out as the ‘go to’ person as well as team player.
2. Be consistent.  This is one of the highest ranked qualities of a leader.  If your work performance looks like a rollercoaster you will be noticed, but not in the way you want.  Another consistency issue comes with your appearance.   Having a uniform style is important to establishing expectations.  Dramatically changing your look every day, just like inconsistent work product, calls into question your reliability.
3. Go beyond your job description.  If you want to gain exposure as a ‘go getter’ volunteering for projects outside your job is a great way to do it but it’s not just about participating in the project.  You have to excel in your actual job duties while volunteering for more or you’ll end up hurting your reputation and chance of advancement.
4. Stay informed.  No one likes the idea of homework, but if you want to stand out as a leader you need to stay abreast of the developments and advancements both within your industry and in the news generally.  No one is going to issue a require reading list but the initiative displayed will never go unnoticed.  That passion and commitment to becoming better is like a spotlight shining just on you.
5. Be authentic, both to yourself as well as others.  Beyond being trustworthy being authentic means being genuine.  In a game where you always want to put your best foot forward and that sometimes means fake it ‘til you make, it also means you can easily lose yourself in the professional persona you want to project.   Keeping your integrity means being true to yourself in your image, your expectations and your abilities.
6. Participate.  Showing up may be half the battle, but it’s not going to win you any accolades.  Participating in meetings and collaborating on projects is a great way to make managers take notice of you and your ideas.  If you sit in the back and never speak up, you’re essentially asking to be overlooked.  No one is going to just hand you a promotion.

Success today isn’t based on merit alone.  That may not be fair or the way it should be, but if you want to get ahead you have to accept it.

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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.