How to Do Better in Your Career Faster - The Muse

How to Do Better in Your Career Faster - The MuseHow to Do Better in Your Career Faster If youre reading this, youre probably doing A-OK in your career. Youre getting stuff done, youre learning, and your team is happy with you overall.But you also know youre not perfect. Everything you do leaves room for improvement, and as someone whos driven and cares about growing, youre always interested in ways you can continue to excel.Well, were here to help Here are eight things- if we were to guess- you could be doing even better.1. Managing Your TimeYoure rarely one to miss a deadline and you feel like your days are well spent. But, sometimes you find yourself spending mora time on a project than youd like, or getting distracted and having to stay in the office later than usual. And, you dont actually have a formal time management strategy in place, which makes it tough for you to always stay focused and efficient.Do it BetterHave you thought about aggressively blocking out times on your ca lendar to ensure youre doing everything exactly when you want to? Or, taking short breaks more often so you dont find yourself scrolling through social media for an hour? Or, how about trying the Research-Plan-Connect strategy perfect for those who love to kill time? Sometimes the solution is as simple as strategic planning.2. Staying OrganizedUnlike your deskmate whose mountain of stuff is slowly tipping into your territory, your space is fairly neat and clean. Your inbox and desktop arent super terrifying to look at, but occasionally important notes get lost in the shuffle, to-do items are forgotten, and files become difficult to uncover.Do it BetterThese desk hacks will keep your space forever manageable. As for your inbox, you may want to consider using filters to keep different kinds of messages together. Or, taking advantage of Gmails new features to stay on top of everything.How about your desktop? Check out these fast fixes thatll transform the way you work on your computer. Finally, if you dont have one, consider investing in a stellar planner to organize every part of your life.3. Having MeetingsYour meetings tend to be somewhat productive. But youre no stranger to the brainstorming session that ran 30-minutes over or the one-on-one where you left feeling just a little confused. Do it BetterA meeting agenda can go a long way in helping your meetings stay on track. And learning how to talk to someone who constantly runs late may help you avoid the problem of extra-long meetings. Finally, make sure youre doing some prep beforehand so your conversation is as efficient as possible.Or, consider not having a meeting at all and sending out an email instead- this can immediately turn unproductive meetings into productive next steps.4. Working With Your Co-workersIn general, you and your colleagues tend to get along. But sometimes you get into rifts or have to deal with them slacking off on something- and wouldnt we all want to avoid these moments more often t han not?Do it BetterPractice how youll talk to a co-worker whos condescending or being lazy so you can solve any issue effectively and professionally. And, up your game by using one of these tips to get people to respect you more.5. Working With Your BossYoure cordial with your boss, if not friendly. But youre always looking for ways to get on their good side.Do it BetterDont have regular check-ins with your manager? You should if you want to always be on the same page (heres how to set one up). These four sneaky habits are sure to impress even the toughest managers, along with this 15-minute one. And the best employees ask their boss these questions on a regular basis.6. Giving FeedbackYou think youre good at letting people know when you disagree, but sometimes your feedback just doesnt stick. How can you give constructive criticism thats both motivating and respectful?Do it BetterLearn how to give tough feedback to people you like (this article will help), as well as to people who dont want it. Muse columnist, Sara McCord, lays out the best way to give that kind of advice here. 7. NetworkingSure, you sometimes grab coffee with an old colleague or comment on a past boss LinkedIn update. But youre not doing much more than the bare minimum of acquaintanceship- and yet you know having strong professional relationships is key for your success.Do it BetterIf someone looks at your LinkedIn profile, dont just stalk them- respond And make sure youre sending out a thoughtful thank you note whenever someone does something nice for you. Remember that the little things go a long way. So use this 15-minute networking tip and these smart ways to keep your network warm- and always available in case you need them.8. Thinking Long-TermYou have a vague idea of where you want to go in your career. But you dont really have a concrete plan laid out for how youll get there.Do it BetterFirst, understand what makes a good career goal- otherwise how else are you going to accomplish i t?Then, define success for yourself. What does it look like? Feel like?After you do that, use this exercise to outline your ideal future and how youll reach it.Moral of the story? Theres always progress to be made on even the highest of achievements. The best employees dont let their growth stagnate, but rather understand that theres always more to be done and learned.What sorts of things are you looking to get better at? Ask us on Twitter TheMuse