Have you ever felt like just another face at work, blending into the background while others shine in the foreground? If so, you may be playing the role of a non-player character (NPC) in your professional life.
In video games, NPCs exist to populate the environment and give quests, without directing the story, making decisions or changing the course of events. Unfortunately, many people slip unintentionally into this role at work, missing opportunities to advance, grow and leave a mark or a legacy.
According to Gallup surveys [1], only 23% of employees worldwide feel engaged in their jobs. The great majority—around 77%—are not fully engaged during their working days, do the minimum and do not contribute actively. This means they may not only be disconnected but may also be detrimental to their organisations.
Perhaps it is time, dear reader, to step out of the NPC role and become the main character in your professional journey. How? Here are some things you can do.
Be present and stand out
It is easy to become invisible in today’s workplace, where many employees prefer to be merely faces behind a screen. If you want to stand out, make an effort to be present and engage in person when possible. Physical presence gives you opportunities to interact with leaders, ask questions and leave a strong impression. It also shows your commitment and allows you to seize opportunities others may miss.
Take the lead in acknowledging and correcting mistakes
One of the key differences between an NPC and a main character is how they handle mistakes and challenges. An NPC might say, “I’m sorry, I made a mistake,” and stop there. A main character goes further: “I’m sorry, I made a mistake. Here is what I learned from it, and here are the steps I will take to ensure it does not happen again.” Taking the lead in acknowledging mistakes means recognising gaps in your work and actively closing them. This approach demonstrates a growth mindset and builds trust and respect among colleagues.
Build meaningful relationships
NPCs often move through the workplace without any real connection to others. To avoid this, make it a priority to build relationships both within and beyond your team or department. Networking means more than exchanging business cards: it means learning from others, sharing your ideas and building a supportive community around you. The more people who know you and your work, the more likely they are to remember you when opportunities arise.
Speak to add value
Silence is one of the defining traits of an NPC: they sit in meetings without contributing, leave their cameras off during video calls and virtual meetings, and rarely share their names or opinions. Main-character employees, by contrast, speak up, exchange ideas, offer feedback and take an active part in discussions. This does not mean speaking merely to be noticed; it means making a valuable contribution.
Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials in advance, formulating your ideas and being ready to share them. Contribute to the platforms and collaborative tools your workplace uses, and make sure your voice is heard.
Conclusion: Be the protagonist of your career, not a spectator
No one remembers NPCs who blend into the background: they are the employees who remain withdrawn and stuck in their roles, overlooked when promotions arise. Do not let that be your story. By establishing your presence, showing initiative, acknowledging mistakes when they happen and working diligently to correct them and prevent their recurrence—whether by you or by those who follow—building relationships and speaking up, you can move from a supporting role to the leading role in your career. Take charge of your professional journey and make a positive impact.
Remember: your career is your story. Make sure you are the author!
[1] Gallup, State of the Global Workplace.
Translated from the Arabic article originally published on LinkedIn on 13 August 2024.