Impact and interest: how to make the most of your job situation

In my appraisal, I’ve been told I am a “low-impact” sort of person. It’s a bit of a problem as I’m ambitious. How can I buy a bit of impact?

There are some easy pointers: maintain eye contact, have a firm handshake, introduce yourself with confidence and smile.

There are two golden rules - in conversation be brief and secondly, it is far more important to be interested than interesting. Whatever you are selling, people buy people first. If you’re smart you will spend more time researching and understanding the people you meet. Nothing flatters more than having a grasp of a customer or colleague’s biography.

These days it is terribly easy to be much more knowledgeable yet so few try, which is what makes it so potent. It’s easy to equate impact with loudness and extrovert behaviour, while being introverted and quiet can be identified as lazy. Decide on the plan, research and prepare and be amazed at how others will be interested in what you have to say.

A few golden nuggets dropped into a conversation showing understanding, strategy, direction and action will soon ensure you are noticed by those that count.

I’m bored with my job. Same problems, day after day. How can I make it stimulating?

Our attitude, when we walk into the office, store or factory, will depend on whether or not we find work wonderful, stimulating, rewarding and full of friendship.

Your letter suggests you are rather good at your job and vexed by some repetitive elements. Think of the big picture: what is the big purpose of what you do? Reflect on the delicious minutiae of your colleagues, gossip and challenges.

If this is not enough, why don’t you search out what else your boss would value your input into? I’m sure she would hate to lose you. Think, too, about new experiences, training or supporting your company’s CSR efforts. The difficult task in responding to this boredom should be to step up your energy with every part of your job, your boss and your company.

If you have outgrown your job, this could be the moment you break through your self-imposed ceiling. It is up to you to take control, to do things differently and to get different and effective results.