How to be more independent at work

Work is rarely an individual act. Usually, it’s a team effort. However, there are benefits to being more independent in the workplace —?for yourself, your team and managers. The key is to have a solid understanding about your role and performance. Additionally, you need to make sure to protect your mental health during the process.

By Brandi Fowler

Becoming more independent at work can lead to more fulfillment, particularly if you feel burnt out or stagnant.?

“To work independently means you are paying attention,” said Christine Kidder , who is a career strategist and coach. “You really care. You are focused and when you need help, you know where to go and you do that. Once you know what needs to be done, you don't have to be monitored. You don't have to be micromanaged. You can be counted on to do your job and to be responsible.”

Becoming more independent at work also means making room for your mental health needs, said Raluca Topor , who is a holistic career coach.

“It leads to sovereignty [and putting] yourself first,” Topor said. “There is such a lack of boundaries [in the workplace]. [Some people] pour everything they have into the job. They put the company’s needs above their needs and that leads to a lot of unhappiness in the workforce. That leads to resentment and quitting.”?

Proving your reliability, taking courses to enhance your skill set, and demonstrating good time management when working remotely are ways you can work independently and thrive.?

What Steps to Take to Become More Independent at Work

Start a self-assessment to determine your needs. Or, use a tool to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.

“Journaling could be one of the tools,” Topor said. “[Also,] understand your dynamics with [your] team and co-workers. Ideally, you should have a very good relationship with your manager and [are] able to communicate your needs, your boundaries, and what you need to be happier at work without having the fear of being let go or reprimanded.”?

Becoming more independent can include prioritizing your mental health, so set boundaries, Topor said.?

“That could be like, ‘My lunch break is my lunch break and my weekend is my weekend.’ When people create this separation, like ‘This is my job, but I'm also a human and I have these other hobbies and passions and things that make me feel alive, [it is beneficial].’”

Also, understand why your boss and/or manager count on you so you can complete your duties without constant guidance, Kidder said.?

“What are you being measured on?” Kidder added. “I think you need to do more than just go to your boss and say, ‘What do you want, what do you want me to do now?’ Because that is not really working independently. It is just kind of being a robot, taking orders. When you first start working with your boss, you need to understand what your performance is going to be judged on.?

“What are you accountable for? What are you responsible for? Talk to your boss to make sure you know the game plan, and then go from there. Ask your boss, ‘What do you need from me?’ in terms of status updates [too]. Successful leaders are not micromanagers. They trust you. They are not going to get in the way of you doing your job. They get out of your way, so you can do the job, but then you have to give it your all.”?

How Being More Independent at Work Can Help Your Career

Finding ways to be more independent at work can amplify your leadership skills as well, Kidder said.?

“I want to have people on my team that I can count on, who I can [talk to about] where we are going and what we are doing. But I want them to bring their unique perspective to the table too,” Kidder said. “I need them to use their skills and talents to help us to get to our goal.?

“[Being independent] can help you in your career when a leader can really count on you and they feel like you get it, you listen, you are great to work with in terms of being a team player, you are flexible and able to get the job done in stressful times.”

Being more independent at work takes a little strategy and initiative, but worth the effort. Check with yourself to identify your needs and talk to your manager to better understand your duties so you can complete your assignments with little to no guidance.?

(A version of this article first appeared on September 19, 2022, on the Get Ahead by LinkedIn News page. You can read the full article, which was written and reported by Brandi Fowler , by clicking here. )

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