5 Ways to Proactively Shape Your Own Role at Work

Rapid changes in the workplace and the nature of work due to technology can leave professionals feeling stunned. They may wait for their managers or leaders to understand and explain what their next career steps should be. But there is power in taking proactive steps to shape your own role, rather than waiting.

Jaideep Kewalramani, COO and Head of Employability Business at TeamLease Edtech, says professionals need to take certain steps to design their career and role.

Leading digital and artificial intelligence projects
Propose, pilot and lead projects that help the organization’s digital agenda, he says. These initiatives can be aimed at integrating the latest digital tools, streamlining processes and discovering new opportunities.

Executives are working to bring the benefits of generative AI to the organization. He suggests that employees look to drive some generative AI projects and demonstrate the improvement in productivity and quality.

Fostering cross-functional collaboration

Another proactive step employees can take is to demonstrate that they are capable of working across departments and teams. This is a hallmark of fungible talent, says Kewalramani. Make connections and be proactive in identifying cross-departmental projects. These can be microprojects that provide immediate benefits. Seek guidance and support from management to secure resources to ensure project success. Facilitating collaboration across teams and developing camaraderie is one way to build visibility, he says.Cultivating a personal brand
Establish a strong online presence by leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and personal blogs to showcase your expertise, alignment with the organization’s purpose and professional accomplishments, Kewalramani says.

Actively participating in virtual events, acquiring professional certifications, joining professional groups and industry discussions to build a network that is useful to your organization can take professionals a long way, he explains.

ESG advocate
Kewalramani says that as the new-age customer of every company is ESG-conscious, companies are keen to showcase ESG in the workplace and beyond. He says employees should tap into this potential.

Participate in initiatives that promote sustainability, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Volunteer for company-sponsored ESG activities that align with your values, as this will create a positive impact on the community and develop you as a well-rounded professional, she says.

Embrace lifelong learning
Online learning can help people gain new skills relevant to their role and the company. Seek guidance from mentors and help others with the skills you have acquired to create a positive learning environment, Kewalramani adds.

Employees should strive to identify areas of interest and strengths, look for opportunities to expand their responsibilities and align their personal goals with the organization’s goals, says Sruthy Rajan, Director, Human Resources, Talent Management, Omega Healthcare.

“By focusing on long-term goals, contributing to strategic initiatives, and fostering a collaborative work environment, employees can remain integral to their organization’s success and position themselves as invaluable assets that contribute to both personal growth and the company’s broader goals,” Rajan says, adding, “Always remember that you are in control of your career. No one is too busy to work on their personal brand.”