A great podcast I listen to by the Get it Done Guy recently did a feature on Moments of Truth, which inspired these questions in me.

What is the one thing that makes me shine at work?
OR what are the times when I look totally inefficient and useless if I am not completely on the ball?

You need to identify those moments to hone your skills for looking great at work.

• Try not to “ummm” – if you are unsure, say either “well…” nothing at all, or something related, which will give you time to think of the answer to a question. (Click on the picture for a link to Tips to Reduce ‘umm-’ing)

• Be nosy – not about other people’s personal business, but about things happening at work. Be aware of what’s on your boss’s mind, your team-member’s mind, your subordinate’s mind. This will show your interest in the company, in your team and how it functions, and will also help you figure out areas where you can help.
• Help your coworkers – even if it means you have to stay late one night, a little help will win allegiances, support and friendship from your colleagues. This means that they will help you back, and in a moment of crisis, they will stand up for you or recommend your more responsibility (or even a promotion!)
• Have all the answers – if you are like me, you don’t remember every single details about everything, so keep lists, charts, checklists, excel spreadsheets, whatever it takes to record every single detail someone might ask you to recall. You’ll look super smart when you can look up some obscure detail within minutes.
• Ask questions - an old boss once told me that the biggest thing she admires in an employee is curiosity. Don’t be afraid or shy; instead of making you look stupid, it will in fact show that you are smart enough to realize there is so much more you could know, and WANT to know. It is also a great compliment to someone when you ask for their opinion, advice and knowledge.
• Make it known that you want to grow. Make your ambitions and goals known to your boss, and supervisors. Ambition (that is not outrageous) is highly valued in the business world and if your boss actually knows about them, he or she will surely help you reach them as well.
• Work Hard! - because the lack of effort and interest is so noticeable.

Of course there is a lot more to it, and I am learning more and more each and every day, but for now these are a few “Moments of Truth”in my opinion that will help you at work and influence what your colleagues and supervisors think of you.

Listen to (or read the transcript of) the original podcast here: http://getitdone.quickanddirtytips.com/moments-of-truth.aspx