How to Be More Valuable in Your Workplace

Learning how to be more valuable in your workplace is key to getting better assignments, building better relationships with supervisors and team members and even getting that next promotion. However, you do not become more valuable simply by doing your job. You add value by going above and beyond the requirements of your position.

Start by giving yourself a performance review. Are you meeting all of your metrics and goals? If you have received criticism in the past, have you taken steps to address it? Are there ways you can become more productive, more efficient or more accurate in your current work? You can't add value to your workplace until you are already maximizing the requirements of your job.

Once you become a top performer in your current job, start looking for ways to add additional value to your workplace. If your supervisor mentions a problem that needs solving, for example, think about a way to solve it. If you see an area in which your team is working inefficiently, bring it up at the next team meeting along with a positive and actionable solution.

Part of adding value involves knowing how to promote your own ideas. Suggesting a way to increase productivity as a team adds a bit of value, but selling your team on the idea and implementing the plan is what truly adds value to your organization. If you have trouble promoting your own ideas, ask a co-worker to help you advocate for the idea during a team meeting.

Not all value is measured in terms of productivity and metrics. The team member who is able to negotiate disputes or calm down an angry co-worker also adds value to the workplace. Taking on a leadership role adds value. Even volunteering to take notes during a meeting adds value. Often, the best way to add value is to learn what your company values and then put those principles into action.

Keep in mind that some people take the concept of adding value too far. You do not want to be the employee who is always pestering a supervisor with suggestions. Likewise, you do not want to overstep company hierarchy. It is appropriate to try to add value to your team and to bring improvement ideas to your supervisor. It is inappropriate to pitch your suggestions and problem-solving ideas directly to the CEO -- unless, of course, you are invited to do so.

Once you learn how to be more valuable in the workplace, you set yourself up for better work assignments, increased leadership roles and promotion opportunities. You also receive better references from supervisors and peers if you choose to seek a new job. Learning how to add value to your workplace is one of the best ways to become an effective, valued member of your company and your team.

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