10 Ways To Stand Out In The Workplace

Heidi DTLA 6 rsz
Most of us have an established routine we follow everyday. Day in and day out, we wake up, get to work, and anticipate for the moment we can go home and have a glass of cabernet sauvignon and relax. I love a nice glass of wine just as much as the next girl, but take it from me, if you want to get ahead in your career and get the promotion you’ve been dying for, take your thoughts off the vino and put your focus into your work. The workplace is not the time to be the unmemorable wallflower, with an average job performance. When you set foot in your place of work, that is the time to show how dynamic of a worker you are and how serious you take your career. Luckily for you, I have the 10 essential ways to do just that. Follow this mini-guide on how to stand out in the workplace. 1. Always Represent Your Brand Have a passion for your company and what you do. Not only will your enthusiasm for your company show in your behavior but this will heighten the quality of work you do and, ultimately, impress your employer (and clients). 2. Dress The Part When you’re at work, you want to look the part and dress in a professional manner. The last thing you want to do is look underdressed, revealing or unkempt. Dedicate time to establish a solid and stylish wardrobe for work - which over time will become automatic and effortless.  If you wear a work inform, always make sure your uniform is clean, your hair is neat, avoid chipped polish ( I use gel-polish as it lasts longer and I know some busy ladies who now just buff their nails at home which is less high-maintenance but equally polished) and make sure that your makeup is not overboard. These same rules also apply to those without a designated uniform, as well.
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3. Contribute Regularly In Meetings When in a meeting, many find it easy to simply sit and agree to what is being discussed. However, your employer is looking for those that speak up and have something to contribute to the issues at hand. Go into a meeting prepared and understand what topics are going to be discussed. Convey your ideas in a simple manner, but with enthusiasm. Show that you are in-tune and interested with whats being discussed by asking intelligent questions. 4. Be Proactive Being proactive entails taking the initiative to take control of a situation and its outcome, i.e. to find the solution to any obstacle before a problem arises. Therefore, keeping any issues at bay. As a boss - I find that the my most valuable team members are those that not only see problems - they provide suggestions on how to overcome said issues.
Heidi DTLA 13 rsz
5. Take The Lead When Possible Exercise and develop your leadership skills (yes its a skill - and anyone can develop them with time and practice) by taking the initiative to take the lead every once in . a while. Offer to take the on a new project or  spearhead the planning of the company's annual picnic. It may not be the most prestigious or glamorous assignment but, whatever it may be, find an activity that needs to be done and accomplish it. In fact, taking on non-glamorous and low-key projects is best when you its your first time taking on something as a lead. Look for projects that will showcase your skills, as well, this will be a plus when the time comes for your evaluation. 6. Go Above & Beyond It's amazing to me that 80% of the time - most people are just doing the minimum at work. Leaders and oustanding employees are always continually striving to improve. Do this by listening to the feedback you receive from your employer or co-workers and actually apply whats being said to your performance. Soon you’ll realize that all the areas they would need to correct your work, no longer need correcting. This will save them the headache of extra work and impress them, at the same time.
Heidi DTLA 4 rsz
7. Be A Team Player Don’t be the lone-wolf kind of worker. Being a team player will help you develop necessary and valuable relationships with your co-workers and show your employer that you get along well with others- which is essential in the workplace. 8. Be Friendly and Kind, Without Being A Pushover Similar to be a team player, being friendly and kind to those in the workplace will help you to build good relationships with those you work with. Take an interest in your co-workers. Be available to help them when they need assistance. However, don’t let anyone take advantage of you and your kindness. Don’t become the person everyone thinks they can dump their work on when they don’t want to do the work themselves.
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9. Own Up To Your Mistakes Don’t be the person that tries to place their mistakes on others or shift the blame onto someone else. Be honest and own up to the mistakes you’ve made. Your co-workers and employers will appreciate you for it. 10. Communicate Effectively

From experience, a lot of friction at work is actually due to miscommunication or words said in anger. I find that just repeating what someone has told you in your own words, or discussing (in a friendly way) about vague issues resolves a lot. Be aware when your emotions are taking over - when I am feeling angry, I try to hold off saying anything or emailing anyone for a couple of hours. Anger and frustration can stop you from thinking clearly and saying things you will later regret. Being a great communicator is one of those skills that will help you in all aspects of your professional and personal lives -which is why, it's also the most valuable skill.


