7 Smart Ways to Get Ahead at the Office

Do you always feel behind at work? Is there always something that gets left undone? Are you the one that’s always behind schedule? Do you marvel at those that are always on top of their game? Why do you keep getting passed over for a promotion? Change your fate today! We’ve got seven smart, simple ways to get ahead at the office.

1. Singletask

   

   Don’t listen to the multitasking hype — doing one thing at a time ensures that at least one thing will get done. Minimize browsers, close extra tabs, and log out of Facebook. If you can turn off all the noise, you will get your tasks complete. Word to the wise: Those who say they do more when multitasking are usually incorrect.

2. Work Harder Than Everyone

   

   It might not be what you want to hear, but muscling through is one way to ensure that things get done at the office. Afraid you’re going to be behind? Feeling overwhelmed? Come early. Stay late. Hit up the office on a weekend. Work smart, but don’t forget that working hard will get you there, too. And convince yourself that you care enough to do so. You won’t get points for being at the office the longest, but if you work harder and smarter than everyone around you, you’re sure to be a shining star.

3. Expect Nothing

   

   Life isn’t fair. Work isn’t fair. And don’t expect it to be otherwise. Even if you don’t work in a cutthroat industry, you’re definitely not doing yourself any favors if you expect people to notice and recognize your work. Go above and beyond because that’s what you want to do, not because you’ll be recognized for it. You won’t be rewarded for doing what you’re told — in the end, you’re only rewarded for doing what you do best.

4. Speak Up

   

   If you do something great, highlight it. Don’t be a braggart, but do make it clear that you enjoy your work and intend to get ahead because you want to. Speak up in meetings. Speak up when you do something well. And don’t be afraid to ask for a pay raise if and when you deserve one.

5. Whistle Listen While You Work

   

   One of the best ways that you can be sure to get ahead at the office is to listen. If you have the capacity to listen to those around you while still completing your work, you’re sure to get ahead in your job and professional relationships. It’s a great benefit to know what’s going on around the office, but don’t get overly involved nor allow it to affect your work. That’s about as much job security as you can be guaranteed these days.

6. Eschew the Office Space Attitude

   

   It might sound elementary, and maybe even trivial, but it’s a fact: Offices are bad for you, and bad for your health. Human bodies and minds weren’t meant to sit in awkward ergonomic chairs for years on end, and our eyes weren’t meant to stare at glowing rectangles under the filter of greenish fluorescent overhead light. Sure, it looks professional but it’s not natural. And you have to fight it. If you are aware that your work life is killing you, you can make better decisions about the ideal way to get your work done. Lose the crappy attitude, and work with your company to create an environment that’s life-giving for you.

7. Make Active Decisions

   

   Always be present, presentable, and make active professional decisions. Get ahead the right way — with a good attitude, an open mind, accurate work, and a team mindset. Making active decisions ensures that you are in control of what happens to you and that you’re not a passive agent. Anyone can complain, but it takes a leader to fix problems.

Taken From Online Business Degree