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Never has it been so easy to stand out from the pack. That’s because more than half of the people at your organization are likely slacking off right now. According to Gallup, “ ‘Quiet quitters’ make up at least 50% of the U.S. workforce—probably more.” Dictionary.com defines Quiet Quitting as an informal term for reducing the amount of effort one devotes to one’s job. An example would be stopping the completion of any task not explicitly stated in the job description. The term implies that this is done secretly or without notifying one’s boss or manager.
And that’s really good news for an overachiever like you, because it doesn’t take much to stand out these days. While some of your colleagues are taking a step back and reducing their commitment to the organization, you should pounce on this opportunity by spending some time (just a tiny little bit) on your personal brand expansion strategy. Now’s the moment to overdeliver, creating a huge gap between you and the average performers around you. Here are some ways to become known as the superstar you are:
Up your current game. Commit to doing your current job at a higher level. You need not do something new at all. How can you deliver exceptional value through the tasks you are already doing? This is often the easiest way to demonstrate your worth and get noticed for it.
Know what you want to be known for. Being a high achiever is valuable. Being a high achiever who is associated with something important is better. When you think of this as a personal branding activity, consider your aspirations. What could you do that would help prepare you for what’s next? Whatever it is, make sure it’s visible to decision makers (see the last item on this list) and helps you build new skills.
Pick up the slack. Identify things that are not getting done, but would have a big impact on your team or organization. If half the people in your organization are quiet quitters, it’s clear that some stuff is just not getting done or not getting done properly. Identify the forgotten activity or project that inspires you and take action.
Look for voids. What holes exist that have never been filled? Now’s the time to commit to making an impact on those things that have been plaguing your organization for years or that everyone is aware of but has been ignoring.
Ask your boss. Let your boss know you’re looking for a stretch project that will help her and the organization. Come to your meeting prepared with a few options for her to consider in case she doesn’t have anything top-of-mind. And always frame it as a request for a growth opportunity, not a time-filler because you don’t have enough work to do.
Work with a colleague or two. If the project you want to tackle seems too massive, consider recruiting others to make it happen. That way, all of you get acknowledged for completing the project, but you also receive recognition as a leader (without having to give up sleep to make it happen). And, as an added bonus, you get to bolster relationships with others in your organization.
Do something that’s highly visible. To make a name for yourself outside your regular work group, commit to a project that will make you visible to a wider audience or the entire organization. Becoming a digital brand ambassador, for example, will move you out of the normal hierarchy, get you connected to what’s happening outside your functional area and demonstrate your loyalty to the company.
With many workers taking it easy, there’s never been a better time to embrace your inner overachiever and show your commitment to the organization—while building some protection against a potential wave of layoffs.
William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and co-creator of the Personal Brand Power Audit - a complimentary quiz that helps you measure the strength of personal brand.
