In the competitive and dynamic world of digital learning, you want to stand out from the crowd and show your team that you are a valuable asset. But how do you do that without sounding arrogant or self-centered? Here are some effective ways to demonstrate your value to your team and boost your chances of getting a promotion.
One of the simplest and most important ways to demonstrate your value to your team is to communicate your achievements regularly and clearly. Don't assume that your team knows everything you do or how well you do it. Share your successes, challenges, and learnings with your team, whether it's through email, chat, or video calls. Highlight how your work contributes to the team's goals and the organization's vision. Use specific examples, numbers, and feedback to back up your claims.
I have managed a team of multi-tasking professionals in the field of curriculum digitisation for almost a decade. Aside from the traditional stuff of team-building activities, inspiring teamwork and so on, I ensured that everyone grew professionally and academically. Most of my team members joined the Mauritius Institute of Education, working at the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) with at most a Diploma in Education. They all left with at least a Masters' Degree in the field of Instructional Design or Educational Technologies. I am very proud to have worked with them.
Another way to demonstrate your value to your team is to collaborate and support others in their projects and tasks. Show that you are a team player who can work well with others, share ideas, give constructive feedback, and offer help when needed. Be proactive and reach out to your teammates, especially if they are working remotely or in different time zones. Ask them how they are doing, what they are working on, and what challenges they are facing. Offer your expertise, resources, or connections to help them overcome their obstacles.
A third way to demonstrate your value to your team is to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge. Show that you are a lifelong learner who is always curious, open-minded, and eager to grow. Seek feedback from your team, your manager, and your clients on how you can improve your performance and deliver better results. Enroll in online courses, webinars, podcasts, or blogs that are relevant to your field and share your learnings with your team. Take on new challenges, projects, or roles that stretch your abilities and showcase your potential.
Digital Learning, like anything in the digital space, is fast-evolving. New software, trends, learner needs, etc. are developing at breakneck speeds. It can feel overwhelming, as if no matter how much time you spend you could never keep up. But you would be surprised at what setting aside 30 minutes a week could do! Find a good blog or forum to follow and check weekly. Set a goal to take one new training a year. Process how a project went, analyze feedback, and set goals on how to improve the next. Most importantly... ...bring what you learn back to your team! Share resources you find, give a summary of what you learned and the skills you think the team would benefit from. Invest in your growth and in doing so help others grow with you.
A fourth way to demonstrate your value to your team is to solve problems and innovate solutions that benefit the team and the organization. Show that you are a creative thinker who can identify opportunities, generate ideas, and implement actions that make a positive impact. Don't just follow instructions or do things the way they have always been done. Think outside the box and propose new ways of doing things that are more efficient, effective, or engaging. Test your ideas, measure your outcomes, and share your results with your team.
A fifth way to demonstrate your value to your team is to show initiative and leadership in your work. Show that you are a self-starter who can work independently, manage your time, and prioritize your tasks. Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do or how to do it. Take ownership of your work and make decisions that are aligned with the team's objectives and the organization's values. Lead by example and inspire others to follow your lead. Volunteer to take on extra responsibilities, mentor new hires, or lead a project or a meeting.
A sixth way to demonstrate your value to your team is to be professional and respectful in your interactions with your team and other stakeholders. Show that you are a reliable, trustworthy, and ethical person who respects the diversity, opinions, and feelings of others. Communicate clearly, politely, and effectively with your team, your manager, and your clients. Listen actively, acknowledge feedback, and apologize for mistakes. Follow the rules, policies, and standards of your organization and your industry. Recognize and appreciate the contributions of your team and others.