10 Things Smart People Do to Enhance Their Reputation at Work

Few things feel better than working in an office where you feel appreciated, respected and well-liked.

If you’re feeling less than admired, consider the following actions to boost your professional reputation with colleagues and managers, right from the books of highly successful people.

1. Take ownership.

Rather than wait to be “voluntold,” take ownership of a project or initiative and run with it. Naturally, it’s ideal if it’s work you’re genuinely passionate about, but even if you aren’t, consider offering your leadership anyway. You might end up loving the assignment, and your boss will appreciate your ingenuity. Star employees possess a “roll-up-the-sleeves” mentality and a fearless enthusiasm to try new things and take risks.

2. Be timely.

Whether it’s a phone meeting or conference room gathering, arrive a few minutes early. Get water or coffee in advance and boot up the laptop. The few minutes these things take shouldn’t be part of the meeting – it’s more than just your time that you’re respecting.

3. Keep promises.

Few things will plummet your reputation more quickly than lack of follow-through. Show your commitment to the company by working hard, persevering through setbacks and finding alternative solutions to achieve the best results.

Also read: 5 Ways to Leverage Your Social Intelligence to Get Ahead at Work

4. Offer counterpoints.

Thoughtfully point out considerations that further illuminate an issue.  It shows you have thought it through and have potential solutions or an alternative point of view.

5. Think forward.

There’s magic in the words “It’s already done.” Integrate yourself in the office and look for opportunities to anticipate what needs to be handled before it becomes a need.

6. Be flexible.

Business priorities can shift quickly and it reflects well if you can react and adapt in the moment. While other employees might grumble, use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and resilience by jumping into action.

Also read: 7 Things Smart People Do to Make Their Boss Like Them

7. Be passionate.

I’ve worked with all kinds of employees, and what I know for sure is the ones who approach their work with passion always stand out above the rest. Their commitment and positivity influence fellow employees and often helps the business achieve goals that seemed lofty, simply because their vision was so convicted.

8. Keep calm.

We’ve all worked with people who seem to bring and create drama wherever they go. It’s one of the most draining and demoralizing traits in the workplace. Great employees don’t allow themselves to be drawn into this type of behavior, use their position to squelch it, or get angry. Learn how to maintain your composure and stay cool under pressure.

9. Be innovative.

Tackle problems head-on and find ways to create process efficiencies, save money or introduce a new concept.

10. Get smart.

Whether it’s a global issue, an industry trend, or the latest bestseller, stay informed. Chances are, by keeping up on what’s happening in the world, you’ll be able to offer intelligent insight on a variety of topics.