5 Ways to Be Taken More Seriously at Work This Year

No matter what your role is, being taken seriously at work isn’t about being the loudest, the toughest, or the most stressed-looking person in the room. It’s about presence, clarity and consistency — the little behaviours that quietly build credibility over time.

Here are five ways to elevate how people see (and respond to) you this year.

1. Speak with intention, not volume

You don’t need to dominate meetings to be heard. What does matter is clarity. Make your point in one or two strong sentences, avoid rambling, and ask thoughtful questions. People remember those who communicate with purpose.

2. Honour your commitments

Reliability is professional gold. When you say you’ll do something, do it - and do it well. If timelines shift, communicate early. When colleagues know they can count on you, your reputation grows without you having to say a word.

3. Protect your boundaries (nicely, but firmly)

Confident people set limits. Whether it’s saying no to unnecessary tasks or pushing back on unrealistic deadlines, boundaries show you value your time and know your worth. You don’t need to apologise for working smart.

4. Show up prepared

Preparation is the fastest credibility boost there is. Read the agenda. Know the numbers. Anticipate questions. When you walk into a room with insight and context, people naturally lean in and trust your voice.

5. Build relationships that matter

Being taken seriously isn’t just about performance - it’s about connection. Invest in professional relationships across teams. Collaborate, support others, and stay curious. Respect follows those who are both competent and human.

Being taken seriously this year isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about amplifying the qualities that make you credible, grounded and good at what you do.