Our Experts | Courtney Reynolds
All workers want to know their work is being accounted for, noticed and appreciated – especially if you have just started somewhere new, or if you are looking for advancement.
Doing the things you’re asked to do, doing things before you’ve been asked, and generally just staying on top of your workload are good methods to take control of your work.
Drilling down deeper, here are some extra steps I take to take control of my work and make sure it stays accounted for:
- Morning meetings. Preparing for my day with a list of what I accomplished the day before and what I plan to accomplish throughout the day helps keep me on track. It also allows my boss to know what progress I’ve made and my plan of action for current projects. Laying out action items keeps me accountable to myself, my team and my boss.
- Keep my boss in the loop. When working on projects with others, I cc my boss on important emails, or forward the ones that didn’t include her to let her know where a project stands, what communications are being made or when something has been completed. This way it is in her records and is easy to refer back to.
- Document everything. Keeping a spreadsheet of my projects and goals keeps things from slipping through the cracks. I can refer back to it to see where I left off, what steps need taken, when something was completed, etc. This is also great to share with the team and boss when needed, or to present from during the morning meetings.
- Hit deadlines. I try to consistently hit deadlines so I not only stay on top of my work, but I’m also earning the trust of my candidates, clients, and team. Nothing earns trust more than doing what you will say you are going to do, on time.
- Think outside the box. Get creative with the solutions to your work by using innovative ideas and expanding on the tools you already possess. Use the freedoms you have in your role to uniquely own your experience.
Taking these extra steps will show that you are staying on top of your work, that you’re ready for more responsibility and that you’re a trustworthy partner to your team and clients. Taking control of your work is your responsibility and no one else’s – be accountable and thrive in your position!