Throughout my career for the past (nearly) four decades, I have worked on many teams. Some as small as two (right now!) and some as large as 500. Whatever size the team, whether a church staff or business environment, I believe there are several characteristics that help you stand out and get noticed by the leadership. Here are my top ten:

1. Lead With Yes: No one likes a Negative Nancy. Even if you can't deliver the report as fast as it's requested, or even though you are unable prioritize someone else's project--always look for a "yes" behind the "no." Help them find another solution they were hoping you would solve. Such as, "I'd be glad to help you with that -- can you help me determine which of these other projects I can delay?" or "I'm not able to help you right now, but can I help you find others who might be able to jump in."

2. Believe the Best: We typ­ically project others’ actions through our own filters. We want others to believe the best about our motives, while we tend to believe the worst about theirs. We make stuff up when we are missing information. And for most of us, the story we create has a negative bent. I suggest this: Start making up good stories. Choose to assume the best. Pick a mental narrative that minimizes your irritation and increases your compassion. 

3. Encourage Often: Every leader carries some level of insecurities. It's the human condition to want to be loved, noticed, and appreciated. Find ways to encourage the leaders around you. If this isn't natural for you, then systemize it with reminders. When you have a positive, uplifting approach and frequently motivate your colleagues, this demonstrates emotional intelligence and people skills. Such behaviors are traits of exemplary leaders and will catch the attention of others.

4. Commit to Candor: Our team mates needs us to tell the truth. Our employer needs us to tell the truth. Sometimes the truth isn't pleasant, but we need to lead the way to commit to candor. Clarity is kindess even though sometimes it is uncomfortable. If you've practiced the previous habit, you'll earn the right to be heard when you need to share something hard. This kind of transparency and ethical strength can showcase your leadership potential to your bosses. 

5. Bring Solutions Not Problems: Rather than merely pointing out issues or difficulties, taking the initiative to suggest well-thought-out solutions shows that you’re a proactive problem solver. If you always come into your boss's office with a solution to a problem, he or she will look forward to engaging with you. On the other hand, no one wants to be around someone who only points out problems--even if they are right. 

6. Contribute to the Whole: It is SO easy to stay in your own cubicle or department, and not interact with those who are in other parts of the organization. Become known as the person who will jump in to help another team that needs extra hands on a project, or who pulls people together from across the organization. Dedication to both your individual role and the overall success of your organization demonstrates strategic thinking, a team mindset, and commitment to the mission.

7. Admit When You Are Wrong: Possessing the humility to accept responsibility for your mistakes indicates integrity and honesty. This is (sadly) such a rare trait, that most leaders will be stunned and impressed. It's disconcerting when an employee messes up and then finds a dozen reasons why it wasn't their fault. 

8. Make Your Boss Money: If you work for a business, you should wake up every day thinking of ways you can increase the profitability of the owners and company. Many employees get stuck on how little they are making versus the owners, when owners are looking to promote people who help them make more money. If you work for a church or non-profit, look for ways you can tangibly increase revenue and decrease expenses. More money equals more resources to accomplish your mission.

9. Don't Marry Your Own Ideas: Every healthy leader loves ideas. But they don't love when someone brings an idea and then defends it to the death. You might work on something for hours or weeks, and then when you get a chance to present, it's barely considered. That's okay. Don't be married to the idea. Continue to find the confidence to work on the next idea.

10. Refuse the Garbage: Do not allow other staff to dump their gossip, cynicism, slander, innuendos or negative energy on your desk. Avoiding office politics and gossip exhibits maturity, trustworthiness, and a focus on what truly matters. It's hard to tell people you won't engage in such conversations, but it will make people think twice about their words, and will position you as a professional employee who won't get pulled into the dirt.

What would you add to this list? Send me an e-mail with your thoughts on what makes a "regular" staff member stand out to the leaders of the organization.