In the last letter, I talked a little bit about blowing your own horn while being a team player. I want to flesh out the mechanics of that act, because it’s a difficult thing to do.
How do you let people know about your talents and contributions while still appearing to be a team player? Well, it’s always a delicate process that has to be experimented with, every time. But here are some generic suggestions:
- Do your job first. There is nothing that will immediately turn people off more than shirking any responsibilities you already have to try to grab someone else’s. Exceed expectations. Show that you can do more with less, or for a lesser cost, or take the toughest assignments, or the ones that no one wants. Show you can do the things assigned you before anything else. And once you do a great job on your own tasks, it’s reasonable to ask for more or to go deeper.
- Make it a proposition. The worst way to position yourself in your peers’ or superiors’ eyes is to call attention to your own brilliance. “Hey look at me, aren’t I doing a great job” will just gain you groans. What you have to do is make your next step a proposition. Instead of saying “I did all my work, what else you got for me?”, pay attention to what’s needed and offer your involvement; “I figure we are going to need approval on these funds – can I put together a proposal?” “I don’t think anyone has planned for a speaker – can I work on getting us one?”. Make your peers and superiors aware of a need, and offer to fill it.
- Show enthusiasm. Everyone likes someone who has a smile on their face. If you do the work cheerfully and show some enthusiasm for the product, guess who is likely to be elected or selected to take a leadership role?
- Be humble. Don’t let your responsibilities or recognition go to your head, and more people will be willing to let the accolades stay fresh.
Just a few minor suggestions to flesh that last one out.
