I wanted to stand out from the crowd. I don’t mean standing out for the sake of drawing attention that doesn’t win you anything meaningful. I’m talking about getting a promotion, securing a coveted client, or getting named to the community board you want to serve on.

When I began my journey, I inhaled leadership books, learning everything I could about being a leader. What I found was that every leadership book, blog, or article I read talked about adding value to other people.

Trying out what I’d learned, I began giving sincere compliments more frequently. If I liked your shoes, I would tell you. If I giggled at your post, I would double tap. (Why are we so stingy with Likes anyway? They’re free, people!) When I would think of two people who should know each other, I introduced them. And you know what? My own star shined brighter. I got a seat at the table. Remember when mama told you ain’t nothing free? She was right. You have to give before you get. Give value, get opportunities. Here are some ways for YOU to get noticed!

Be Generous (But Genuine) With Compliments
Never miss an opportunity to give a compliment. We all desire to be seen. If you want to be seen, make someone else feel seen. It’s that whole you reap what you sow thing. Trust me, you tell your co-worker, friend or your client she is slaying today (if in your opinion she is truly slaying), you’ll be hard to forget.

Be a Connector
Connect them with people who can help them. There is incredible power in connecting people. You open the door for others, they’re more likely to open doors for you. Remember: It doesn’t matter what you know, it matters who you know.

Go Above and Beyond
Do more than they ask you to do, minus the attitude. Listen, I am not a janitor, but I am also not above taking out the garbage at my job. If it needs to be done and you have the ability to do it, do it. Be indispensable. It won’t be long before it gets noticed. Brew some coffee for your co-workers, bring in donuts, get your thirsty co-worker a bottle of cold water. Be extra. In this case, being extra its a good thing.

Don’t Delay – Be Quick About Providing Help
Don’t make people wait until you finally get around to doing whatever you promised them you would do. Let’s be honest, we don’t like to wait for what we want either. Get it done. Deliver. (Over-deliver if you can!)

Ask “How Can I Help?” Once Per Day
It’s great to take initiative, and you should. But you want to make sure you’re actually being helpful. Let them tell you what they need, not what you think they need.

You were born to be a leader. Now start leading.

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