Get noticed at work, while #WFH.

For those of you that are already in full blossom mode despite this pandemic, I salute you! In part, I am starting this website because I need to find a way to get back into my type-A, overachiever rhythm. I won’t explain on how to better handle stress while working from home (WFH) because that’s a topic for another time. Instead, I will focus on some of the best practices of standing out while working virtually.

During these past few months, I have had a lot of conversations with friends that are struggling with ways to standout during this pandemic when there is no actual opportunity for face time. Personally, I think nothing has the magnitude of influence like 1:1 facetime, but there are still plenty of ways you can standout while telecommuting. Here are my top five tips that I find to be practical and easy to implement:

1.   Identify the KPIs (key performance indicators) established by your manager and organization for working from home. Focus on the ones specifically for your role and the aim is to shine. Nothing less than meeting them is acceptable.

·       Once the KPIs have been defined, plan your days around those deliverables. If your team hasn’t defined on how they will evaluate your performance while working from home, schedule a 30-minute 1:1 with your manager to review your deliverables and how you will be accountable virtually.

2.   Bring solutions to the table.

·       People riding the bus are never prepared for a global pandemic, nor have they ever experienced something similar. As you navigate through the new realities of your role, you WILL come across unforeseen roadblocks. Make sure to discuss these with your manager during your 1:1s; think of ways to overcome them. You will certainly stand out for being proactive, as well as for being forward thinking.

If you have a manager that is disinterested in hearing what you have to say (and let’s be honest, we all have those), then at least YOU are creating a new roadmap for yourself on how to be successful in this new landscape.

3.   Do your homework and try to get ahead of it.

·       Being a student of your trade is never a bad thing. With everything that has happened in 2020, I encourage you to find ways to learn what other thought leaders in your space are doing. You have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips through social media (LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter), podcasts, and books.

Having the ability to speak intelligently regarding your business, or learning how to identify trends, will set you apart. With a vested interest in what is going on around you, will demonstrate your commitment to succeed in any environment.

4.   Be reliable and add value to other internal stakeholders.

·       Find a way to build relationships and add value to key people within your team. By no means am I encouraging you to pester anyone but identify those around you that are willing to collaborate. Whether that be taking on a special project recently introduced or offering to assist mentoring new hires for your virtual team. virtual new hires. Relationship building will allow you to strengthen your internal brand, help others, and position you as a leader on your team - even if indirectly.

5.   Lead by example. It never goes out of style.

·       SHOW UP EVERY DAY. I know it’s hard - trust me. Be that person on the team that does great work and does not exploit the system. The one that comes prepared, even if leadership is present. More than ever, organizations are really evaluating the talent they have onboard. Stand out by being an A+ player, even when those around you perform below average.

Have you done something recently that has helped you stand out while working from home? Please comment below!