What legacy would you like to leave at work? I assume that most people, if they had the ability to achieve it, would want to be known as that the enthusiastic, hardworking, charismatic King (or Queen) Midas who turns all given projects into completed pieces of gold. Unfortunately, though, not everything can work out that way. Life enjoys throwing in complexities. But not everything you do in making a good impression has to be complex like life is. There are many everyday, basic, easy, simple, sometimes “no duh” things that you, or anyone, can do at work that carry great value. It doesn’t take a genius-level IQ, or dexterous fingers, or photographic memory to perform these acts, just the right effort and mentality.
1. Being early
We all know that one person who you just know will always be late. No matter how far in advance you set up a meeting, you know you won’t catch a glimpse of this person foot striding in the door until midway through. Well, at least ya beat the Pacific time zone.
WARNING: Objects in clock are closer than they appear.
In a nutshell, don’t be that person. You might be busy and caught up with all sorts of things, but make an effort to get to meetings, appointments, etc. a few minutes before they start. People are busy in the real world and you do not want them to have to wait for you.
2. Asking questions
Remember this situation in class? The professor says something you don’t understand, but instead of asking a question, you just go back to your room, read the textbook, and everything’s peachy. In the workforce however, pretending to understand something could lead to more severe consequences. One of your goals at work should be to continue learning and one of the best ways to do that is to inquire about things. Your employee will almost certainly applaud you being unashamed about revealing your unfamiliarity or being curious about something, rather than looking down at you for not knowing. People will be more than happy to help you, as it also becomes a chance for them to show off their knowledge. So ask away, nobody’s keeping track of who’s more knowledgeable than who.
3. Saying hi
Or hello, or hey, or whatever it is you would like to greet them with. Even to people you don’t know. Everybody has rough days, whether they show it or not. That includes you. But a simple greeting can go a long way.
This translates to “hello” in the strange, faraway land of New Orleans.
We’ve all been in those awkward situations where we see someone head down, walking towards you, and for 10 seconds of the two of you making your ways toward each other, you’re deciding if you wanna acknowledge them. Just do it. People like to be recognized. You don’t have to strike up a conversation with every person either (though that certainly is an option), but exchange a word or two and see just how responsive people are.
4. Attending events
Weekly softball game? Poker night? It’s all fun and games, but it’s also a chance to socialize with coworkers in a more casual setting. Department meetings? Training and workshops? Perhaps not as fun, but still a good way to explore the place you’re working at and show others you’re putting yourself out there. Different events, whether social or professional, are extra ways to meet others, especially those whom you may not otherwise interact with. Perhaps you’ve always been curious about a different business at the company but never got the chance to flag someone down who works there. Well these events could be a good way to start up a conversation. You also don’t even have to wait for the company to sponsor an event either, you could organize a lunch outing to promote some team bonding. Events take a bit more of going out of your way, but the payoff will be worth it.
Let’s face it. Work is tough. It’s not easy cementing a legacy in a short amount of time, nor is it feasible to expect to be successful in every aspect. You simply don’t have control over everything. What you do have a lot of control over is your interaction with others. And sometimes, it’s the smaller, simpler things that you do on a consistent basis which makes the greatest, lasting impression.
Colin Feng is a Peer Career Advisor from Duncan College. He is a senior studying mechanical engineering.
