My proudest moment continues to be when things were the toughest. It’s a challenge out there and even when I graduated college things didn’t immediately happen the way I thought they would with a high paying job and climbing the corporate ladder handed to me.

Resilience matters in life.

My aunt gave me this message in a card (not digital see photo) and signed it with a message after I graduated from college landed a job and when I didn’t get the promotion after putting all my effort into it.

I am holding on to the message because it is meaningful to this day for me and I read it over and over again during my darkest times, but even more important is when things are going well to remind me not to get too comfortable.

The card (in an old baseball card sleeve) is starting to deteriorate after being crunched in my leather wallet, thrown around, lost, rediscovered, sent underwater during a bad kayak tour, etc. but the message always remains clear.

Keep fighting.

Throughout my career I often remained humble and still do, but I can tell you in this competitive world you need to highlight the small wins along with the big ones for yourself along with the team.

I refer to them as outcomes vs. what is being delivered since it often takes time to drive a project to improve a process, save money or increase revenue.

Time is typically not on your side.

Start by highlighting your achievements during the week big or small.

Document them. It will take some additional effort on your part, but a little bit of administrative work will be beneficial.

The next time you have a chance to chat with your boss present them with the highlights of your week in an update that showcases what is active now, in progress over the last 30 days and the outcomes or what you delivered already. Nothing fancy, maybe a slide or a document (digital now).

You will be amazed at what you deliver that you do not even remember you did. It’s documenting the outcomes that do not always feed into a metric or a key process indicator (KPI), but hopefully a positive update into how you improved the business to make you stay relevant.

It’s a conversation that will show you are prepared, but also set you up for your next mid-year review or performance appraisal too.

It’s working for me.

Making yourself relevant in a competitive work environment involves a combination of professional skills, personal development, networking, and a proactive approach. Here are some strategies to help you stand out:

1. Continuous Learning:
   • Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
   • Attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to enhance your skills.
   • Seek opportunities for professional certifications.
2. Specialize in a Niche:
   • Develop expertise in a specific area that is valuable to your organization.
   • Become the go-to person for certain tasks or knowledge.
3. Networking:
   • Build a strong professional network both within and outside your organization.
   • Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage in online forums.
4. Effective Communication:
   • Clearly articulate your ideas and contribute meaningfully during meetings.
   • Develop strong written and verbal communication skills.
5. Show Initiative:
   • Be proactive in identifying and solving problems.
   • Volunteer for challenging projects and take on additional responsibilities.
6. Adaptability:
   • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in the face of change.
   • Stay open to new ideas and ways of doing things.
7. Team Collaboration:
   • Work well with others and contribute positively to team dynamics.
   • Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
8. Results-Oriented:
   • Focus on achieving measurable results.
   • Demonstrate the impact of your work on the organization’s goals.
9. Build a Personal Brand:
   • Develop a strong personal brand that reflects your skills and values.
   • Showcase your achievements and contributions on platforms like LinkedIn.
10. Emotional Intelligence:
    • Understand and manage your emotions effectively.
    • Develop empathy and strong interpersonal skills.
11. Seek Feedback:
    • Regularly seek feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and peers.
    • Use feedback as a tool for continuous improvement.
12. Time Management:
    • Prioritize tasks effectively and manage your time efficiently.
    • Meet deadlines consistently.
13. Stay Positive and Resilient:
    • Maintain a positive attitude even in challenging situations.
    • Learn from setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth.
14. Mentorship:
    • Seek mentorship from experienced professionals in your field.
    • Be open to both giving and receiving guidance.
15. Demonstrate Leadership:
    • Take on leadership roles in projects or committees.
    • Lead by example and inspire others.

Remember that staying relevant is an ongoing process. Continuously reassess your skills, adapt to changes, and stay connected with industry developments to thrive in a competitive work environment.