Maybe you’ll win the lottery. Or a wealthy relative will leave you a fortune.
But if neither possibility turns into reality, you’ll have to go to work tomorrow, where your best chance of getting ahead is to be the best employee you can.
Here’s some advice for making an impact at work:
Be positive
Managers and co-workers like working with people who are upbeat and enthusiastic.
You don’t have to force a fake smile on your face every minute of the day, but refrain from complaints, cynicism, and sarcasm at work. Support what’s working, and fix what needs to work better.
Communicate
The ability to express your ideas clearly is one of the most important skills you can master.
Concentrate on getting your messages across in concrete, concise language that everyone can understand without confusion.
Compliment people
Tell people sincerely when you appreciate their work, their assistance, or their support.
Highlight their tangible achievements, connect your praise to your organization’s goals, and don’t overdo it. Everyone, including your supervisor, likes to hear, “Thank you,” or, “Good work.”
Be honest
Admit your mistakes, and ask openly about things you don’t understand.
“Fake it till you make it,” has a place in your career strategy, but in the long run you’ll do better by being up front with your supervisors and colleagues.
Keep learning
Don’t rely too long on what’s worked for you in the past. A commitment to your own development shows that you’re serious about your career, and gets the attention of managers looking for tomorrow’s leaders.