How the Right Placement Can Help You Find Your Purpose

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One of the things we know to be important here at Award Staffing is that every person finds their purpose in the workplace. That’s why we feel that a big part of our purpose is connecting people through meaningful work.

We know how important it is that people feel a sense of both contribution and accomplishment doing the work that they do, as that’s how most people spend 40+ hours of their week.

It’s important to us that anyone we place, whether it’s temporary or permanent finds a place where they feel a sense of purpose. It’s then that we know we did our job well and that both our client and our associate can feel confident about working with us and the future of their career and business.

Here are just a few of the ways that finding the right placement can help you find your future:

1. You can know whether or not you want to manage and what type of manager you want to be

One big advantage about the industry we are in and the type of work we staff for is that there is plenty of room for growth and that many of the positions are very collaborative. This helps you become familiar with all departments and get to know everyone on the management team. It’s through observation that you’ll know what management style you and other employees respond to best and whether or not you are interested in taking on a management role in the future.

 2. You can find an industry that you may not have thought you would ever be passionate about

It’s usually not until someone has worked in the light industrial sector that people know what truly goes on in a warehouse or at a distribution site. Anyone in those positions can tell you that there are many moving parts. By trying out a temporary position at a site or warehouse, you can observe and decide what type of role you would do best in and what shift pairs best with your home life.

 3. You can know what environment you need to thrive/where you do best

Some people do better in a quieter more low-key environment, while others do better in a constantly going, more team-based setting. If you have already tried out working in an office or at a desk, a light industrial position could be the next step. It’s only after you try a variety of positions that you will find what you enjoy the most and where you do your best work.

4. You can know if company culture, having a team, or working individually is best for you

Because there are so many different positions in warehouses and distribution centers, you will likely be able to try out a variety of them within a short period of time. In this industry, extra people are always needed; therefore, positions are always open. While some people want to work for a company that emphasizes team work and company culture, others want a job where they can zone out on their own. If you work a few temporary positions, you’ll discover your preference and can choose what’s right for a long-term position.

If you or anyone you know is in search of a job, we update our job boards daily. Check out our current openings, here.

How Working with a Staffing Agency Can Help You Find Meaningful Work

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While everyone has different definitions of “meaningful work”, I think we could all agree that we all want to have a job that is meaningful. Working a job that feels meaningful, makes going to work 5 days per week more fulfilling and increases employee retention as well as the likelihood of people moving up within their company.

Finding meaningful work can be difficult though as it is hard to gage what working at a certain company will be like and what their values are, prior to getting hired on and seeing for yourself. This is why we highly recommend partnering with a staffing agency to find meaningful work.

Staffing agencies work with hundreds of clients at a time and have likely toured the facilities, spoken with multiple leaders within the company, and gotten feedback from candidates and associates about what it’s like to work there. This allows them to get a good idea of what the experience will be like for employees, so they can offer input on whether or not a specific position or company will be a good fit for you.

Working with a staffing agency can give you access to:

1. Companies that Contribute to the Common Good

Recent studies have shown that regardless of how well employees are being compensated, they still want to work in an organization that gives back. Whether it’s to the local community or somewhere on the other side of the world, companies that give back get more interest from prospects and have higher employee retention rates. As a staffing agency will know their client very well, they can share what the company does to contribute to the common good and you can decided if it is a cause you want to get on board with.

2. Work that Involves Building Essential Products or Helping Others with their Needs

Despite any preconceived notions people may have about warehouse work or any type of light industrial position, many of those jobs are essential for society to function. There are many companies where warehouse employees are building medical devices, transporting essential goods, packaging and shipping important packages, and/or distributing healthy goods. If you want to directly contribute to a better functioning world, warehouses are a great place to do so. If you have something specific in mind, you can ask your recruiter what companies and positions they have that are in those lines of work.