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RESPONSES

  • Cornelia says:

    Thanks for this great tips Heidi. I’m quite sure I follow some of the tips – like dressing the part, being pro-active and friendly with colleagues. I will make sure I’ll take note of the others.

  • Sofia says:

    Oh, these are good. I can learn a lot from these tips. I’ve always wanted to step up a notch and make a little name for myself but not to brag about it. Thank you for these 🙂

  • Aaliyah Jane says:

    Owning to one’s mistake is kinda hard to do. I must admit that’s something I fail to do. Sometimes I pretend I didn’t know anything wrong, but at the end of the day, I feel guilty about it.

  • Kylene says:

    Thanks for these. I need to know these to be able to show my colleagues that I can stand out and make them proud of me.

  • Yasmine Cross says:

    Thanks for sharing these great tips, your post helps me a lot with my current workplace situation. I’ve been getting agitated lately and feeling left-out, so after reading this article, I think I am saved. Thanks so much!

  • MJ says:

    Dressing the part – now that’s something I need to do, considering that I lack the substantial amount of dresses to wear in the office. But I’ve got some really comfy-looking ones which could work. I think I’ll also take your last advice, communicate effectively. I’m actually quite shy around people, but I need to build up my speaking skills so that my colleagues and I can better understand one another.

  • Jessie says:

    Gotcha! Thanks for these tips. I have always believed that I can do better in the office, I can prove to my officemates that I also have some deserving qualities that will make them believe in me. My lack of confidence just sometimes gets in the way. So I need to overcome this and be assured that I can stand out using your tips. Thanks again!

  • Lorelei Chung says:

    Thank you for sharing your advice, Heidi. Somehow, I guess, it’s hard to represent a brand when you aren’t established yet. But I like what you said, having passion in your company and showing enthusiasm to your co-workers and clients will greatly elevate your value to the company.

  • Some great tips, thanks Heidi

  • Wena says:

    I need these pieces of advice from your post because this will help me with my chosen career path. I know I’ve been a team player and have contributed to my team’s progress to the best of my ability. But I know I haven’t given my best, so this post will definitely help me up. Thanks

  • Belinda says:

    To tell you the truth, there’s this part of me that doesn’t want to stand out in the workplace, I don’t want any attention, I don’t want anyone calling on me every hour of the day. I just prefer solitude and I think, as far as I can remember, I am a team player and my colleagues are quite satisfied with my performance. Maybe I just lack confidence and charisma, don’t you think?

  • Amelia says:

    Good reputation is what I aim for at work. It doesn’t matter if I’m not so much popular or a “pet” like the other colleagues I know, but what matters most is that I do my job well, I hear no complaints from my boss and other co-workers, I can be relied on whenever there are issues. These tips you share will boost my skills more, thank you.

  • Naomi says:

    For most girls, dressing the part is the most exciting part of going to work. Me, I usually have a hard time choosing the ones to wear, specially since we don’t have dress code, we could wear whatever we want. But I digress. I’d much rather wear uniformed suits and have the outfits in every color possible, just so I won’t be screaming always for not being able to choose a properly coordinated one. You know what I mean?

  • Mikaela says:

    Regarding going above and beyond, I have this tendency to go overboard. I actually stopped doing everything beyond my capacity because the two times I did that, my colleagues thought I was playing or dreaming of becoming the “boss’s favorite”. I didn’t like how they treated me afterwards.

  • Enzo says:

    Standing out in the workplace isn’t such a bad idea. Sometimes you just have to have open mind and explore your horizon so other people will take notice of you and your efforts. That is based on my experience.

  • Leigh says:

    I think I am one of those unmemorable wallflower you mentioned. I actually heard one officemate tell a colleague about me being one, mainly because I don’t contribute much to the team. So it’s time to correct this. Thank you for your wonderful post.

  • Raiza says:

    Thank you so much for sharing these tips, you are really heaven-sent. You always share what you know to help us all succeed.

  • Jennifer says:

    Thanks for all this wonderful and helpful tips, I could sure use one or two or all of these pieces of advice at work.

