Growing up my father used to tell my many siblings and me that if we showed up to work on time and sober, we'd probably do just fine. I always thought he was joking until I entered the workforce and discovered he was right! You can really stand out if you just show up when you're supposed to (on time) and do your job like you're supposed to (sober).

A corollary I'd add to this is to "be responsive" when you're working with others. As I wrote recently, most people just really want to be heard. And one of the best ways to let people know they've been heard is to respond to their requests, suggestions, and ideas.

To be clear, I don't mean you have to agree with everything you hear or do everything someone suggests. But something as simple as acknowledging that you received the request, suggestion, or idea and that you'll respond accordingly will go a long way to building trust and creating success.

One of the greatest compliments I receive from my clients is "My staff tells me you're very responsive." I know for a fact I'm not solving all their problems (no one could), but staff is happy because they're being heard. And all it took was for me to respond to them.