The top 8 strategies for being successful in the workplace

Whether you are trying to score a promotion, or excel at a job interview, you need to prove you have what it takes. Did you know there are 8 specific skills which can increase your employability?

These are proven to work, and if you are lacking in any of these areas you may be able to increase your employment opportunities by dedicating some time to improve them.

Something that is important to improve your employability which needs a special mention is your organisational skills. This includes keeping your office clean and tidy to ensure you can find everything easily.

Having excellent communication skills

Having good communication skills is essential in any workplace. It is important to be able to communicate verbally, this might be speaking on the phone or face to face with customers and colleagues.

You should also be able to communicate non-verbally, this includes writing notes or emails as well as keeping check of your body language.

If you are in a workplace where you are required to deal with customers, you need to be aware of any potential language or cultural barriers. Being able to communicate effectively takes practice.

Being able to work as part of a team

Teamwork is a quality which is important, even in a leadership position. When you are young you learn to play in a sporting team, and it doesn’t take long to realise you can’t play all of the positions yourself.

The same principle should be applied in the workplace. Know your strengths and weaknesses and complement these with others around you. Being a team player makes for a happier work environment and allows for more streamlined collaborations.

Knowing how to take initiative

People who are successful, know how to take initiative. They don’t sit around and wait for something to happen, they take charge and create opportunities for themselves. This could be as simple as asking your manager if they need any assistance, or filing some paperwork during any quiet periods.

This will help you to get noticed, as you will be completing tasks before you have been asked to do them. Initiative and common sense go hand in hand.

Having the ability to self-manage

When you can be responsible for your own behaviour you will have a more productive day. When someone has to constantly micro-manage your work, it isn’t going to set you apart.

Gain all the information you need and trust your ability to complete a task without procrastination. This is not only a good skill to have in the workplace, but will improve other areas of your life.

Being organised and able to plan

business workplace success
Photo: Pressmaster, Bigstock

During a job interview, a potential employer wants to know if you are reliable. Being organised is one of the most valued traits in the workplace. This requires forward planning and a consistent routine.

Having a tidy workplace will allow you to be more organised. In addition, put your entire schedule in your calendar and create daily task lists.

Knowing how to problem solve

If something catches you off guard or doesn’t function as it should, you should take note of your reaction. If you panic or throw your hands in the air, you need to work on your problem solving skills.

When things don’t run smoothly, instead of giving up you need to be able to come up with a solution. Brainstorming and researching while remaining calm will help you to master this.

Be excited about learning

You could spend over three years of your life studying at university, but even when this is over the learning doesn’t end. Those who are successful take the time to continue to develop their skills and embrace opportunities to do so.

If you are working towards a promotion or a new career path, look at the key requirements and invest in up skilling in these areas.

Be confident with technology

These days, you can’t escape technology. Most jobs require at least a basic level of computer knowledge and the ability to touch type.

As time goes by, technology is going to be used more and more so you need to learn to use it. Take a short course or spend your weekends exploring different types of software to increase your chances of employment in your chosen field.

Job hunting can be highly competitive, and you need to do everything you can to gain an edge. With these simple tips, you can gain self-awareness and work on any skills you feel are lacking. Confidence, experience and employability skills will all work in your favour.

Grace Woods
Grace Woods
Grace is an entrepreneur with a unique passion for all things blogging. She has worked with a number of different businesses assisting their profitability and success rate.
Share this

PEOPLE ARE READING NOW