We’d all like to get the positive recognition we feel we deserve at work, but sometimes that can seem pretty difficult.

We’ve all heard showing initiative, helping out others and participating in company programs and events are ways to get ahead at work, but the problem is — we’ve all heard that same advice.

If you really want to stand out, do something different from the same old “elbow grease” methods everyone else uses. Here are a few suggestions.

Steady and efficient wins the race

Understand the difference between being busy and being productive, and then focus on being productive. Sure it might look like you are a hard worker if you are always staying late,  but if your results are the same as everyone else or worse – you won’t be fooling people for very long.

Schedule smartly

When you schedule your day, think about how much time each task will take; then allocate about 10 percent less time to get it done. Research has shown we tend to take as much time as we are given to get a specific task done, so if you realistically give yourself a bit less time, you will work more efficiently.

If you’re going to work as efficiently as possible, you need to take steps to avoid burnout. Set aside small blocks in the day when you can take a break, and rejuvenate both your mind and body.

Also, try to schedule regular personal activities outside of work. By pursing a hobby, socializing or getting in some athletic activity, you can refresh your overall approach to your job.

Strategic interactions

When you accept a lot of tasks and stretch yourself too thin, you’re not being a positive force for yourself, your boss or your employer. Finding out how to say “no” to certain things will make you more effective and open up honest and more productive conversations about getting tasks done. It also indicates you can prioritize and set limits.

If any problems crop up in the course of doing your job, tackle them head-on. Avoiding your boss when you have made a mistake only makes it worse when you eventually get around to it. Tackling tough issues head-on allows you to move forward faster with solutions.

You should also work on being a good story teller. If you want to be seen as a top performer in your workplace, you need to sell that story. This means connecting the dots for your boss when you play a role in a success, or even how you contribute to steady and efficient production of your department.

At Action Group, we connect individuals to job opportunities so they can stand out and advance their careers. Please contact us to learn more about the opportunities we currently have available.