Alright, guys, let’s talk about being “better than most.” This isn’t about being some kind of superhero or a genius. It’s about the little things, the everyday stuff that adds up and makes you someone people actually want to work with. ‘Cause let’s face it, nobody wants to be stuck with a pain in the neck, right?
So, I started thinking about this whole “better than most” thing. What does it mean in the real world, at a regular job? First thing I did was to look around. I observed people who were always in demand, always getting picked for the cool projects. They weren’t necessarily the smartest or the most skilled, but they had something else. A kind of vibe.
I started jotting down what I saw. What were these “easy to work with” people doing differently? First up, initiative. These folks, they don’t just sit around waiting for instructions. They see something that needs doing, and they just… do it. I tried it out myself. A report needed some extra data? I didn’t wait to be asked. I just dug it up and added it. It felt good, not gonna lie. And people noticed.
- Take initiative – don’t wait, just do.
- Be a good communicator – talk straight, write clear.
- Develop good work habits – show up on time, and meet your deadlines.
Next thing, communication. Oh boy, this one’s huge. I used to be all over the place, rambling on, or writing emails that were a mile long. No more. I started practicing being clear and to the point. I’d ask myself, “What’s the one thing I need this person to know?” And boom, that’s what I’d say or write. Meetings got shorter, emails got read, and I swear I could see people’s shoulders relax when they saw it was me.
And you know what? It worked. I started getting pulled into more interesting projects. People would actually seek me out for my input. Not because I had all the answers, but because I made things easier, not harder. I was contributing, making an impact, just by doing these simple things.
So, yeah, being “better than most” isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being the person who takes initiative, who communicates clearly, who gets things done. It’s about being someone people enjoy working with. And trust me, it makes a world of difference, not just for your career, but for your own sanity too.
I kept refining my approach. I’d ask for feedback, not the “tell me I’m great” kind, but the real stuff. “How could I have done that better?” “What could I do to make your job easier?” Some of it stung, but I learned a ton. And slowly but surely, I became more reliable, more effective.
I also started paying attention to the positive habits. Showing up on time, meeting deadlines, keeping my workspace organized – I was not always good at this. But, I put in effort and made them into habits. Each small win built my confidence and made me want to do better.
Real Talk
Here’s the deal, being “better than most” is a work in progress. There are days when I mess up, when I drop the ball. But because I’ve built up a reputation for being reliable and easy to work with, people are more forgiving. They know I’m not trying to make their lives harder.
And that’s what it really boils down to, right? Making things easier, not harder. For yourself, for your team, for everyone around you. It’s not rocket science, but it does take effort, a willingness to learn, and a whole lot of self-awareness. But, I’m telling you, it’s worth it. Being “better than most” isn’t just about getting ahead, it’s about making the whole journey a heck of a lot more enjoyable.