Identifying Opportunities for Workplace Improvement

Everyone has room for improvement. Pinpointing which job-related areas you need to improve can help you in your current position and future job opportunities. Knowing your weaknesses—and figuring out how to overcome them—can help you reach your full potential, impress supervisors, and potentially earn that promotion.

Supervisors often request employees do their own performance reviews for 360 assessments and professional development workshops. You’ll be prepared for these requests if you regularly check in with yourself. Consider keeping a journal of your workplace challenges. Soliciting feedback from your co-workers periodically can also provide you with potential areas to improve. But don’t stop with identifying those areas—incorporate an improvement plan.

If you’re at a loss of where to start identifying opportunities for workplace improvements, here are nine common areas most people struggle with in the workplace.

Confidence. If you lack confidence, it can impact your performance and leave you stuck rather than advancing in your career. Grow your confidence by seeking opportunities to expand your skills, especially if they are outside of your comfort zone.

Written communication. Expressing your ideas and thoughts clearly in written form, such as emails, reports, and memos, is crucial to contributing to an efficient office. Edit your previously written communications to identify your weaknesses and improve your writing.

Listening. Practicing active listening can help you engage with others and clarify expectations and your understanding. In addition, listening well improves communication across multiple channels.

Goal setting. The ability to set meaningful goals at work will help you improve in your current position and provide a vision for longer-term projects or career moves. Employers look for employees who can plan and strategize for ways to reach goals.

Feedback. Being able to receive constructive criticism is an essential part of personal growth. While it can be uncomfortable to hear negative feedback, experienced professionals realize it’s important to accept such observations and figure out how to improve.

Managing your time. The more efficiently you manage your time, the better off you’ll be in any workplace situation. You can improve your time management by creating personal work schedules, triaging daily duties, and figuring out how you waste time during work hours. If you aren’t using one already, consider opting for a free or low-cost project management tool, such as Wrike.

Flexibility. We all have to learn to be flexible, especially in the workplace. Being able to roll with changes will make you a valuable team member.

Teamwork. Everyone needs to work well with others, so get along with your co-workers and contribute to the team. Find ways to accommodate other points of view and different ways of accomplishing the same tasks.

Resolving conflict. If you can mediate conflict between your co-workers, you’ll contribute valuable skills to the workplace. Conflict resolution takes tact and diplomacy while zeroing in on the heart of the matter.

Use these suggestions as a starting point to identify workplace improvement opportunities this year and into the future.