First year on the job? Try these 64 action items (in this particular order) to make a name for yourself in your company and in your community.
Not new to the job? There’s something in this list for everyone; whether it’s your first year on the job or your tenth.
- Set goals for the year.
- Start an A-List.
- Sit down with your boss to discuss your future.
- Learn the names of at least 100 in your office (or everyone in your office if you have fewer than 100 people)
- Ask to give a presentation.
- Then give the presentation.
- Participate in or organize a co-worker happy hour.
- Have only one drink at the happy hour.
- Become friends with someone in a different department.
- Buy lunch for a co-worker.
- Take a risk.
- Take a vacation.
- Pick the brain of a senior manager (or two).
- Find a mentor.
- Join a professional organization.
- Give to charity.
- Volunteer at a charity.
- Volunteer for company committee.
- Join a company-sponsored program, club or event.
- If you don’t have a company-sponsored program, club or event, start one.
- Read the entire HR handbook from front to back.
- Review your goals to see if you’re on track.
- Search for your role within the company.
- Accomplish something that isn’t in your job description.
- Start a 401K.
- Put a portion of your salary directly into savings.
- Get a financial planner.
- Spruce up your wardrobe.
- Do your job really well.
- Tell your boss how well you’re doing.
- Thank anyone who helps you with anything.
- Don’t thank people who don’t actually help you.
- Admit to your mistakes.
- Find a hobby for outside the office.
- Take a day off and do nothing.
- Update your résumé.
- Ask how you’re doing.
- Take initiative.
- Brainstorm ways you can fix company problems.
- Pitch an idea.
- Identify your personality type.
- Identify your boss’ personality type.
- Adapt your communication style to others.
- Learn a new skill.
- Reach out to senior people within the industry.
- Subscribe to an industry magazine or newspaper.
- Reference something you learn in the magazine or newspaper in conversation.
- Redefine your goals as you grow.
- Be pleasant to someone who rubs you the wrong way.
- Stand up for yourself.
- Defend your work when questioned.
- Smile when you don’t want to.
- Make a suggestion on a project you’re not directly involved in.
- Make an important decision and stick by it.
- Look for ways to delegate work you don’t like doing or aren’t good at.
- Read a self-improvement book or subscribe to a self-improvement blog.
- Ask your boss how you can improve.
- Start improving.
- Ask your boss what you have to do to get a raise.
- Then do it.
- Ask a lot of questions.
- Prove your results.
- Question rules and decisions.
- Push the limits of your role.
What other suggestions do you have for people who want to make a name for themselves at work?
Thanks Kiersten and J.T.! Glad you enjoyed it. Kiersten - let me know if you come up with any additions! :)
I planned on giving some suggestions but I really think you covered them all! LOL...I'm going to reference this at our company's next Orientation
Wow - you definitely have it covered. This is a fabulous post!
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