Not to be confused with Justin Timberlake (happens to me all the time), I must point out that this is not a blog about me taking a stake in a once popular Social Media platform. Instead, this is simply me putting ink to keyboard to highlight how I (at least try) to make my role ‘my own’ by employing some simple techniques.
Here at Fifth Ring, we are all about helping our clients find and own their own space. Through proven methodologies and tactics, we work closely with them to first Define, then Claim, and finally Own their own space – to truly set them apart from their competitors (at this point I would like to further distance ourselves from the retina-destroying graphics and auto-play ‘music’ approach used by the aforementioned social networking service).
It occurred to me that these same techniques can, however, be applied at a more micro, personal level – and it turns out, I’ve been doing some of them for years without even knowing it. Like realising you’ve been practicing mindfulness every time you zone out in meetings and stare meaningfully into the distance. Who knew?
Seriously though, it really was a pleasant revelation when I started down this road of discovery.
Owning your space in the organisation you work in may lead to greater job satisfaction or increase your influence, the impact you make or even your job security – if not, your place in the queue for the kettle might at least improve. It may simply motivate you to push boundaries and to try new things, stretch your thinking, and build that all-important self-awareness (the kind that tells you when to speak up, and, perhaps more importantly, when to mute yourself during an all-staff Teams call).
Below are a few ways I try to put these ideas into practice. I'm not claiming a flawless track record - there’s been the occasional stumble. But overall, these habits have paid off for me and, I like to think, for the organisation too. I mean, when I joined Fifth Ring, NSYNC were still a thing, and the first iPod was just about to hit the shelves - so yes, I’ve been here a while. So, either I’ve done a few things right, or I’m just really good at hiding during restructures. Either way, let’s call it a win.
DEFINE
Find Your Space: Here, I look for an area that’s perhaps overlooked or where my colleagues could use more support – like a process that needs improving, a task that mysteriously belongs to “everyone” (which, of course, means no one), or a growing need. The next step is to focus on becoming the go-to person for that, whether it’s a specific tool, workflow, or type of problem. This is a bit like my own, strategic personal branding – just with fewer Instagram filters and more spreadsheets – crafting a role that aligns with my own strengths and interests, positioning myself as a uniquely valuable contributor.
Nail Your Niche: This is where I think of my colleagues, at all levels of the organisation as my “customers” and focus on their needs, challenges and preferences (NB: for the record, to any colleagues who may be reading this, the term “the customer is always right” does NOT apply in this case – sorry). Here I must pay attention to how they work, what they value, and where they need help - then tailor my support or solutions to make their jobs easier. Not waiting to be asked and proactively delivering value in ways that feel relevant and being more attuned to their needs can only further strengthen my own positioning.
CLAIM
Craft Your Strategy: This is where I try to align how I contribute with the unique needs and culture of the wider team. Having found a ‘niche’, I focus on offering clear, practical benefits – like saving time, improving quality or making a convoluted process feel less like assembling IKEA furniture without the manual. I also try to stay conscious of how I work with others - approaching conversations with a positive attitude and communicating clearly, allowing for critical engagement and feedback (particularly when it will involve a significant change in how we do things). In short, the way I deliver value can be just as impactful as the value itself.
Unearth Your Edge: Arguably my favourite part – this where I can inject my own creativity by finding fresh, maybe even unexpected ways to solve everyday problems, communicate ideas, or improve procedures. Whether it’s streamlining a clunky process, reframing a challenge with a new perspective or creating interactive, dynamic dashboards - these small bursts of creativity make my work stand out.
Creativity doesn’t have to be loud or look like a ‘Strictly’ cast-off - often it’s the subtle, thoughtful touches that can make the difference and can help position me as someone who brings fresh value in unforeseen ways. Even in a role like mine, where spreadsheets roam freely and systems rule the land, creativity can become my unique edge – something that’s hard to copy and even harder to automate (well, at least I hope that’s the case!).
OWN
Tell Your Story: This where it’s key for me to be clear, consistent, and intentional in how I communicate with my colleagues and stakeholders. Choosing the right channels internally (be that email, Teams, our PSA software of choice (Kantata), or simply a short meeting for input, alignment or feedback) is critical to get the levels of interaction, response and buy-in required for what is often very much a two-way process. By being thoughtful about both what I say and how I share it, I help to stay engaged with my “customers” and build trust as a communicator that others can rely on.
Own Your Space: Ultimately, owning my own space is about consistently delivering high-quality work and valuable insights that others come to rely on. Setting a high standard that earns respect and trust and being able to back up my contributions with (measurable) results like improved team performance, positive feedback or increased efficiencies is my end goal. So, if I can be known for always bringing clarity, value and reliability, without too many coffee-fuelled panics along the way, then that’s not a bad little corner of the organisation to call my own.
So, perhaps there are ways where you can help to find and own your own space where you are – you’re quite possibly doing much of it already (and with less spreadsheets and caffeine than myself) - but having a few guiding principles to steer you can’t hurt.
To bring this to a fitting finish, it’s perhaps time to bring out my inner Timberlake and simply say, for now, Bye Bye Bye.
