Humans are happiest when we’re constantly striving—seeking new opportunities for growth and taking on novel challenges. If you feel ready to level up at work, but nothing promising is coming your way, maybe you need to show your boss that you have the skills. Here are a few ways to show that you’re ready for more responsibility.
Become a Problem Solver
More responsibility means more problems, and you’ll be the one responsible for solving many of them. If you’re already raising concerns about issues at work, you’re on the right track. Now up your game by pairing your complaints with possible solutions. Becoming known for your creative approach to problem-solving can help move you to the front of the line for a promotion.
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Many people mistakenly believe that moving up the ladder means taking on more and more work. But most of the time, this isn’t the right strategy. You’re looking for more responsibility, not more drudgery. So learn to delegate tasks to those most capable of handling them, rather than trying to do it all yourself.
Become More Efficient
Ever heard the old saying, “work smarter, not harder”? As in the tip above, adding responsibility doesn’t mean working yourself into the ground. Start planning your projects, making sure to develop efficient ways of completing them. This requires critical thinking, which is an essential soft skill for any manager.
Act Like a Leader
If you want more responsibility, don’t start ordering your coworkers around. That’s not good leadership and will only make you look like a jerk. Instead, learn to lead by example. Dress professionally. Practice active listening. Offer assistance. Learn to get along with people who aren’t your type. Steer clear of gossip and office drama. Modeling professional office behavior shows your boss that you’re ready to take your career to the next level.
It’s normal and healthy to outgrow your old job and to want to take on more responsibility. These simple tips can help you show your boss that you’re ready for the next step. If you’ve tried them all and you still haven’t moved up, though, it could be a sign that it’s time to move on.
Ready for a new job?
If you’re ready for a new opportunity, SURESTAFF can help you find a light industrial position in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin.
