When the term “synergy” became all the rage in the workplace, emphasis went from the individual’s output to what could be achieved as a team. That left a lot of people wondering where they stood. If they strove to work as high-out individuals, were they still able to receive promotions, raises, and accolades on merit itself? While it wasn’t overnight, many businesses have shifted the company culture from the individual to the team itself. This has huge benefits, but the shift can leave employees wondering where they stand, and how to exceed in the workplace.
So, how do you go about ensuring you continue to advance in your career? Let’s go over a few tips that may help.
Your strength might be someone else’s weakness
While you may think that being a “team member” implies you’re simply a cog in the wheel of a company, this isn’t necessarily true. To increase your enjoyment at work, recognize that your strength may be other’s weaknesses, and vice versa. In doing so, you may quickly go from enjoying parts of your job to enjoying much more of it. A fulfilling job can also help with an appropriate work-life balance that can be hard to achieve. When you leave your job in a healthier mindset each evening, the rest of your life becomes more fulfilling as well since you’re cutting back on your stress.
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Don’t forget that confidence goes a long way
Simply because your company may put emphasis on the individual does not mean that you will no longer be called on. Don’t undercut your own expertise. Consider rising to the occasion by volunteering to be a leader of a small group project, or offer to mentor someone who is struggling. Looking for how to better increase your confidence in the workplace? Consider checking out a course that will enable you to be more assertive while securing healthy work relationships.
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Speak up
If you’re not a natural self-led person, don’t be afraid to ask your manager for direct expectations. Any good employer will want you to feel comfortable in your position, and will gladly line out what they expect from your work output. Curious how to set your own objections? Here are 7 steps to setting workplace goals. One-on-one bi-weekly or monthly meetings with managers may reduce any anxiety you have about fitting into the company culture. While it’s tempting for remote workers to do this online, having a face-to-face meeting over a cup of tea or coffee can help create a stronger bond from a manager-to-employee perspective, and help clarify any goals or objectives. Remember, again, that confidence goes a long way. Your boss will also appreciate it when you outline what your expectations are from your job as well.
In the end, it’s important to recognize that the movement of individual-to-team is a cultural shift in the workplace, and if it does not fit with your personality, you may need to simply let your manager know. Don’t allow yourself to stress over something that may very well support your career advancement, as long as you know what to expect when changes are put into place.
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