How to Be a Top Performer

By Megan Martin

Too often we head into the office on Monday morning with a preconceived notion of what our day will hold: We will complete the familiar tasks required of us, attend a mandatory meeting or two, and return the next day only to relive the same experience.

If your work life makes you feel like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day, you’re not alone. According to Alexandra Levit, author of the Wall Street Journal Online article, “Taking Charge at Work,” a new study done by the Conference Board reveals that just 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their jobs—the lowest number in over twenty years.

What if things could be different? What if you could be challenged on a daily basis, learn to utilize your strongest skills, and become an integral part of your organization?

Welcome to a day in the life of a top performer. An “A” player’s work life is inspiring, exciting and challenging, because they’re making the most of their opportunities to move their company—and their career—forward. If you want to get more out of your work life, here are some tips on how you can change your daily experience to become a truly stellar performer.

Step One: Make an Inventory of Your Strengths

The first step in becoming a top performer is to take an inventory of your strengths. Rather than focusing on areas of weakness, look instead at what you do best.

Levit advises, “The best way to gain access to meatier assignments is to be prepared and proactive. Spend a few weeks considering your strengths and how you can apply them to problems your organization is currently facing.”

Make an inventory of what you’ve learned not only in your current position, but in your entire professional career. Consider the experience you’ve gained and the skills you’ve acquired throughout your work history. Make a list of what you have learned from projects you’ve worked on, classes you’ve taken, seminars you’ve attended, books you’ve read, or volunteer positions you’ve held. What are your greatest achievements? What truly excites you? What do people say you’re good at?

Next, look through your list of personal assets and think about how they can benefit your organization’s principal goals or objectives. What assets can you bring to your current position? Are there projects you could contribute to that will strengthen your skill set?

Step Two: Get in the Game

Knowing your strengths is only the beginning. Next, communicate those strengths to your superiors, and don’t be shy about it! You may have a number of skills that your employer doesn’t even know about.

In her CareerBuilder.com article, “Feeling Overlooked at Work? How to Get the Props You Deserve,” Beth Braccio Herrig interviews Janet Flewelling, director of human resources operations for Administaff in Houston:

"Employers look to employees to support leadership in an economic downturn,” says Flewelling. “Employees should clearly communicate their support to management and let them know that they are ready and willing to pitch in and assist wherever necessary to help make management's vision a reality."

Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your manager to discuss your goals and objectives. Be prepared to show how your strengths can help your company grow. Explain how your specific assets can bring a project to a greater level of success.

In addition, be organized. Bring a list of positions in which you’ve used the proposed skill set successfully and what the outcomes of these projects were.

The cherry on top is that when you communicate your ambitions to higher-ups, they are more likely to seek you out for new opportunities in the future.

Step Three: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Once you’ve been given a new responsibility, don’t disappear into your office. Rather, keep the communication flowing.

Levit recommends setting up regular meetings with supervisors so you can receive critical feedback. “Once the reins are in your hands, resist the temptation to gallop off unsupervised,” she says. “Regular interaction with your manager and other senior executives will ensure that you don't feel overwhelmed by your new responsibilities and that you're completing them to the best of your ability.”

Not only will this give you opportunities to ask questions and get feedback on what you’re doing well and what you can improve, but it will demonstrate your desire to succeed.

Be proactive – don’t wait until your supervisor asks you how the project is going to discuss it. Take the initiative to communicate and provide regular updates of the project, and let your supervisor understand your commitment to improving the company as a whole.

Step Four: Engage in Continuous Learning

Seeking out new learning opportunities is the key to a flourishing career. If your organization offers educational initiatives in any form, take them—whether it’s an onsite seminar, an invitation to a conference for professionals in your field or a chance to be mentored by someone whose work you admire.

If your organization is less education-oriented, there are still ways for you to learn more about your area of expertise and expand your skill sets. Read books, journals or blogs by experts in your industry. Or volunteer at an organization where you can continue to develop your strengths. However you choose to do it, work to expand your education.

The Boston Hiring and HR Blog article, “The Six Traits of Top Performers,” has a final word of advice:

“Visionary employees see beyond the basic job description. While they certainly may have personal ambitions to succeed, their main interests lie with growing and improving their company.”

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