How to be Taken More Seriously at Work

Have you ever felt that you have not been taken seriously at work? No one listens when you share ideas. Your team does not ask you for opinion or skip you in a team discussion. You work really hard but do not seem to be getting the respect you deserve. Don’t lose heart. It is not too late to do something about it. We will share tips on how you can change and become taken more seriously at work. But before that, let’s see the common reasons why some people’s opinions are underestimated at work.

Why are you not taken seriously? 

There are at least 3 common reasons why workers are being underestimated by their coworkers. If you identify yourself to be having one of these common reasons, make sure you read the article to find the solution. 

1. You lack confidence 

Body language beats words when it comes to charisma. When you have weak control over your body language or you use body language too much, people might see you as someone who lacks confidence - thus underestimating you. Using too much body language when speaking also decreases the chance of you being charismatic in front of others. 

2. You are not sharing ideas or you might share too much 

People will let you fly under the radar if that is what you really want. But those who are flying under the radar generally do not get taken seriously. It means that when you are afraid to speak up or generally being the quietest person in the room, rarely speaking up ideas, you will not be detected by the radar of your colleagues. In the end, your words and thoughts might become meaningless. At the same time, sharing too much is also a problem. Oversharing is not a vulnerability but it often results in disconnection, distrust, and disengagement. 

To be taken seriously, you should balance yourself between sharing and not oversharing. Cultivate good listening skills. People will start the count on you when you are able to truly listen to others. 

3. You have Jim Halpert syndrome 

Do you watch “The Office”? If you do, you will know how Jin Halpert is. If you haven’t, Jim is a guy for all his charm and spent more time messing around with his coworkers. Jim was a pretty crappy paper salesman. 

Maybe like Jim, you are not totally invested in your job and instead, you only play along and flow with the tide. That’s OK, you can choose what you are doing with your career. But if you want to be taken more seriously, you have to take your job seriously too. Find the “why” you are doing or being the office clown, and find a way to turn that to your advantage, like do everyone a favour or use that ability to cheer up a colleague when they are feeling down only. 

See also: Planning a Fresh Start for a New Career

And finally, here are some tips to be taken more seriously at work

Sometimes, being underestimated is a choice. Here are tips for you to be the office leader and respected by people in your office.  

• Dress well

We have always been told not to judge others based on their appearances. However, in a corporate setting, your presentation makes a difference. Dressing well does not mean making yourself a fashion icon. It simply means to dress appropriately and professionally at work.

• Act appropriately

Act appropriately in the office. Do not clutter your desk with inappropriate stuff.

• Know your stuff or co-worker well

Be informed about happenings in your industry so that when it is being discussed, you are able to raise your views intelligently. If you have a point to make, dare to voice it out.

• Watch what you say

During a conversation with colleagues and bosses, listen carefully to what is being said or asked to ensure understanding before speaking. Think before saying anything, giving any replies or answering any questions.

• Volunteer yourself

Volunteer yourself for roles in leading project teams or planning company events. By doing so, it shows you are serious with your job, which would not go unnoticed by the senior management.

• Social image

While you may act professionally at work, ensure your social image does not show the opposite. Do not have any pictures on your Facebook with you at a wild party or post comments of your boss too.

• Bonding

It is very important to establish good relations with your colleagues. Through simple activities like having lunch together can help to overcome communication barriers among colleagues. Improved communication would be very helpful when you share your opinions and ideas at work.

• Respect others

Treat others the way you want them to treat you. If you want others to listen when you speak, you should also do the same to others.  Never interrupt or cut another person off when someone is expressing his or her personal opinions. Work your way to being taken more seriously at work! 

Next read: 5 Mistakes You Should NOT Make during Career Change