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Step 1
Bring at least 2 pens and a notebook to every meeting.
Looking prepared is good. Even better is offering a pen and paper to the guy who isn't prepared. A notebook, even if you are covertly doodling on the page, gives you the appearance of an attentive listener. -
Step 2
When you're running late, work from home.
Not everyone has the luxury of a work-from-home option, but you can cheat the system. When you call to say you're late, explain how you've been trying to make some calls, or finish that report, or have a new idea. Make it sound as if you are late because you are just that focused on work. -
Step 3
Assist on projects outside of your department.
Small favors go a long way. The other department will sing your praises, just for helping. It offers you an excuse for any delays on your own work, can broaden experience on your resume, and gives the impression that you go above and beyond your job description. Don't forget to mention this when you ask for a raise. -
Step 4
Learn to type fast, read fast, and walk fast.
One way to do half as much as your co-workers, or to never be stuck late at work, is learn to do everything they do at twice the speed. When viewing documents, skim through and highlight things that stand out so you can quickly reference them later. Keep your files, digital and paper, well organized so you don't repeat efforts. If every year you right out a five year plan, use last year's version as a starting point to save time on outlines, formatting, and verbage. -
Step 5
Know the end goal before you start. Then streamline, streamline, streamline.
There is a tendency of management to ask for way more than they need, and then narrow it down from there. Whether it is a report, a clean-up project, a new campaign, a new client, etc. put some forethought into it and avoid doing more than you must.
Ask these important questions:
Who is the audience?
How will this work be used/applied?
Is it similar to past projects which can be used as templates or starting points?
Is there an alternative project you can suggest to make the work completely unnecessary? -
Step 6
Have a sense of humor, and use it to your advantage.
Laughing at the expense of others can be passive-aggressive or condescending. Instead, learn to laugh at yourself and get others laughing as well. It demonstrates modesty, even on an egomaniac, and makes you more accessible to co-workers.
If you want to be the joke-ster at work, great. But avoid any disparaging or questionable jokes. You think that certain office mates love your politically incorrect humor, but they may be biting there lip and waiting for the chance to use it against you. -
Step 7
A cliche based in truth is that 'you are only as good as the people below you'. Remember too that the higher they climb, the higher they lift you.
Know the people below you. Look for their potential, discover their career interests, and provide opportunities for them to gain experience. Career newbies are willing to put in more sweat and go above the call of duty, which means they are willing to help with your workload. Make sure what you assign them is worth their time and meets their interests, otherwise they may be less willing to help in the future. Whatever you teach them to do, have them type instructions which you can give to your next helper.
