One of the best ways to fast-start your career is to demonstrate commitment. This article suggests a few high-impact ways to become more visible and recognized. The simplicity of these recommendations belies their importance. Attention to this short list of easily implementable strategies can be your launchpad for future success in almost any organization.

Commitment Is the Key to Thriving as an Individual at Any Company

Many high-potential employees find themselves faced with the choice of being a “small frog in a large pond” or a “large frog in a small pond” by starting their own businesses. However, there’s a third option: being an intrapreneur. An intrapreneur has an entrepreneurial streak but chooses to align their talents with a large organization. This leads to more committed staff members who grow the organization by developing new processes, services, or products.

Being an intrapreneur allows you to be innovative and make significant contributions within a large organization. You might even become a “large frog in a large pond,” which comes with significant responsibilities and challenges but can be a rewarding path.

Arrive to Work Early, and Leave Late

One of the most noticeable ways to demonstrate commitment is to arrive early and leave late. Executives often notice employees who are at their workstations thirty minutes before the workday begins and those who stay beyond the closing time. Your presence will be noticed by those you hope will recognize your dedication. This simple act will be well worth the additional investment of your time.

Be Passionate about the Company’s Mission and Your Role in Pursuing It

Distinguish yourself by embracing your organization’s mission and articulating how your work supports it. Do your homework before your interview with a prospective employer to ensure you can honestly embrace the company’s mission before accepting employment. Passion for your work and the organization’s mission will be noticed and can be infectious. Demonstrating your
passion can exponentially increase your impact on the organization, and that will be noticed and rewarded.

Demonstrate a Strong Work Ethic

“Work ethic” often refers to working longer and harder, but it also includes:

• Completing projects on time and within budget.
• Focusing on execution and completion of your daily assignments.
• Taking on difficult tasks with enthusiasm.
• Delivering on your promises.
• Always acting with integrity, honesty, and accountability.

Seek Out More Work

Consider your colleagues as important members of your extended “family.” Impress your superiors by being willing and eager to do more for the company. This doesn’t mean asking for a promotion but rather expressing a willingness to help with additional tasks. Being “hungry” for more work is a trait of top-performing employees and demonstrates your commitment to the
company’s success and your desire to learn more about the business.

Be Visible

To increase your visibility, consider:

• Helping plan or participating in company and departmental functions and celebrations.
• Participating in company-sponsored volunteer activities.
• Taking lunch and coffee breaks in the company cafeteria to meet employees from other
  departments.
• Occasionally showing up at the office for an hour or two on weekends.
• Participating in developmental courses or training offered by your company.
• Attending the annual shareholder meeting if your company is publicly traded.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Maintaining a positive attitude throughout the workday, especially under stress, is crucial. How you conduct yourself under pressure signals your ability to handle greater responsibility. A positive attitude helps build professional relationships and can increase the bottom line. People remember how you react when pressured, challenged, or criticized. Leaders who maintain
a positive demeanor under stress are valued. Strive to elevate your humility and empathy and control your temper, demonstrating self-awareness and emotional stability that everyone will recognize as mature and professional.