How to Make Your Own Fireworks (At Work)

It’s almost July 4, which means fireworks.

Our hometown hosts a stunning fireworks show that’s choreographed to music. The jaw-dropping spectacle always delivers “oohs” and “ahhs” from the beholder.

Wouldn’t it be great if your performance at work received the same sort of response from your boss, colleagues, or employees? Here are some ideas on making your own fireworks at work:

Exceed expectations.
The average worker does what’s expected, but making fireworks means surpassing expectations. To do this, you have to know what those expectations are. Establish a clear understanding of what’s expected, make your plans, then deliver. Blow those expectations out of the sky.

Ask meaningful questions.
Good questions demonstrate knowledge, show interest, and lead to productive answers. Adopt a lifestyle of asking meaningful questions. Give time to wonder. Schedule in thinking time. You’ll be amazed at the solutions that boom from deliberate questioning.

Communicate clearly.
Clear and concise communication makes a positive impression. Ambiguity leaves to inaction and to more work. How many times have you received an email and had no idea what the point was? It just sat in your inbox like dead weight. Instead, communicate clearly. Remove confusion and wordiness. Proofread. Emphasize the desired response. Good communication can make things happen!

Ignite your strengths.
In order for you to ignite your strengths, you have to know what they are. StrengthsFinder is a good resource. According to the Gallup Organization, a strength is, “consistent near perfect performance in an activity.” Strengths are hard-wired into you. They motivate and determine your capacity for excellent performance. The key is to identify your strengths and then use them in your work.

Protect your personal brand.
Whether you like it or not, you’re creating a personal brand. Yes, you work for an organization that has a brand. But as a person, you also have a brand. It’s the impression you leave on people, the thought they have when your name is mentioned. What’s your brand? What impression are you making? Decide what you want your brand to be, then build it.

Honor others.
Make your coworkers glad you work with them. Look for opportunities to lift them up. Catch them doing something good and tell them. Treat them the way you want to be treated. Avoid workplace gossip, hurtful joking, and behavior that rejects people. Maintain an attitude of service. Practice compassion. Amaze your coworkers with how you care.

Finish big.
Every fireworks show has a finale. So, finish big. Polish and improve your work until it sparkles like a Roman candle. Manage your time so you don’t have to scrap something together at the last minute. Aim for inspiring awe—not just getting the project done.

You can create fireworks year-round at your workplace. Happy Fourth of July!

How else can you dazzle your workplace? You can comment below.