3 ways to stand out without being a show-off

For the go-getters and high-achievers, standing out at work is in their DNA. Blending in and being average is not good enough for those who want to climb high to reach new levels in their careers. Whether you want to impress the manager or boss, be someone your co-workers look up to, or simply want to push yourself to be your best, standing out at work is the way to shine by proving your worth.

That said, there can be a fine line between standing out and showing off. Praise for hard work and dedication won’t come readily when you are full of yourself. You can be proud of your talents and accomplishments, but there is a way to do so without putting others off. Tooting your own horn will not be necessary when your abilities and achievements are the star of the show. Be a stellar employee and do great work and it will not go unnoticed.

Here are three ways you can stand out without being a showoff. Be held in high regard and valued by your peers and management, no braggadocio required.

Show Up Early, But Make Those Moments Count

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The early bird catches the worm, but only with a mission to make it happen. Just showing up does not make for success, you must be present with purpose. Make it your mantra to get up and at ’em, and beat the traffic to make it to your desk before the rest of the bunch file in.

But as per LinkedIn, make this time count… and not just for yourself, but for the benefit of the company as a whole. “Do something visibly worthwhile for the company. Take care of unresolved problems from the day before. Set things up so it’s easier for employees to hit the ground running when they come in. Be the one who gets in early or stays late in order to get things done. Not only will your performance stand out, you’ll also start to.”

Never Procrastinate… Start Now & Do It Well

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An eager attitude and an energetic demeanor will make it known that you are a hard worker and dedicated employee who is ready for action at any time. Putting things off or doing minimal work is not going to prove you have value. According to The Muse, when “you have a sense of urgency,” you will stand out to your boss. “High-performing employees have a sense of urgency to get things done as they arise to avoid getting backed up with tasks.”

Forbes adds, “To stand out (and get promoted, if that’s your goal), you need to do outstanding work that will get you seen by your boss and others in management roles. Look for ways you can go above and beyond the daily requirements.”

Be Reliable and Helpful

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Can you be counted on to get the job done well and on time? Do others seek out your help and advice when it counts most? Are you always prepared and ready for action? If so, you are already a standout, and surely, others are aware of and impressed by your work ethic.

As Forbes suggests, “Don’t wait for someone to approach you; pitch in when it appears they might need some help. Help others because you want to, not because you expect something in return.” And The Muse adds, “A truly responsible employee will follow through on any mistakes made in the task completion, take ownership, and ensure that he or she can still be relied on in the future.”

Follow these three pieces of advice and you will not need to show off your skills, they will be evident. Do your best and you will stand out above the rest!

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