3. Companies that Will Value You

Everyone wants to feel valued whether they are part-time or full-time. It’s truly a given that all companies should go out of their way to make their employees feel appreciated, but sadly many companies don’t. The good news is, all staffing agencies are in regular contact with their associates to check-in and ask for feedback on their new position. They know and want to partner with companies that appreciate the associates they send and can recommend that you apply and interview with the ones that do.

4. Organizations with a Good Company Culture

Today, company culture is more important than ever. Since people spend so much time at their place of employment, they want to be in a place where there are good relationships between colleagues and management, and where they can feel comfortable going in and not like they are walking on eggshells every day. A good company culture starts with leadership and since recruiters are always communicating with their clients, they know the places that have the best company culture. Since they have seen the facilities and can tell you whether or not the environment is clean, what the noise levels are, and how closely you will be working with others, you can use that to make your decision.

5. A Company that Honors what is Important to You

Different things are important to different people. Some people want to work for a company with plenty of overtime opportunities, while others want to work for a company with generous PTO and flexible schedules. Some people want a place where they are offered a 9-5 schedule; others want an overnight shift to accommodate their lifestyle. If you share with your recruiter what is important to you, they can determine which companies match what you’re looking for and the right way to tailor your résumé to get an interview with that company.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a job, we update our job boards regularly. Click here for a list of our current open positions.

Top Benefits of Working a Warehouse Position

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Now that we are well into the holiday season, one of the business industries across the board is the warehouse sector of the light industrial space. With stores needing to stock up on extra goods for holiday meals and décor along with people ordering tons of gifts online to be sent out to places all over the world, it’s no wonder that every year, warehousing companies hire a ton of extra help when this time of year rolls around.

The nice thing about getting a warehouse position though, is that it is an ever-growing industry and is in need of employees year-round. Let’s face it, with the convenience of online shopping, warehouse work is here to stay. Even this Black Friday saw record low numbers due to the option to purchase the same items online.

Warehouse work is very important, as the processing and shipping of goods as vital for this world to function. Here are just a few of the top reasons to consider warehouse work for your next job.

1. You Don’t Need Technical Skills

Working in a warehouse is a great choice for someone who has little to no work experience or is considering a career change. To work in a warehouse position, you don’t need a specific skillset. In fact, most of the time, soft skills are the most important factor in the hiring process. For example, the ability to work independently once you’re trained and reliably showing up to work is what employers need to ensure a smooth operation.

2. Flexible Hours and Overtime

Because warehouse work doesn’t involve customer or client interaction, nearly all warehouses extend their hours far beyond traditional business hours. In fact, many of them are open 24/7. This means that there are multiple shifts to choose from and you likely don’t have to work the same schedule every day if you don’t want to. Additionally, since there is always a need for employees in this line of work as well as random influxes throughout the year, overtime will be offered on multiple occasions.

3. Work Independently

Although warehouse work is team-based as a whole, typically when someone is hired, they are given a specific role on the floor that does not require more than one person. This can be stocking, pulling orders, scanning and processing, doing inventory. Many people like this type of work because they can listen to music while working and do not have to rely on others for their job to be complete.

4. Time Goes By Fast

Due to the nature of the work being fast paced, the constantly moving environment makes the day move quickly. There are few moments when working in a warehouse is slow enough to stop for a long enough time to be bored. You will also have plenty of your colleagues around you at all times. Whether you’re discussing work related tasks or socializing on your 15 minute break, the interaction will also help the day go by faster.

5. Keeps You In Shape

All warehouse positions require some kind of constant movement, whether you’re picking, loading, or packaging. The walking and lifting definitely gives you your workout for the day. This definitely saves you time as you won’t have to hit the gym or do a home workout once you’re off.

6. Opportunity for Promotion

Something most people don’t know is that warehouses are much more likely to promote from within than to hire for positions externally. With so many moving parts, it’s preferable to choose someone who is familiar with the layout of the floor, knows the people they will be working with, and is proficient in the way that particular facility operates. This saves on hiring costs and also allows the company to have people who know how to do multiple jobs if need be.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Our job boards are updated daily. Check out our newest opportunities here.

