Improving Your Work Methods

Let's say your annual performance evaluation didn't go as well as you had hoped this year. Perhaps your boss was being unfairly harsh on you. You may not have made any fatal errors, but rather just failed to put in enough effort. If you want to make significant strides in your career this year, you should make a number of the items on this list a top priority.

Try Your Hand at Being the Boss

When working for a huge organization, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. In the coming year, you'll have the chance to really build a name for yourself and rise in your organization by demonstrating to your superiors that you can successfully steer significant initiatives. As the new year begins, many suggestions are sure to be made. In other words, have one. Do this again the next time you have that thought, and whenever after that. If you show that you have leadership skills, you will likely be rewarded.

Recognize Your Own Success

Though humility is admirable, there comes a time when playing down your professional achievements is detrimental. To improve the possibility that your manager will notice your future triumphs and promote you, it is important to market yourself by reminding them of your past successes. You shouldn't go about bragging all the time. But if you create a brochure for marketing and the sales team raves about it, don't be shy about telling your superior what an awesome job you did.

Find Out How to Make Impressive Presentations

It takes experience and preparation to become an effective public speaker, whether your audience is ten people or ten thousand. If previous presentations have fallen flat, pledge to make next year's presentation the best one yet. Improve your graphic design talents and practice making eye contact to impress your audience. Improving your presentation skills will set you apart from the competition.

Take Risks When Necessary

You don't want to be remembered as the one who constantly answered "no" when someone asked you for the impossible. Constantly agreeing to requests you know are ridiculous might be harmful to your career. It's a good idea to make it a goal for the new year to stop giving in to unreasonable requests. If you have a lot on your plate and you're being asked to take on a new, significant project, it's advisable to be up front about your schedule and explain why you can't take on the work or request a replacement. While it's only natural to want praise, expecting too much of oneself can only lead to frustration (and unhealthy stress for you and those around you).

Maintain more consistent contact with your bosses.

Lack of regular one-on-one time with your supervisor makes it difficult to understand both their needs and your progress. Ensure my superiors that next year, I will be more proactive in asking for their input. Request feedback on your work by sending an email or setting up regular meetings with your supervisor. Learning your boss's true feelings about you and your job can allow you to move forward in your career with confidence.

All workers want to achieve the greatest possible success in their careers. Even though this year fell short of your expectations, you still have the next one to look forward to. The hope of a promotion or pay increase grows with each passing year.