Ever watch Animal Planet?
You always see the males fighting over something.
A mate.
Food.
A scarce resource.
Thank goodness we're civilized.
We don't do that – right?
WRONG
Gents – Everyday we're out there fighting against others for limited resources.
A new high paying job….
that beautiful woman every guy is eyeing….
a promotion into upper management.
We are surrounded by scarcity.
There's only so much to go around.
You can bet you're in competition with all the other guys around you.
This article & video will give you 5 ways to outshine the competition…without saying a word.
#1 Present Yourself Professionally
The term professional is generally used to describe how you dress. For some people this term carries greater weight and for others it has become synonymous with the acceptable standard of doing things.
Despite what side of the definition you stand on, the term professional should contrast from a more leisurely and casual approach. So what would that look like? Some things to consider in presenting yourself professionally would include:
- Dress for success: Following the norms of the business environment when it comes to appearance. This would include taking into consideration that some environments require suit and tie, while others accept pressed slacks and a nice buttoned-down collar shirt.
Note: Don’t forget to keep your shoes in tip top shape. Nothing will ruin a wonderfully put together professional look like shoes that are not cleaned and polished.
- Limit the use of technology: Turn your cell phone off or on silent mode. This also includes minimizing the time you spend checking emails, and social networks. Your focus should be on the tasks at hand in the business environment you are in
- Mind your time: Be extra careful to manage it effectively. Make appointments and set deadlines according to other commitments. Factor in travel time and traffic and always take into consideration possible overlap in time if it is a meeting that you are commuting to.
- Check and check again: Spell check any messages/memos and presentations for errors.
- Be prepared: “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” It also prevents lack of professionalism. The inability to be prepared may signal to others that you are not organized.
2. Consistent High Performance Builds Trust
Trust is an interesting ideal. Many people require it as a precursor to being comfortable in a relationship. But, not all have mastered the skill of building it. High performance in the workplace allows your superiors to see you as a valuable and dependable team member.
Performance and productivity demands differ from industry to industry based on field experience.
A few ways to ensure you can have consistent high performance is:
- Benchmarking: Evaluating industry leaders allows you to compare objectives and outcomes of similar companies and see how those were achieved
- Create your own strategy to execute a goal implementation plan
- Get clarity: Evaluate project expectations including deadlines and outcomes. This will help to ensure that your roadmap to high performance can be obtained
- Supplemental education: Stay relevant and take classes to ensure that you are current in industry changes and that your skills are progressing in your field
3. Fix a Problem Before Being Asked to Fix It
Taking initiative is a quality that can sometimes be overlooked although highly valuable. Many people will not start a project, or complete a task without first having as many details as possible – which is not necessarily a bad thing.
When the information or instructions are required to correct an issue but not available, the project may be delayed or not initiated.
Fixing a problem before being asked strengthens your position as a reliable partner. It also shows that you may not need the prodding and pushing that others need to be successful.
As such, there are many benefits to being a self-starter in this regard. So what does taking initiative do for you?
- Shows that you can be effective
- Displays another form of efficiency
- Demonstrates that you are self-confident, service oriented as well as conscientious
- Eliminates confusion
- Prevents additional problems from occurring
When being an assertive self-starter, people will see your drive, passion and commitment to getting things done and will be comfortable relying on you.
4. Communicate Quickly – It Shows You’re Hungry
Communication is the linchpin in every relationship – whether it's romantic, platonic, or professional. Dialoguing about the specifics of a project helps to get an understanding about the:
– Expectations
– Parameters
– Deadlines
– Checkpoints and more.
Communicating quickly takes it a step further. Have you ever been a part of a group where a question was posed and the person you asked took forever to respond?
Think about what that communicates.
Whether it's intentional or not, quick responses show that you are:
– Present in the initial discussion
– You are interested in the topic
– Allows you to be engaged and keep the conversation going
– Enables you to think critically and make sound decisions on the spot
Now, responding quickly does not necessarily mean you have the answer or that response has to include the answer. If you are ever in a situation where seconds are ticking and you do not what to lose the audience, you can do the following to keep the dialogue going:
- Ask for more information
- Solicit different perspectives from those who you are talking to
- Engage in nonverbal communication: eye contact, head-nods, and other affirming body language
Note: It’s okay to say “I don’t know.” It does not communicate that you are inadequate or unable to find the answer. Instead, it just may be that at the current time you are uninformed. It is best to follow that phrase with, “I’ll find out” or “let me get back to you” within a specific time period.
This shows that you are fully engaged and interested in the topic.
5. Lose the Excuses
There's an old saying that states “Excuses are tools of incompetence used to build monuments of nothingness. Those who specialize is these tools are fools, and good for nothing at all.”
An excuse lets your manager know that you are not focused and aren't savvy enough to navigate challenges when they arise. The end goal is to get the job done. PERIOD!
Instead of making an excuse for a job poorly done or inability to meet a goal, take ownership in the areas that are in your control and highlight them as points of improvement.
- Make a conscious effort at work on those changes
- Execute your plan
- Utilize a team: sometimes the real reason things aren't getting done is because a group effort is not being employed
- Ask for help: positioning yourself for success is often difficult if you don't have the right people or information. Get the assistance of those who may have already completed similar assignments and are familiar with the project terrain. They can help you balance the deadlines and project priorities in order to meet job expectations
Remember, you were hired to do a job. No supervisor or department head wants you to do the bare minimum. Successful managers want you to go above and beyond.
You will exceed the expectations of your superiors and colleagues if you employ these tactics. Now it’s important to note that these tips do not take the place of producing quality work. They are a supplement that will take your performance on the job (or in classroom) to the next level.
Click Here To Watch The Video – 5 Ways To Outshine The Competition
Click Here To Watch The Video On YouTube – Outshine Competitors Without Saying A Word
