10 Best Ways to Make an Impact at Work

Worker arrives at a conference meeting in progress.

The problem with some workplaces is that too many employees mistake being busy with productivity.

It should not be enough to show up to work, do busy work, and then get a check. You should be committed to making an impact whenever possible when at work.

Here are ten of the best ways for making an impact in the workplace.

1. Keep Everyone Updated as Needed

One of the best ways for making an impact at work is to professionally keep everyone updated on pertinent or related projects or assignments as needed.

Updating and sending regular memos or notes to people can be a double-edged sword. Even in a work setting, some people will find it annoying. For some people, getting updates and memo emails or notices for projects they are involved in can feel like a distraction.

And it is, for this reason, your efforts will always make an impact. Misunderstandings and miscommunications power the world. People tend to take information for granted and go with the flow, especially in high-pressure work environments.

And then you have people who may become mistakenly out of the loop or not know how their role has changed. And they may not know who to ask for updated information or be unaware they need to be updated.

If you are part of a work project, keep people informed via updates. Updates prevent speculation and distraction and save time. And it keeps everyone focused on the goal.

2. Clarify When Needed

Another way to make an impact at work is always to clarify information or ask for clarification when needed.

We spoke before on how miscommunications power the world, whether intentional or otherwise. But the fact is that bad communications within a company with 100,000 employees or more can be extremely costly.

A company with unchecked and bad communication practices can lose up to $62 million in revenue annually. Every employee working off of uncorrected bad information can waste up to $26,000 in productivity annually in such situations.

Over 80% of employees say that they often notice miscommunications in the workplace. And another 53% of employees will never speak their mind about work conditions, even when prompted to do so.

If you see mistakes or miscommunication, always clarify as soon as possible. No one likes being corrected, but no one likes taking the blame for costly mistakes either. Your clarification could save your employers or colleagues a lot of embarrassment.

3. Make Bold New Moves

No one says that you should walk in the door making recommendations or suggesting new ideas. Get to know how the system in your workplace operates. And learn the operational hierarchy before you start making waves.

After all, you need to know the rules before you begin breaking them.

Afterward, break new ground by suggesting new ideas, concepts, and proposals via brainstorming sessions and email updates. Don’t be afraid to become the go-to person for out-of-the-box and unorthodox ideas and solutions.

Become the employee everyone knows understands how to do a lot with just a little.

Just remember that you have to deal with the inherent office politics of your workplace. While you don’t have to lower yourself to such a standard, you should understand the playing field before making your bold new moves.

Office workers conversing in a meeting.

4. Practice Active Listening

While you should endeavor to make a bold personal impression at work, always remember that you will usually be part of team efforts in most situations. And just in the same manner that you want others to listen to you and recognize your ideas, you should practice doing the same.

There is no “I” in a team, and while you should strive to make a personal impact, you should also recognize when to cede the floor to others with worthy ideas.

Practice active listening.

Active listening is the art of listening to others and taking in their ideas with respect, without judgment, and without just waiting for your turn to speak. Many people are not adept at communicating or expressing their point of view. Active listening will help you engage better with people in brainstorming sessions.

You learn to read non-verbal hints when you actively listen since 98% of communication is non-verbal. You show other people that their idea and thoughts are valid. And if you are willing to listen to others, they will be more inclined to listen to you.

5. Be Proactive Without Request

You shouldn’t have to ask anyone, “Is there anything I can do?” at a workplace. Unless you are a new intern, you should have a job description. You should have plenty of work to do.

However, depending on your job, there will always be random assignments and things that must be done that no one wants to do.

Take on tasks without being asked. Take the initiative. Do what needs to be done without a supervisor asking. The context in which you do this will vary according to circumstance.

6. Always Have a Positive Mindset

Every time you show up for work, be positive. When there are problems at work or a tight deadline, that is not the time to crack jokes, of course. But you can have an optimistic attitude about getting the job done.

Negativity and pessimism are very contagious. But optimism and positivity are also contagious. Always be the one who positively knows how to get the work done with the confidence to get it done.

7. Network at Company Events

Remember we said that there is no “I” in a team? Always work according to that saying. While you want to make an impact at work, many assignments will be group efforts.

Attend company parties and all affiliated company events whenever possible. You can make a significant impact by professionally networking with your colleagues and building on-site camaraderie.

Be affable, share workplace-appropriate jokes, and strike up conversations with colleagues from other departments. Being open and approachable and introducing yourself will make it easier for your workmates to interact with you in the future. 

8. Earn Professional Trust

Trust is a two-way street. You are responsible for your professional life and career, so always endeavor to make an impact.

But if you are new to a position, you must remember that your co-workers are new to you and vice versa. And sometimes people are over-cautious of ambition in others because they lack it themselves or are afraid the most ambitious worker will get all the glory earned by a group.

Use your active listening skills and networking skills to earn trust organically in the workplace.

9. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

You know how to make an impact at work. And you know how to read the room. But can you read yourself or make a self-assessment of your own skills, talent, and conduct?

After a month or two, you could ask a trusted colleague or supervisor for an assessment. Listen actively and improve upon any weaknesses you discover.

Be a Natural Leader

10. Be a Natural Leader

Whenever it is time to take the lead, take it. Don’t just let opportunities pass you by.

When you make a reputation as someone who makes an impact with whatever they do, opportunities to lead will present themselves. Don’t miss them.

Never settle for mediocrity when your job or professional reputation is at stake. Always strive to make an impact in the workplace.