Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions at work? You show up, do your job, and maybe even go above and beyond every now and then. But, are you putting in the effort to stand out from your coworkers and show that you’re a self-starter who can take initiative? If not, it might be time to make some changes. If you want a career that allows for more responsibility, being a self-starter is one of the best ways to get there.
Almost anyone who works has supervisors or managers above them. Self-starters are able to climb the ranks by showing their employers they can think creatively, proactively come up with new solutions to old problems, lead others when necessary, and take on new responsibilities without being told what needs to be done. These are all things that prove you’re ready for greater responsibilities whenever they become available.
Be Proactive
This is the first step towards being a self-starter. It may seem obvious, but being proactive means taking initiative to do things that need to be done, even when no one has asked you to do them. It’s not about doing more work or taking on someone else’s responsibilities. It’s about taking charge of your own work and finding ways to make your job easier.
There are lots of small ways you can be proactive at work. Stay up to date on the latest news or new developments within your field. Learn from those around you, especially those who are more experienced or have more knowledge than you. Ask questions if you’re unsure about something, and be vocal about what you’re hoping to accomplish. Being proactive shows your employer that you’re engaged in your work and have a lot to offer.
Network and Always Be Learning
Employers want employees who are constantly learning and growing, so if you don’t already have a network, now is the time to start building one. Organize a happy hour or networking event with your coworkers to get to know them better. Identify people in your industry who are more experienced than you and reach out to them to develop a relationship. Always be taking some sort of class or course, whether online or in person, that will help you learn more about your industry and develop new skills.
Make sure you’re also staying up to date on the latest trends or news within your field. Employers are looking for employees who are engaged and have knowledge that can be applied to their work. Building a network allows you to stay engaged and keep your fingers on the pulse of your industry.
Show You Can Lead Others
If you’re hoping to advance within your company, it’s a good idea to show that you’re capable of leading others. Being a manager doesn’t mean that you have to oversee a whole department. Depending on the size of your company, you may have the opportunity to manage just a few people. To show that you’re ready to lead others, you’ll want to start by finding out if you’re currently eligible to receive a promotion.
Talk to your manager about what you’re aiming for and any steps you need to take to get there. If you’re currently managing other people, keep track of how you’re doing. Ask for feedback regularly, and keep track of how your team members’ performance is doing.
Show You Can Come up with Creative Solutions
It’s easy to go with the flow at work. The daily grind can make it seem like the most logical and sensible to just follow the same patterns you’ve always done. That’s fine for some things, but if you want to get noticed as a self-starter, you’ll want to also show that you’re capable of coming up with creative solutions to problems.
You can do this in a few different ways. First, when you have a problem to solve at work, try to come up with multiple solutions, even if one of them seems like the obvious solution. Show that you’re always ready to try new things. If a project you’re working on has a set due date, but you feel like you could get it done sooner, let your manager know. Even if they don’t agree with you at first, keeping yourself accountable and showing that you’re ready to take on more will go a long way.
Show That You’re Ready to Take on Greater Responsibilities
Let’s say you’ve been at your job for a while and you’re ready to take on more responsibilities. What do you do next? Well, the best thing you can do is to show that you’re ready for more. Hold yourself accountable for the tasks that you’re currently responsible for. If you have a lot on your plate, but you know you can handle it all, let your manager know that you can take on more.
If you have an opportunity to take on a new project, but your manager hasn’t given you the go-ahead yet, ask if you can help out. You can also offer to mentor someone who’s new to the company or field. With each of these steps, you’re proving to your employer that you have the skills and desire to take on more responsibility.
Conclusion
Self-starters are the ones who get more done, earn more, and climb the ranks. Be proactive, learn as much as you can, lead other people, come up with creative solutions, and show that you’re ready to take on more responsibilities. If you do, you’ll be well on your way to being a self-starter at work. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions at work, it’s time to change that by taking charge and becoming a self-starter.