 

Six Reasons to Search for Employment through a Staffing Agency

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If working with a staffing agency is new to you, it’s understandable why you may not see the benefit in it right away. You’re likely thinking, why would I go through an agency when I can just apply to the jobs I want myself? While that’s a fair thought, there are several perks to finding work through a recruiting company that you’re more than likely not aware of. Not only will it be much more convenient, but having a reputable recruiter there to promote you will surely be to your advantage.

Here are just a few of the reasons that working with a staffing agency will do you good:

1. They know the local market very well

Especially if they have been in their position for a while, they have many connections and relationships in the local area. This means they have already built rapport with multiple companies that trust them to send quality candidates. They know what specifically is important to each company and can pitch you and help you tailor your résumé in a way that makes you ideal for the position. 

2. It will likely get you a job quicker

Remember, it is in a recruiter’s best interest to fill positions as quickly as possible while still choosing the best people. Additionally, when companies contact recruiting agencies, it’s because they are in current need of employees and have the goal of getting qualified people through the door sooner rather than later. Since the recruiter processes all of your new hire paperwork instead of the employer, you won’t have to worry about coordinating a time to go and take care of it with the company. It’s a common thing for candidates to have interviews and then be able to start working the next day when you go through a staffing agency.

3. They’ll be able to share with you opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise know about

Did you know that some companies find their people exclusively through staffing agencies? There may be positions near you that you didn’t know were available because the company doesn’t advertise online or through job boards. Also, though you may know your surrounding areas very well, there are always hidden and new businesses that the staffing agencies are the first to know about.

4. You can ask specific questions about culture, environment, management, etc...

When you apply for and accept a job through the company directly, outside of the impression you get from your interview, you won’t know much about the company prior to starting. Agencies on the other hand know the companies through-and-through. Before they are able to start sending candidates to the client, they have thorough conversations with leaders in the organization and have often toured the facility to see what the atmosphere is like. This allows you to ask questions to be sure it’s a good fit before committing to any position.

5. You can be more specific

Especially in the Light Industrial and Warehouse sectors, there are shifts of all kinds being offered. Overtime, half days, part-time, full-time, overnight, early morning. When a company publicly advertises a position, they typically have set shifts that they are looking to fill. When working with a recruiting agency, you can tell them what your preferred hours are and they can try and match you with a company that fits well with your schedule.

6. Saves time

Instead of having to apply to numerous companies through their websites, you can simply submit your résumé to the staffing agency you’re working with and they can send it off to the companies for you. You also won’t have to worry about scheduling interviews with each company individually; you can simply give the recruiter your availability and they can coordinate the details for you.

If your or someone you know is looking for a job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Check out our latest opportunities here. 

 

The Three P’s of a Job Search

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If there’s anything positive about the current state of the workforce, which economists are calling The Great Resignation, it is that current job seekers have the ability to be particular about what they are looking for in their next job and/or company. This is an opportunity for candidates to find a place that they will be with for the long haul because of the fact that there are millions more openings than there are people willing to take them at the moment.

But the question is: do you know what you want? To make certain your next position meets your needs and non-negotiables; you must get explicitly clear on what your own expectations are. This begins by listing out your priorities and asking yourself the right questions. These three “P’s” will be helpful in determining the critical components of what you want in a job.

1. Practicality

This involves taking a good look at what your lifestyle involves outside of work and deciding whether you want to work around it or are willing to make changes to meet the needs of the position. Do you need evenings and weekends off? Do you thrive in a certain type of environment? Do you prefer a structured environment with clear deadlines or do better moving at your own pace? Do you do well in an office environment or would you rather be working out in the field? Right now, it does not have to be all about the company and what you can offer them. Since modern times post-pandemic are being classified as “a candidate market”; use this time to your advantage by looking for what companies can offer you. If you want to be happy over the long term, it’s best not to jump into the first thing that comes your way just because it’s in your area of expertise. Make sure that any job you apply for checks most of the boxes for you. Remember, you deserve to be happy just as much as your employer deserves to have a stellar employee. Set yourself up for success by identifying what you want and choosing roles that are a good match.

