8 ways to win at work

Life Is A Popularity Contest

My friend and award-winning poet—Jen—who lives a triple life (or more) as a marketing genius, award-winning filmmaker, and human rights activist once said:

To keep your job, you have to do three things:

1) People have to like you.

2) You have to do good work.

3) You have to be consistent.

Need help implementing these?

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#1 People Have To Like You

Preface: you can’t do poopy things to people and expect people to like you.

A) Warm Introductions

You’ve started a new position. Congratulations. Whether you’re excited about the position or not, there are opportunities to go up from here. Will you complain and sit in fear or will you rise and shine?

When meeting people, listen more than you speak. Ask them questions. Collect ten to twenty facts about them and help them several times before asking them for any favors—unless if the favor is dire. The point is—show up for people from the beginning by taking an interest in who they are. If you’re too nervous to socialize, consider this an opportunity to pass future interviews.

After all, your only true job security is your next job!

B) Warm Support

You started a position and it’s not going well—or maybe you don’t feel included, but you don’t have to sit in misery. Go out and lend a hand. Look for ways to bring peace and joy to the people around you. From volunteering to requests for help to taking notes on a call, recognize moments where selflessness can bring joy to the people around you. When you least expect it and what you most need it that support will come back and the feeling—yeah—you’ll feel a joy of life.

C) Celebrate Colleagues

If you feel psychologically safe in your environment, pick an ally who has made a positive impact in your career. Keep in mind that person doesn’t have to be your work bestie. Have they done anything to harm you? If the answer is no—then find a moment that means a lot to them and bring that moment to life with an act of selfless generosity. Bring in a birthday cake and get everyone to sign a card. Bring in a bottle of champagne to toast a project they led to success. Share a gift card during the holidays to spread joy to the people they hold dear. You decide how much to give and determine how much you can receive from those around you.

#2 You Have To Do Good Work

Preface: you can't undermine yourself.

A) Test Your Might

You were hired because you are expected to contribute to success and help solve problems. What makes you Unique? Now is the time to roll up your sleeves. Tell fear that it’s no longer an option. Trust your experiences. A career is like a gym. You’ll get frustrated, but you can also get stronger.

B) Pull Your Weight

Speaking of going to the Career Gym, what are you working on? Whether you’re leading a project or helping out on a few initiatives, you must shift your focus from drama and politics to what’s in your control. Train your mind to look for solutions and you’ll seldom finding yourself hosting a pity party in bed with a cartoon of Cherry Garcia ice cream.

C) Share Knowledge

Perception is reality. You can either brand yourself as a thought leader or remain low of mind to the people who matter most to your success. Organize lunch and learns. Offer to put together case studies for busy collegues or friends who don’t have professional portfolios. Sometimes, by offering some of you, people will become more comfortable with trusting you.

#3 You Have To Be Consistent

A) Set Performance Goals

Ask your leader (or manager) how your performance will be evaluated? What does “good” look like? Convey calmness and patience when pitching for a collaborative relationships based on professionalism and mentorship. Besides, your boss should already be doing this, anyway.

B) Set Perception Goals

Perception is reality. Be firm with yourself about what “good” looks like. Spread out your goals and celebrate your successes. Keep your physical health up and contribute the brightening of your mind by practicing meditation and gratitude. You decide what your career should “feel” like.