For younger professionals just entering the job market, being taken seriously can feel like climbing a mountain—it may take a bit of experience under your belt before you can indeed be considered an expert.
However, in specific areas of expertise, the young professional may be more well-informed than even the most established personnel that the office currently has. But leveraging this expertise to prove yourself as “the go-to person” still hinges on whether the rest of the office takes your contributions seriously.
Fifteen experts from Forbes Coaches Council delve into how younger professionals can position themselves to be taken seriously at the office and potentially become the workplace expert in their skilled areas.
1. Be A Selfless Leader
No one climbs an organizational ladder without help from others. Selfless leaders pursue service over self-interest and focus on creating results that serve a common good. Acknowledge the co-workers who have contributed to your success. This will build trust and demonstrate you are a high-integrity leader who values collaboration, team play and the contribution of your peers. – Emily Rogers, Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching
2. Always Be Learning
Regardless of age, if inexperienced, accept that you know less than those around you and do something about it. Treat every day as an opportunity to learn something new about your job. See, those who are experienced often stop learning because they think they have learned it all—they’ve become comfortable. If you constantly seek out something new every day, you will soon surpass their knowledge. – John Knotts, Crosscutter Enterprises
3. Roll Up Your Sleeves
The best way an inexperienced professional can gain the respect of leaders is to have a “can-do” attitude and be willing to dive into the not-so-glamorous tasks and get them done (exceptionally well) with a positive attitude. Once someone brands themselves as the Ms. or Mr. Can-Do, the sexier projects and assignments will flood their way! – Holly Knoll, Holly Knoll Coaching and Consulting
4. Become The ‘Go-To’ Person
My first mentor taught me this when I first started working. He said, “You have no influence. So, become the person who volunteers. Become the person who gets information others are looking for. Become the person who networks to know other experts and can draw on their expertise. Become the person who people rely on due to your accountability. Be the person others seek out to get anything done.” – Mark Samuel, IMPAQ Corporation
5. Identify Age Biases In Your Industry
There are unconscious biases based on age in leadership. Yet, they differ depending on industry. People are more likely to approve of younger leaders due to innovation, and you might be innovative everywhere. However, if in your field leaders are endorsed for being stable or conservative, identify this and learn to communicate new ideas in a way that is acceptable for more conventional colleagues. – Inga Bielińska, Inga Bielinska Coaching Consulting Mentoring
6. Communicate With Clarity And Intent
When regarded as the youngest and potentially most inexperienced associate on the team, it is important to acknowledge entering into well-defined team dynamics that were built over time. Enter in a silent observation mode and actively engage in listening for communication prompts that are used by members to command each other’s attention. Communicate with clarity, intent and a desire to be heard. – Eugene Frazier, EF Choice & Associates, LLC — Executive Coaching
7. Ask ‘Discovery’ Questions
Young professionals may feel vulnerable not knowing “all the answers.” Leverage a beginner’s mindset and ask thoughtful questions. A great question can serve to reveal a multiplicity of possible answers, depending on the perspective of more seasoned colleagues. Questions such as “who would be affected by this change” and “how would you describe success in this situation” provide insight for all. – Deborah Goldstein, DRIVEN Professionals
8. Provide New Perspectives
Being new to a company or team can feel vulnerable. But, asking questions shows your desire to learn and that you’re invested. I’ve often been told that asking my questions showed that I had skin in the game. Hearing the answers with your unique lens might provide new solutions given your insights, background and perspective. Remember, you weren’t hired to be just like everyone else on the team. – Rosie Guagliardo, InnerBrilliance Coaching
9. Exceed Expectations
Experienced peers don’t expect perfection, but they do expect you to know what you should know—so master the basics. Don’t be afraid to work in front of them. They will only respect your ability if they see it. Last, do things you’re good at very well, even if they’re not related to the job. Leverage the Halo effect—people will assume that if you are good at one thing, you’re good at other things. – Tom Kolditz, Doerr Institute for New Leaders
10. Align Yourself To The Goals
When you take the company goals, consider your talent and demonstrate how you will align your actions to the goals, you position yourself as someone who wants to add value. There is a term in business called the 80/20 rule. It states that 20% of what we do can have 80% impact. By thinking through “what is your 20%?” and communicating that to others, you will position yourself as a leader. – Susan K. Wehrley, BIZremedies
11. Establish Credibility And Trust
Leadership is about establishing genuine credibility and trust. Junior staff who want to earn respect in the workplace and build integrity should take the time to help co-workers at all levels of the company. Additionally, listening and responding to what peers and leaders in the organization need may encourage other individuals to follow—regardless of seniority. – Rick Gibbs, Insperity
12. Speak Your Truth
Regardless of our age or expertise, we are all in the process of learning. When a young professional is bold enough to share their thoughts and opinions openly (and humbly), they create the opportunity to show leadership and share wisdom. They may do this by asking a question or challenging an idea. But, they will only show leadership when they do this with a positive and respectful attitude. – Candice Gottlieb-Clark, Dynamic Team Solutions
13. Volunteer For The Hard Assignments
As a young or inexperienced professional, you can be present. Come in early and stay late. Let people know that you wish to help and are willing to get your hands dirty. I once had a young colleague volunteer to go to the town dump to look for some important papers that were inadvertently tossed out. His effort was acknowledged by the most senior people in the company. – Michael Robilotto, Mikethecoach.org
14. Dress For Success
Impressions matter, whether they are first impressions or everyday impressions. I’ve had many hiring managers tell me that a candidate simply did not dress appropriately for the interview. Dress like the executive you want to become, whether you are interviewing, at a conference or in your everyday work environment. You will make an immediate impact with leaders and stand out among peers. – Debbie Ince, Executive Talent Finders, Inc
15. Influence Others Through Emotions
Depending on the context, leadership has two dimensions: tasks and people. As the people side is about emotions, young leaders can benefit from working on emotional intelligence to strengthen their presence as a leader by understanding themselves and others. In this way, they will have the chance to be in contact with their inner strength, which helps to improve self-confidence and influence others. – Elif Suner, Elif Suner MBA, M.Ed, PCC – Coaching, Training, Consulting
As Seen On Forbes Coaches Council –
Debbie Kassebaum-Ince
Founder & President of Executive Talent Finders