2. Passion

If you want to sustain your work and schedule without burning out, it is crucial that there is passion behind the work you are doing. While everyone would like to be passionate about the exact work they are doing as well as the industry that are in,  though that is the ideal, there are multiple ways you can be passionate about your job that many people don’t tend to think about. Do you like managing a team and providing feedback? Do you enjoy writing and content creating? Do you like being part of projects from start to finish? Do you like onboarding and working with clients? Maybe a company that you’re interested in is working to end a social problem…No matter what it is, passion is one of the biggest factors in staying motivated while you’re at work; therefore you must find it in one way or another.

3. Personal Fulfillment

This goes for your work and your personal life. In order to continue to enjoy your work, you have to make sure that it is not interfering too much with your personal life. While being passionate about your job is great, you can’t get so caught up in working that it is the only thing you do. That is a sure-fire way to lead to burn out. As for your job goes, being fulfilled will ensure that you are happy to show up every day and are doing your best work. Like passion, there are a number of ways you can find personal fulfillment in your workplace. Some examples include: enjoying the team you work with, enjoying your day-to-day tasks, knowing that the work you’re doing is contributing to the greater good, and regularly hitting your goals.

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If you or anyone you know is looking for a job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Check out our latest opportunities here.

Using the Great Resignation to Your Advantage

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It’s no secret that over the past several months, there has been and continues to be more job openings than there are people currently looking for work. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States, there are over a million more positions available than there are people willing to fill them. The pandemic has significantly changed how people view their time and has provided the mental space for people to think about what they really want. Additionally, many people have made lifestyle changes such as homeschooling their children and picking up new hobbies- things they are not willing to give up now that they have experienced them. This has resulted in a mass exodus across the workforce, which is now being referred to as The Great Resignation.

However, if you are someone who is in search of a job, this is your chance to find your dream job. The benefit of there being so many openings is that you can be more particular about the places and positions that you choose, because there are most certainly multiple positions available that match both your lifestyle and your preferences. Here are three things to consider as you’re searching for your newest position:

List Your Non-Negotiables

Now is a time that you can build your career around your lifestyle instead of the other way around, so get clear on what you are and are not willing to accept. Did you used to work 60 hours a week and now you only want to work 40? Did your last job require monthly travel that you don’t want to partake in anymore? Do you only want a certain commute time? If you want to ensure that you’re happy with your job and new company in the long run, take advantage of the abundance of opportunities and only apply for jobs that match what you are looking for. Gone are the days (for now) of taking the first position you’re offered or taking a job solely for the pay.

Consider a New Industry

This could be your chance to finally pursue a job in a field that you’ve always ruminated about. Because there is such a shortage of workers, many companies are willing to look past the need for experience and train new employees. Don’t miss this opportunity by being too intimidated to apply. Search job boards for your dream position and go for it! You never know what will come of it.

 

Follow & Engage with Companies You’re Interested in on Social Media

One of the best things you can do if you want to get in with a company, is to build rapport with them. LinkedIn is the best place to do this, but if they are active on other platforms, those can be great as well. Comment on their posts, ask questions, participate in their polls. This way when you submit your application, there is a chance they will recognize your name. If they don’t, you can talk about how you’re active on their social media in your interview. Also, they may even list job postings on there- be the first to know.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Check out our latest job postings here.

7 Important Soft Skills to Have for Success

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Did you know that 85% of career success is determined by soft skills?

No matter what career you have, both hard skills and soft skills are essential for success. Most people believe that all you need is expertise in your line of work to prosper; however, success will come much quicker if you have both. Soft skills, which are defined as core skills that serve as a guide for interacting effectively and performing efficiently, are especially valuable as they are desired across all professions and can be applied to any area of life. Here is a list of soft skills that often get overlooked, but if practiced can help you on your roadmap to career progression.

