Muse - January 15, 2016

Credit - canva.com

A brand new year means starting fresh once again. For majority of us, it's about performance review and bonus time.

This year, the boss require us to do a presentation of our past year achievements. There are around 90 of us so standing out is vital, because everyone wants to get the biggest bonus, no? But for some, it's also about being appreciated of the hard work you've done and it'll be nice to get rewarded. It depends on how you see things. 

Honestly, I hope I have made a good impression on the team even though this is my first year. Part of my job is to come up with innovative ways to increase efficiency and productivity. It's not an easy task suggesting ideas and having it rejected. But I have been procrastinating for so long and it has to stop sometime.

Here are some ways I have learnt to stand out at work:

#1 - Create your own goals and objectives. Different people have different goals so do the things you think you are capable of.

#2 - Believe in your idea. Draft your ideas into a proposal and think through everything before submitting it to your boss. Be prepared for the questions that will be coming. Show how passionate you are towards this idea.

#3 - Failure is a vital part of success. If your manager rebuffs your ideas, like mine did, do not give up. Either re-brand the idea or start anew. Easier being said than done actually, but you're not alone in this situation.

#4 - Brainstorm with people. Talk to colleagues, family, friends and even kids. Ideas can generate where you least expect it.

#5 - Be enthusiastic. Sometimes your boss may come up with an activity or suggestion that will increase teamwork within the team. Instead of fretting that this will potentially take your time away from completing your work, embrace it and show your boss (and yourself) that you are one hell of a multi tasker.

#6 - Do more than what your job requires. When everyone in the team does the same job, you will have to go one step further and do something different. It could be learning something new, doing your job in a different way, organizing an activity to encourage team participation etc

#6 - Progress is what matters. Start small and take baby steps towards your goals.