  • Desiree Lynch says:

    Forwarding this post to my colleagues so they can learn a thing or two about making themselves known in our workplace instead of hiding in their cocoons. Thanks so much for this, Heidi 🙂

  • Susan Armstrong says:

    I’ve worked my way up to the highest position I can achieve when I was still working in a communications company. It was a grueling wait to be on top, but somehow I managed. I agree with all these tips. If these will be followed thoroughly, plus hard work and determination, this would eventually land you to that coveted promotion.

  • Darlene Kimball says:

    These are all sound advice. I’m sure my colleagues and I will definitely learn a lot once we take our jobs seriously and make sure we do our best to stand out and cooperate.

  • Amanda says:

    I’m afraid to stand out in a crowd, I don’t really like attention. But when it comes to business and work, I want to show everyone what I got. Thanks for all these positive vibes you’re sending with your useful posts 🙂

  • Margaret Walters says:

    Love these useful tips, although I think the one thing lacking in me is being proactive. I admit I’m not really a team player and seldom take initiative when doing projects. I intend to right this one. Thanks!

  • mistydew says:

    Taking the initiative is something I’ve long wanted to do, but never managed to because I’m afraid my peers will take it negatively. I guess I have to change that unwanted thought and be more positive next time.

  • Taylor S. says:

    These are really useful tips. I could learn a thing or two about the workplace. I rarely go to the office since I work in the field and sometimes at home. Working with my peers to the best of my abilities will be a great way to bond with them.

  • Natasha says:

    Now, now, if only I could look as good as you in the office, maybe I would stand out 🙂

  • Sharon says:

    Be a team player – check. Communicate effectively – check. Be Friendly and Kind – check.. Owning up to your mistakes, now that’s something I need to really work on.

  • nikkiannie says:

    I’ll take note of these ways so I can stand out and be recognized for my works in the office. Thanks so much for these. By the way, you always look beautiful Heidi, I love the whole outfit plus the Prada bag!

  • Eiza says:

    Thank you for these well-rounded tips. Would love to do them on my workplace too so I can be recognized for all the efforts I’ve done for the company.

  • Ariella says:

    I make sure I always go above and beyond in everything I do at work. Must be the reason I’ve been constantly receiving Employee of The Year in our company for 3 consecutive years!

  • Des says:

    Thanks for sharing with us all these important and useful tips!

  • Ash says:

    I can’t think of any more ways to suggest, I think you have it all covered, Heidi. Thanks for sharing this tips, these would really help a lot of career women like us.

  • Clarence says:

    I gotta say, these tips have really worked on me when I was still working. Although some of my colleagues didn’t like it when I scored a promotion twice for standing out and working my way to the top!

  • Francesca Reese says:

    These are basically the tips I want to impart to my colleagues. these will help them a lot to improve their craft and treatment with one another. thank you for sharing these.

  • Francesca Reese says:

    When attempting to go above and beyond, I suggest taking it slowly and making sure no one gets hurt along the way. I tried doing that before, I thought so highly of myself and went everything beyond everyone’s expectations, only to fall flat in the face in the end because I was careless and hasty.

  • Maria Del Mar says:

    Love all these tips, I’m sure this will be very effective. I’m gonna tell my colleagues about this. Thanks!

  • Susie says:

    Love this workclothes you’re wearing, so classy

  • Rachel Kaye says:

    Thanks so much for this tips. Will surely follow them as I do also hope I could make it big in the industry.

  • Gabby says:

    thanks for the tips Heidi.. now if only I could dress the part and really look good and professional just life you…

  • Helga says:

    These are great. It’s not everyday that I get to bring out my A-Game in the office, but I want to make sure that everything I do at work, the company would be able to recognize it. I will try out these ways and ideas to be a better employee / co-worker. Thanks!

  • Maeghan Lynn says:

    This will surely help a lot of my colleagues, they will benefit from this ideas. Thank you for sharing. Your OOTD looks great too!

  • Gillian Cross says:

    Love the tips, thanks! You look gorgeous whatever you’re wearing Heidi, you’re awesome!

  • Aleck says:

    Taking the lead may not be my strong asset. I am better in taking orders and taking action. I am a team player, not really a team leader, so this is something I need to further work on.