1. Brevity

This means having the ability to make things clear and concise without getting too wordy. With busy days and short attention spans, if you have the ability to be brief when you’re speaking to someone, you are more likely to acquire the answers you seek. People have an easier time listening and comprehending when things are communicated in small doses. Being brief also shows that you are conscious of other people’s time.

2. Clarity

In line with being brief, the ability to be clear is another invaluable attribute that one can possess. Whether you’re giving instructions, delivering a message, or trying to negotiate a deal; the more clear you are, the more persuasive and credible you will be. Being able to articulate a point seamlessly and in a way everyone can understand keeps people on the same page and enables people to see the bigger picture and the reasons behind decisions and procedures in the workplace.

3. Confidence

People admire those who are confident, plain and simple. The ability to stand behind your decisions without second guessing yourself, speak with ease and conviction, and take initiative without seeking prior approval gives you the appearance of a leader. If you carry yourself with confidence, you’ll notice that colleagues come to you for advice and that management will trust you to take on more projects and leadership roles.

4. Perception

Although this one can be one of the most challenging skills to obtain, if you choose to work on it, it will be more than worth it. The ability to read a room or read someone’s vibe without them having to say anything will give you the opportunity to course-correct situations and maybe even pleasantly surprise people. It is also a good indicator or when and how to approach someone with a question or important conversation.

5. Negotiation

Wherever you go, there are going to be people you work with who have different opinion, styles, and processes than you. This doesn’t mean that you should hold back on sharing your own ways, for all you know, they will be receptive to them. The ability to negotiate can be a win-win for all and can change the game for you and all involved in sales, deadlines, scheduling, and more.

6. Open to Feedback

No matter how proficient you are at what you do, there are always going to be areas for improvement. Sometimes you may not even realize that the way you’re doing something could be improved. When people give you constructive criticism or suggest that you go back to the drawing board, there is no reason to take it personally. New/different ways of doing things are often in the greatest good of the organization and all involved.

7. Conflict Resolution

Whether it’s a disagreement with someone you work with or a problem you or the company has never faced before, the ability to resolve efficiently is crucial. This happens when someone has the ability to remain objective and uses logic to process situations instead of emotion. The ability to resolve conflicts makes you more approachable and trustworthy to those around you.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new job, we at Award are here to help. Check out our newest job opportunities here.

Scheduling Around Your Energy

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When most people are in search of a job, choosing one based on their own energy is not typically at the forefront of their mind. But if you think about it, all people have different times of day when they are the most productive. Additionally, no matter what your natural rhythm looks like, our minds and bodies are optimized for different undertakings at different times.

If you choose a schedule based off of your personal energy cycle, you will have greater productivity and a much better chance at being happier in the long-term at work. Depending on the line of work that you do and the position that you hold within your company, there are a few ways to do this.

If you are in a traditional 9-5 position and your job consists of a multitude of tasks that need to be completed every day, (in no particular order) schedule them according to your peak energy and productivity times. What this means is: if you are someone who has a burst of energy as soon as you arrive in the morning, beginning your day with things that you know require a lot of energy, such as: calls, virtual meetings, sales pitches, and presentations is a good idea. Additionally, if there is a certain time of day that you know you are the most productive- tasks that require a lot of thinking and focus: research, writing projects, data analysis, and campaign planning are all good things to focus on during this time. On the contrary, if there is a time each day that you know you have an energy dip, tasks like responding to emails, placing orders, and checking copy for grammatical errors should be reserved for this time.

If you are in a position that offers multiple shift options per day and has more of a repetitive nature, you will benefit greatly from working a shift during the time of day when you have the most energy. Especially if your job consists of things like heavy lifting or a lot of physical movement. We’ve all heard the terms “early bird” and “night owl”, and we all know people who struggle to wake up in the morning or can’t fall asleep before a certain hour. These traits are not typically chosen, they are built-in. Therefore, it is important not to pass judgement on yourself or others for being more generative at a certain time.

