Comments on: How To Become the Go-to Guy at Work

By: jt

jt — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:51:15 +0000

Good outline about how to be come he most valuable employee

http://steve-olson.com/10-tips-to-secure-a-management-position-without-a-college-degree/

By: Jai

Jai — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:54:58 +0000

Looks good on paper. With my experience being the go-to-guy has a better chance of backfiring. If you are looked upon from the higher-ups as dependable, you are most likely being taken for granted.
Some tasks comes up and eventhough you have contributed and worked harder than anyone else there, you can not for legitimate reasons take on the new assignment. The higher-up may say that the situation is understandable, but inside they feel letdown. However; a far less dependable person has taken the last month to do just a little bit more than they have in the past, even if its still less than their fair share. That person is being looked upon now favorably.
Do your job to the best of your ability. Do a little extra but don’t be taken for granted. Be friendly to everyone not just the higher-ups. It is more likely that your peers will put in a good word for you if they like you, rather than if you appear to be a kiss ass.

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:43:23 +0000

1.) This ignores the situation (common in academic infighting) where doing extra tasks cheerfully makes you the dumping ground of every useless and unwanted errand, and without thanks, promotion or compensation. Take on extra stuff but don’t be a patsy about it or you’ll be wondering where your red stapler went all your life.

2.) Talking with 10 colleagues a day is hard with colleagues who don’t have the capacity for normal conversation and stare at their shoes a lot – if you’re in the geek squad, do the best you can.

3.) Don’t forget that at some point, at some time, in some place, you’re going to have to tell your idiot boss to take a hike. Figure out how to do that tactfully in advance.

By: Chuck in NYC

Chuck in NYC — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:59:29 +0000

another fluff article. if someone didnt learn these points in high school, they shouldn’t be the “go to.” you didnt even cover politics, because you are wimps and this looks like it was written by a woman. guys, your reaching here, come up with some good content and quite posing as a mens resource.

By: tonya

tonya — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:16:44 +0000

Taking on extra projects can be a great way to increase your skill set and expand your contacts. Just be careful where you direct your time and energy. You don’t want to be the guy editing the company newsletter, while your colleague is spending his free time finishing his MBA.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:50:05 +0000

Regarding talking to 10+ people a day – don’t go around wasting people’s time with worthless conversation. A quick “hey, how ya doing?” is fine, but don’t come into my office and BS about nothing or you’ll quickly gain a reputation that is NOT conducive to career advancement.

By: Lou

Lou — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:48:45 +0000

Being the “go to guy” can also have the opposite effect. You may stymie getting promoted to management if you are too indispensable. You will need to groom the next GTG which shows that you have the management skills. Plus, you will need someone to ‘get things done’. It is a fine line to walk. My advise is to anticipate what your boss will need next, the next file, the next form, the next reference. Radar O’Reilly from M*A*S*H is a great example. ‘

By: Sam

Sam — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:59:01 +0000

I work for the federal government (USAF civilian) and, contrary to stereotypes about government employees, this applies here too, especially in the new personnel system we are operating under called National Security Personnel System. Many of my colleagues complain about NSPS, but I think it’s good because it rewards good performance. Thus, if you’re one of the “go-to guys” in your office, then that will be noticed and rewarded.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:16:55 +0000

Very good advice. The part about doing work cheerfully cannot be overstated. If it’s not genuine enthusiasm, then fake it!. As people trudge through their daily lives at work, a positive attitude can literally brighten up the entire workplace.

Everyone has worked with someone like this. Wouldn’t you like to work with them more? Be that person and rewards will follow.

By: Find a job

Find a job — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:36:14 +0000

I’m in agreement with the ideas posted here. I am a firm believer in you got to make your own luck. Just do it damnit.

Larry