Distinguish Yourself: Take Initiative

The famous Nike slogan “Just Do It” is not just a corporate marketing campaign. Rather, you can use it to advance your career by having a bias toward action and initiative.

The best employees and interns are those who not only meet expectations, but come up with creative solutions to solve problems and create value. In addition, they don’t just suggest ideas to improve their colleagues’ performance, but are willing to help.

I’ve worked with many interns and colleagues over the years. Those who distinguished themselves were able to solve problems themselves without frequently asking their supervisor.

In addition, the best employees suggest new ways of doing things that are more efficient. This may take the form of asking colleagues if they need help instead of checking Facebook when some free time arises. Or it could mean staying ahead of industry standards and using the latest technology to get your job done better.

How can you implement this immediately? One way is to think about your role more as an entrepreneur whose job is to create the most value possible, as opposed to a person who checks tasks off a list.

Some of your most important responsibilities are not necessarily listed on your job description. Innovate new ways to achieve your personal goals and your organization’s success.