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As the CEO and co-founder of a growing technology company, I have had the privilege of overseeing hundreds of employees who have come through our team. From leading a team of five to managing a robust team of over 150, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to make employees stand out from the crowd.
The good news is that standing out is more straightforward and achievable than you might think. Whether you’re looking for a promotion, mentorship, or just want to be more recognized on your team, here’s what your boss might be looking for.
Related: 7 Character Traits The Best Employees Share
1. You are objectively great at your job
It may seem obvious, but being good at what you do is a big part of getting noticed. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or in a management role. In any case, performance is key. There are many factors that help someone stand out, but in my opinion this is the most important.
If you want to stand out, make sure your KPIs and any other metrics meet (or ideally exceed!) your goals and that you’re performing well in your role. Consistency is also an important factor – meeting your goals once in a while is no substitute for consistent excellence. The more often you earn and move your business forward, the better.
In addition, it can set you apart by showing initiative by identifying problems and proposing solutions. Employees who go beyond their job descriptions to contribute their own ideas demonstrate a level of commitment that we notice. It’s not just about doing your job well – it’s about taking ownership and showing that you care about the company’s success as much as your own.
If you’re not performing well right now, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback to see how you can improve. This also shows initiative! And when you exceed expectations or achieve something big in your role, be sure to document your success in case you need to share it.
2. You are generally popular
Meeting all of your performance criteria is important, but being rude or demeaning to your teammates won’t help you stand out in the right way. Being kind and approachable to the rest of the team (superiors and peers) shows that you care about more than just yourself.
Our culture at Lemonlight really emphasizes a positive approach to work, so this is one of the things I notice the most. (This can be a great gift for what your leaders will be looking for too! If you’re not sure, emulating your company’s values will probably help you get noticed).
If you have the opportunity to connect with your teammates, offer support to someone in need, or just be a friendly face in the office or on Zoom, take the opportunity. It’s a great way to feel more included in the team and great way for senior leaders to notice.
Related: 3 Key Character Traits That Help Employees Rise Fast at Their Companies
3. You are eager to learn
Finally, I really respect and appreciate people who are working on improving themselves, looking to grow in their role, or staying on top of their industry. A genuine desire to be great is noticeable and impressive – and hard to fake!
People who want to learn tend to see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than obstacles. They focus on improving and finding solutions, which is much more productive than dwelling on problems or blaming others. This self-improvement attitude also leads to better performance, so it can work doubly in your favor.
If you want to stand out, take the initiative to seek out learning opportunities: formal education, online courses, or even just reading industry-related articles and books are great options. Attending conferences, networking with industry professionals, and attending workshops can also help you learn and stay ahead of the curve. You can also consult with your manager about what resources they think might be useful to help you grow.
Being proactive in your development shows that you are committed to your role and the company. It shows that you’re not just doing the bare minimum to get by, but actively looking for ways to stand out and bring more value to the team.
Related: 6 Traits of Indispensable Employees
As I’ve watched our team grow over the years, many things have changed, but these core qualities are always the mark of a great employee. We’ve had a lot of team members – past and present – who will always stand out to me because they emulated exactly these qualities.
If you’re looking for recognition, focus on these elements. Being great at your job, being popular, and having a thirst for knowledge are what star employees notice. Embrace these elements and you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impression and achieving your career goals.