Why Being Good at Your Job Isn’t Always Enough

Even though you’re trying your best and doing a good job as far as you’re concerned, sometimes being good at your job just isn’t enough. At least in the traditional sense.

So why do others around you get the raises and promotions? Why are they picked for juicy assignments? Is it something you’re doing wrong?

Good question. But while there may be elements of job performance you could improve, more likely it’s something you’re not doing — at least not as well as certain coworkers. And it’s not something trying even harder at basic job tasks can help.

Jobs are more than just doing

I know when I’ve done something well, I feel proud. Even for the little things if I’ve put effort into them. And it makes my day just a bit better knowing I did something well. So being good at your job can at times become a self-created reward.

But we also want others to acknowledge us for our work efforts, especially if we’ve done them well. A good boss makes sure you know you’re appreciated. And not just with words, although they do help.

Unfortunately not all bosses are good at things like that. And even the good ones still may not give you what you’re really looking for — recognition that comes in the shape of a raise or promotion. Or a great assignment where you can really shine.

In many places the extra that’s needed to get you the extra YOU want is about going beyond what’s basically expected. Doing your job well is what your salary is paying you for at the very least. Why reward you for what’s expected?

But there’s also the schmooze factor, which I will talk more about soon. And we can’t forget some good old DIY public relations and personal promotion … for yourself!

Beyond being good at your job

People who get ahead often have the glorious gift of gab and a dash or two of charm. It can even help cover up less than perfect work performance. Of course, not everyone has that ability — or knows how to use it when they’re at work.

But being seen as simply a good worker means your value to the company is in doing exactly what you’re doing. Why would the company want to change anything? To get ahead, you want your boss to think of you as multi-dimensional and capable of far more than just being a reliable old Bob Cratchit. 

Luckily there are some things you can do to help change the picture people have of you so you can grow beyond your current “just a good worker” image:

Schmoozing

Schmoozing lets you converse informally with fellow employees during the day and not necessarily about the work you’re doing. It creates connections and helps you learn about things that may be useful to you outside of your normal work channels. [Other name: water cooler chat]

Maybe you’ll learn about organizational changes or a new project. Or connect to someone in a way that opens doors later on. Or simply gets you away from your cubicle and lets you be seen as more than just a reliable workhorse.

⇒  EXTRA:  Difference Between Conversation and Gossip

 

New projects / suggestions

Taking you beyond just what’s expected, there may be opportunities for you to suggest new projects or process improvements to your boss that would help your company — and hopefully be something you can help with. Sometimes we see things from a different angle or perspective that might just give you a chance to shine.

⇒  EXTRA:  Job Morphing; 20 Tips To Help Promote Yourself

 

Self promotion

When you do a good job there’s no reason to keep it a secret. Not that I’m suggesting you annoy people by bragging or lording it over them, but pleasantly mentioning things you’ve accomplished within a normal conversation (like when you’re schmoozing) gets your abilities known.

Also, when you speak with your boss (and you should find ways to do so regularly) mention what’s gone well and what kinds of things you’d enjoy doing more of. And ask for suggestions from you boss about where else you might help. Even better when they think about new places where you might be useful to them.

Networking

When you’re good at your job, sometimes you wind up keeping your focus on the work. But you also want to build networks both within the company and also outside (in case you do need to move on). Some tips to help:

Start Building Networking Relationships That Last!

 

Other things that may help

Being good at your job in a way that maximizes your chances of getting ahead may include other things that rev up your value to the company.  Some possible ways you can add to your internal (and external) marketability:

• Acquire and /or improve skills — especially those that aim you in a direction you want to go. If you don’t have time to take classes in person, there are now lots of online options.
• Volunteer work — Again a place you may get a chance to learn some new skills, but also meet new people and potential networking contacts for down the road. At the very least, if you enjoy what you do and feel good about it, you have good schmoozing material.
• Public speaking / improv classes — These can help boost your confidence and enhance your conversational ease. And the added confidence (even seeing yourself as more interesting) is something people around you will probably notice. Volunteering can also help with this.

And again, all this not only may get you some of that respect you’re looking for at your current job, but can up your game whenever you do decide to move on to a new job. And this time, begin fresh using the techniques listed above!