You may have only one career, but did you know you have to play two roles at work?

The first is doing whatever you were hired to do (duh, of course). The second, just as essential if you plan on sticking it out with the company, is getting on your boss’ good side a.k.a angkat bola managing up.

We go through life trying to impress so many around us, from your parents, friends at school to your boss at work. While there is, unfortunately, no fool-proof way to impress your boss, there are some things you can do that should earn you a big thumbs up.

Here are some tips to help you stand out at work for all the right reasons.

Walk the talk

This is important in every and any level. If you can always be relied upon to do what you say you're going to do — from planning and executing the event by D-Day, to achieving the goals you’ve set for the fiscal year — your boss will learn to see you as his/her go-to person. The best part, you’ll be rewarded with more trust, responsibility, and autonomy.

Think about it this way: Do you feel more comfortable sitting on a shaky chair that wobbles every time you fidget or a solid-as-a-rock chair that hardly budges?

You are the master of your own life

It’s been a while since I’ve joined the working society, and I’ve noticed over the years, many who still wait to be spoon-fed when it comes to improving their learning curve.

The fact is bosses love talents who understand that they should pilot their career paths. And, that these talents need to figure out where to want to go and take proactive measures to get there. In a nutshell, take the initiative in whatever you do, especially when it comes to your individual growth.

Nobody has the time to handhold you and serve everything on a silver platter. Rather than taking a back seat in driving your career path, ask for more opportunities that not only challenge yourself but allow you the freedom to experiment.

For instance, if you want to take up a lead role but have no experience, ask your boss if you can manage an intern, or lead a team to execute a simple campaign. Once you’ve earned your superior’s trust, there’s no stopping you from taking on more prominent roles!

Always seek solutions to problems

Don’t rely on your superiors to solve everything. When a problem arises, fix it. Don’t just point it out.

In today’s workplace, if you want to stand out as a valued talent, don’t bring problems to your boss — bring solutions. ‘Why?’ you ask? Because there are too many problems and not enough solutions; that’s why you were hired.

Nobody likes a negative person on their team who only knows how to whine. So, don’t be part of a problem. Instead, be a solution-generating talent and if need be, roll up your sleeves and address the issue.

When you turn such ‘complaint’ situations into solution opportunities, you get to the real causes behind the problems and move forward in a manner that benefits everyone.

The truth is...

Who doesn’t want to be good at what they do, and I bet you do, too. Though our motivations may be different (perhaps a promotion, the Employee of the Month award, or a simple pat on the back and “job well done”), there’s no denying that the acknowledgement for your hard work is pure gratification.

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