COMFORT in the workplace can equate to being just another fly on the wall or just another office drone, and so in order to be noticed, getting uncomfortable is the first step.

Natalie Lue-Fung, success coach and entrepreneur, said while she was working at Ernst and Young and Credit Suisse, employees’ performance was always rated on a scale of one to five.

“Most people are a three — doing exactly what they’re hired for. Do your job well and do what you’re supposed to do and you are a three, which means you’re average. In order to be exceptional you had to be performing at four or five on the rating scale,” Lue- Fung said.

In order to be a five or exceptional in your workplace, Lue-Fung suggests doing the following:

1. Exceed the company’s goals

According to Lue-Fung, employees should find ways to meet or exceed the goals of their company. In doing this, Lue-Fung said it is important to communicate with someone outside of your department, preferably one in a managerial position who can be your mentor, coach or sponsor.

“Your sponsor is someone who speaks on your behalf and champions your cause in the workplace,” she said.

2. Do more than what you’re paid for

“Always assume tasks that are one or two levels higher than your current position. If your supervisor isn’t there, no one should miss him or her. You won’t get promoted until you’re performing at the promoted level,” she said.

3. Be flexible

In order to be exceptional, Lue- Fung said you have to be willing to be flexible, which means you may work on days or hours that are not a part of your contract.

“The aim is to produce more for less. Increase profitability and reduce expenditure. Find ways to reduce the cost of the company’s output and increase its revenue,” she said.

4. Be a team player

Lue-Fung said being smart is not enough.

“If you’re smart but you don’t get along with others, people won’t put you on their teams. It doesn’t mean that you are kissing up to people, but it means you’re relatable, sociable and you’re able to bond with people,” she said. She added that it is important to maintain good relationships with people, as they’ll be likely to negotiate on your behalf.

5. Be willing to learn more

“Always do research to increase clientele and be willing to learn more than what your job description requires. This way if the person who sits beside you does something completely different and isn’t at work, no one misses them,” she said.