Success is about working smart instead of working hard.  This is not a new concept.   I wrote about it back in 2010 when I first started this blog.  I talked about my learning at my first job at McKinsey – how I learned the hard way that hard work didn’t guarantee success. 

What Does Work Smart Mean?

There seems to be a lot of definitions out there.

• Forbes just wrote about it this July – 10 Tips To Work Smarter Not Harder.   Tips included delegate more, focus on high impact tasks, and batch activities.
• Indeed.com, also wrote about it in Feb this year – 12 Tips to Work Smarter not Harder.  It had similar tips including establish a morning routine, keep your to-do list short, establish a closing routine etc..

To me, these are more tips for how to be productive at work.  It doesn’t actually get to the heart of working smart.

What Do I Think Work Smart Means?

If you are amazing at your job, but no one besides your “mediocre boss” knows about it, does it count?   I would say no.   More likely, your boss will take part or all the credit of your hard work.  You are left with no credit and little chances for advancement, unless  you do something about it.

Working smart means knowing how to build your reputation in your company with leaders and in your industry with key influencers.   This way you can maximize your chances for promotions and you will be able to uncover more job opportunities via your network when you are ready to move on.

How to Work Smart

Even if you agree with my concept of working smart, doesn’t mean you are doing it.   There is a lot of inertia as the things you need to do to work smart is rarely listed in any job descriptions.

Working smart starts with realizing that in additional to your job description (e.g, product manager, financial controller, engineer, etc..), self promotion, building relationships, and networking are also essential parts of your job.     Being proactive in these areas is what will help you in the long run not only in your current job but also for your job search.

We talked about all these areas in this month’s coaching call.

• How to get over the “shyness” and take action
• How to self promote without doing it in an awkward way
• How to network in your company to increase your chance for career advancement
• How to network in your industry to get specific advice and help in your job search.

Below is the first 5 minutes of this month’s coaching call.  You can find the full 55 minute coaching call recording inside the Soft Skills Gym.  Sign up today for just $1 the first month and get access to 15+ group coaching call recordings.

Your comments: Do you how to work smart already?  Share your tips or questions here.

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New to this site? Start here – How to Succeed like an Executive.  Also check out our newly launched site – Soft Skills Guide

Best wishes to your success.

Lei