  • Charlotte says:

    I think I am a pushover, everyone tells me I’m one. I don’t know, I guess I am. I easily get persuaded. I have to stop this. I have to control my actions and put a stop to being easily influenced. Thanks for this tip.

    • Heidi says:

      Charlotte, sometimes its good to be accommodating so don’t be too hard on yourself. But it’s also important to be assertive and stand up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground, especially when you know you have a good idea or are in the right!

  • Jasmine says:

    Thank you for sharing these tips. Would love to do these ways in my workplace so I can somehow show what I can do.

  • Angelique says:

    These are really helpful tips. Will be forwarding this to my peers so we can all learn something and be proud of our accomplishments in the future.

  • Zayne says:

    I like this one – go above and beyond! best tip I could share to my team. Thanks!

  • Belle says:

    Always a pleasure reading posts that help us in our everyday office life. Thank you Heidi!

  • Carla says:

    Thanks for sharing these stand-out tips. I might as well use them once I get regularized in my new work. Yay!

  • Wynona says:

    Great tips from an inspiring lady. Thank you!

  • Ginny Reid Luster says:

    I’d be happy to follow all these tips so I can further improve my relationship in the office and stand out. Although with the last one, communicating effectively, I think I need to improve my communication and social skills first.

  • Maine Girl says:

    Small things, like contributing something at work, are often ignored or taken for granted by the higher management, that’s the sad truth 🙁 But still I’m hopeful that one day I’m gonna make it big and be recognized because of my talent, skills and contribution to my company. Thanks for these valuable tips!

  • Derek C. Haley says:

    These are real helpful pieces of advice. Sometimes we need to show the higher peeps what we’ve got and take charge. Having friends also helps, they can act as our sounding board or stress relievers when the going gets tough in the workplace.

  • Kelly Who says:

    These are all greatly laid plans. I’m gonna inform my people about this so they’d be motivated to work with intensity and purpose. Thanks!

  • Arianna says:

    I’ve started working a year ago and I’m still considered as a “baby” in the office. With this, I want to prove my worth to them and someday make a name for myself. With your tips, I know I can make it. Thanks!

    • Heidi says:

      Arianna, you can do it! Show up and hustle hard and prove to them all that you’re worth a million bucks!

  • Kandy says:

    Gotta love this post, it contains everything I need to do in order to become good or great at what I do. Thank you!

  • Claire says:

    Sometimes, it is hard to keep up with the changing times and demanding people. So you have to be that someone who would get your leader’s attention so you wouldn’t be just another face in the crowd. Your post could very well help a lot of employees and business colleagues to better improve themselves and prove their worth. Thank you for such an inspirational and helpful blogger, Heidi.

  • Leila Mychaels says:

    Contributing in to meetings is a good idea. I think I can do that. Thanks for all these tips!

  • Roanna says:

    Love the great useful tips, thank you!

  • Spoken like a true leader. These are all great tips for climbing to the top! I always valued the employees that took pride in where they worked. Really showing you believe in a company’s philosophies and branding is super important. Hard to promote someone that doesn’t represent! I really loved what you said about owning your mistakes too. When I looked for management potential, I liked knowing how they handled conflict before promoting someone. Grace and humility are necessary when you are managing people in any work culture.

  • Odessa Cadniss says:

    Standing out in the workplace is a good thing if you want to be recognized by the higher ups. But if you aren’t quite the team player that can be depended upon, I think it’s okay to lay low.. Just my two cents.

  • Nice shirt and chic bag 🙂
    Maria V.

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  • Susan Younghusband says:

    Standing out in the workplace hasn’t always been my priority with my job. But after seeing some new fish taking the lead in my office, I feel being left out. So I need to do something to make them see that I can also do better. Thanks for all the great tips 🙂

  • Dominic Walker says:

    I’m not really gearing to stand out in my workplace. I am a team player and can be trusted. If I can move my way up with being an exceptional team player, I’m happy with it.

  • Jasmine says:

    Thanks for the great tips!

  • Deianira says:

    I’ve always been a team player in every group activity and I never aspired to be the leader or boss that will take control. I am okay with it, so far I can stand tall and stand out whenever I am needed. I think it’s enough for me.

Comments are closed.