The fact that we don’t all have the same energy cycles is of immense advantage to both the workforce and society as a whole. Businesses and industries operate at different times depending on need, therefore it’s crucial that there is someone to cover all shifts. So if you’re in the market for a new job, this is definitely something to take into consideration.

If you or someone you know is currently looking for a job, check out our newest opportunities here. We update every day.

How Music Boosts Productivity

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In both your personal and professional life, productivity is an important factor. When most people think of productivity, they think of commonplace productivity hacks such as limiting phone usage and having a designated time to check emails. But did you know that listening to music while you’re working can increase your productivity as well? Depending on the type of music among just a few other factors, music is something that fills ones environment with substance. When working in an office that is completely silent or working at a site where you hear nothing but machinery, it can make for a very dull day- leading to boredom, therefore decreasing productivity. Here is a list of ways listening to music can benefit you while you’re working.

“Without music, life would be a mistake.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

1. Improves Mood

Particularly when you’re listening to music you like, music releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which we all have at times when in the workplace. If the music you’re listening to is upbeat, it can also serve as a motivator on days when you’re dragging. (We all have those days).

2. Narrows Focus

Music, especially classical music, is known to help your brain both absorb information and ease your mind. When you feel less consumed with all of the information your brain tries to process daily, you can zoom in on the tasks you’re doing which allows you to produce your best work.

3. Helps with Problem Solving

Music improves cognition and enhances both memory and learning. This leads to ideas and innovative solutions to problems. It also gives you the fluidity to see problems from multiple perspectives instead of having rigid thinking.

4. Makes Tasks More Pleasurable

All of us have components of work that we are not particularly thrilled about. Depending on the position, some of us may have tasks that are repetitive and monotonous. Music will give you a rhythm to what you’re doing, making it feel faster instead of dragging. It also slightly divides your attention so you’re not solely thinking about how badly you don’t want to do a task.

5. Improves Creative Process

Music is known to promote divergent thinking. This is when you have many thoughts and ideas flowing to you at once. This is often when you come up with your best ideas because your stream of consciousness is open and you begin to make unexpected connections.

6. Blocks Out Other Distractions

If you’re listening to music while working, it will block out other sounds around you, such as: conversations of co-workers, constantly ringing phones, or people walking by. Hearing multiple noises happening all at once burns energy as your brain sees it as data that needs to be processed. Instead of involving yourself in those conversations or turning around to see what the noise is, you are honed in on what you’re doing and are able to keep at it.

7.Immersion

Because music helps you elevate your mood, it can help get you moving faster and more “in the zone”. When you feel happy, you are less likely to make errors.  Also, when you are in a good mood, you have better interactions with colleagues, clients, and customers.

 

Things to Consider:

1. Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Just like all things, music affects introverts and extroverts, as well as different personalities differently. Listening to tracks during work may not be the best option for everyone. Some introverts may do better working in silence. It is entirely dependent on the person.

2. Lyrics

Music with lyrics can be distracting, especially if you choose to listen to songs that you know all of the words to. Before you jump straight to your favorite tracks, try listening to non-lyrical or karaoke versions of the songs you like.

3. Listening Habits

If you are someone who listens to music all the time and with every task that you do, adding it to your work day will feel only natural. If you are someone who only listens to music occasionally, it may take some getting used to.

4. Difficulty of Tasks

If you are doing a task that requires all of your focus, like crunching numbers or writing documents, music is not something you will want to add to the mix. Instead, listen to it on your lunch or take a few short breaks during the day and play a few minutes of upbeat or calming music then.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. We update our job listings daily, check out our latest opportunities here.

