Be irreplaceable. Everyone risks losing their job, being turned away from a job or worse, fired. A job is never just about the skills required, your time there will depend on relationship building and fantastic people skills. Those who rise to the top of a company are the ones busy investing their time and bringing value to a company in unique and creative ways. This applies to interns as well, read here to learn how to get more out of your internship.
How would you feel if you:
Were the go-to person in the office?
Were considered an inspiration at work?
Were to be invited to all office meetings to have the chance to mingle with those who could have an impact on your life?
Were guaranteed a promotion?
Henry David Thoreau said: “Success comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
1. Don’t just be early, be early and ready to kick-start the day. It won’t take long for people to realise that you are leading by example. It also gives you more time to go over a presentation or pitch. You can even make coffee for your team before they come in, to really show off that you have arrived early.
2. Go above and beyond. Some people decide to give 80% so then it is noticed when they are putting in 100% effort. Not only is this ineffective but it doesn’t show off your true colours. Always calculate how you can over-deliver on the promise you have made. Print out an individual copy for each member at the weekly meeting, have everything organised in a nice folder, or set up a Christmas card list months in advance.
3. Never make promises you can’t keep. We have all been on the receiving end of someone not holding true to a promise they have made and at work, it can be devastating. In a professional environment it doesn’t just leave a bitter taste in our mouth but can have terrible consequences. Always be certain that you can meet the requirements of the promises you make and if you mess up or make a mistake, inform the appropriate person straight away to avoid disappointment.
4. Don’t be the person who gives advice no one asked for. Nobody likes a know-it-all. Rather than be a jack of all trades, it is more powerful to be a true expert in a small niche. Sometimes, the route to becoming irreplaceable is though the thing you didn’t say, do not give advice unless asked and do not share your opinion unless necessary, and even then a great skill is to wait until everybody else has shared their opinion first.
5. Be honest and use case studies. Everybody loves a good story, notice I said story, not gossip. When you can, draw on personal experiences, there is no need to be theatrical but be confident. Engage listeners through case studies and interesting metaphors.
6. Leave your footprint on everything that you do — but never point one out. It is about quality over quantity, never boast about your achievements and always be classy. Be a little mysterious and let others figure you out, but at the same time, make sure others are aware of how much work you are putting in. When editing a document, leave a small note with your name on it or write a thank you card to your client.
7. Let your personality shine through. Be a positive influence and be an approachable person. Don’t have others think you are perfect because then when you do mess up, they will find joy in it. You have to be human, not a robot so share emotions and what you get up to outside of the office. By building friendships in the office, they will struggle to let you go.
These are the habits that will get you started on the path. Commit to one, two or all of them over the next few weeks, and see the results, don’t forget to let us know how you get on.