I’m reading the brand new book, The CEO Nextdoor.  I highly recommend it!  I want to share some thoughts and excerpts from the chapter entitled “Stand Out:  How to Become Known.”  I’ve talked with many staff members over the years who truly want to move up in the company.  I’ve heard all kinds of stories of desire, and I’ve witnessed all sorts of tactics people employ to get to their next level.  Here are some insights from authors, Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell on how to become known at work:

“Build relationships to deliver results for the good of the company – not your own self-interest.”

Make the Most of even the Toughest Boss Situations:

1. Understand your boss’s goals.  What does success look like to them?  How does your role fit into that?
2. Don’t guess their expectations and preferences.  Ask.  What are their top goals for your work?
3. Let your boss help you.  “People who see themselves as being invested in your success want to be consulted and involved i your important career moves.”
4. Master the regular update on the things that matter.  Send focused updates to your boss.  “How do I help this individual above me achieve the goals for the enterprise?  That’s the secret to making your superior your sponsor…”

Everyone wants to get noticed at work, right?  Being busy is not what’s needed.  Focus on adding “the most value and contribute what the organization values most.”  “You need to make a contribution that moves the needle for the company.  Something that is visibly and meaningfully core to what drives value.”

Oh, there’s more in this chapter.  Do yourself a favor and order it today.  It is well-written, thought-provoking, and it will challenge you to become better whether or not you are a CEO or are aspiring to become one.