How to Be a Game Changer in You Career

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A game changer is an individual or group of people that transforms the way things are commonly done or thought about. Game changers have the ability to influence the way other people think and act by standing out and shifting other people’s perspectives by way of their personality and their own actions.

Everyone wants to shift the paradigm, and everyone can; if they take the necessary actions to become a person of influence and take the risks needed to disrupt the way things have always been done in the past to share a way that’s even better.

Here is a list of just some of the things you can do to become a game changer in both your life and career:

1. Invest in Your Mindset Daily

Your mindset affects everything because it is what determines your actions and behaviors. When trying to make changes, setbacks are inevitably going to come up. You are also going to occasionally find yourself among people who have an entirely different outlook than you. You may even find yourself in a slump, every once in a while. Mindset is what will get you through these things. You must train your mind to have a productive mindset in any type of situation that may arise. This means that mindset work is never done. You have to have a mindset routine, even if it’s just 10 minutes per day. During this time, cleanse your mind of any unproductive information you have acquired recently and fill it with motivational thoughts. Getting into this habit will give you a reset, daily.

2. Identify the Why and the Vision

Before starting or working towards anything, it’s crucial to determine the meaning behind it and the reason it is important to you. Showing up regularly for something becomes a whole lot easier when you know you’re doing it for a purpose and you are passionate about that purpose. From there, you can identify the vision. Once you know the vision, you can begin mapping out the plan and the individual steps it will take to make it all come together.

3. Rise to the Occasion

In order to be a game changer, you need to be a leader. This means that when you are presented with opportunities that you haven’t had before, you rise to the challenge and find your own way of doing them. Game changers are innovative which means they do not shy away from things just because they are new or different. Look at it like your chance to showcase your skills and creativity. You never know what taking on the challenge will lead to if you don’t push through the barriers of fear. Take a chance on yourself.

4. Spend time Perfecting Your Craft

If you want to see above-average results, you must put in an above-average amount of time to learn something. It doesn’t have to consume all of your time, but you most definitely will need to put in the work after hours to really improve your abilities. There are many ways you can do this, some examples are: read up on the topic, practice the skills you use/need, and taking trainings & watching tutorials.

5. Eliminate Distraction

Distraction is the enemy of productivity, even the small ones. If you were to get really honest with yourself, how many things per day take up time that you could be using to complete a task related to your vision? Scrolling social media, noise that doesn’t allow you to think, people stopping by your desk, online shopping, and thinking about things you need to do at home are all distracting. If you really have the urge to be a change maker, you need to have as much focus as possible so you can check off the things that actually matter. Keep the end goal in mind.

6. Stand Firm in Your Standards

People who are seen as change makers have standards for both themselves and those around them. They are not the type to settle for average. This makes them a respected member of the team as they do quality work and are also firm in their boundaries and the expectations they have for others. People who create change don’t tiptoe around others because they want to people-please. They know it’s not about being liked, but instead being valued.

7. Be Original

You must be willing to step outside of the box. This means coming up with different or new and improved thought processes and practices. When you come up with them, don’t hesitate to share them. Everything starts out as an idea and ideas bloom when people can collaborate on them.

8. Take Risks

It’s always going to be intimidating to try something you have never done before. It’s also a bit nerve-racking when you go to present something new to a manager, client, or colleague and you don’t know how it’s going to be received. While you can’t always control whether or not something works or how others are going to react; the only thing guaranteed is if you don’t do anything- no changes will be made. People admire those who take risks, because it shows that they are not afraid of misfortune or to go back to the drawing board.

 9. Stay Informed and Keep Up with the Trends

Because we live in a digital world, things have the ability to move really fast. Just when you were getting used to a new social media platform, another one has emerged and is trending. The good news is, through smartphones and Wi-Fi it is easier than ever to stay updated on all of the industry trends that are developing around us. If you stay up-to-date with the trends, you’ll stay relevant and can use the things that are trending to leverage your personal brand. Don’t fall behind by shying away from trending topics, platforms, technology, etc.

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