How to Become a Great Employee

Oftentimes just doing your job and what is expected of you isn’t enough to stand out as a great employee.  If you’re looking for a promotion or to move into management, you’ve got to prove to your boss that you have the ability to become a superstar and that your talents can help move the company forward to grow and succeed.  Many people just do their jobs and then go home but that’s not enough to move yourself to the next level of your career.  If you want to secure your job, you need to stand out; just meeting the status quo isn’t enough in today’s competitive job market.  So how to stand out as a great employee?

First off and this might not come as a shock to many, be on time every day.  Nothing stands out more negatively to management than those that are consistently late for work.  You may even want to consider showing up early to prove to your boss that you’re a go-getter.  Showing up late to work can also demotivate your colleagues if they feel like they can’t depend on you.  So be timely to work each day.

Show your boss that your care about your co-workers and are willing to pitch in and help the overall group effort.  It’s not only up to managers to praise strong efforts by their employees.  Oftentimes showing a peer that their efforts are appreciated goes a long way.  Tell them that they’ve done a good job when they have.  Offer to help them with projects.  In return, this will often lead to them being more willing to help you out when you are working on a project.

Dress sharply.  When you dress well, you show your boss that you care about the image the company represents.  Oftentimes your boss sees your outer appearance as a direct reflection of the way you do your job.  Looking sharp can equal doing your job sharply.  Always follow the dress code at work.  This shows your boss that you are willing to follow the rules and want to make a good impression should clients come into the office.

Set goals for yourself and do everything in your power to reach and exceed them.  Make a list of tasks and complete them all.  You don’t have to do it all in one day but plan out your week and make sure everything you set out to do is finished by week’s end.  If you finish your goals ahead of schedule, let your boss know and ask for more assignments.  Your boss will be impressed by your efforts to succeed.

Create a solid relationship with your boss and managers.  Ask them for feedback on your performance and how you can do your job better.  Ask to set up monthly one-on-one meetings to go over job performance with them.  Go in and tell them what you have achieved thus far and ask them how you can improve up your previous successes.  Show them that you have a willingness to learn and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Detach yourself from your paycheck.  Asking for more money doesn’t implore your boss to think that you will do better.  Work harder and be more productive and you’re likely to be rewarded with a higher salary.  If you have accepted a job offer, you’ve accepted your salary.  In time, hard work will always lead to higher pay.

Learn and share.  Read up on your field and grow your expertise.  Share your knowledge with co-workers and this will show your boss that you’re a go-getter.  Promotions come with more leadership responsibilities so if you show your boss you are knowledgeable and ready to take on greater challenges, you’ll be offered such an opportunity.  Acquire new skills daily.  Learn about the marketplace and business strategies of your field.  Learn how to motivate others.  This will help contribute to the success of the team and business as a whole and your boss is likely to take notice.

Have a positive attitude.  Add value to the workplace by being a self-starter and bringing positive energy to the table.  Even if you have down days, try to make the best of them.  Show your boss that you are willing to work through the tough times with an optimistic outlook.

Involve yourself.  Be proactive.  Ask for direction.  Volunteer to take on extra work or to organize out of office activities that promote a collegial atmosphere among employees.

Get to know all the daily ins and outs of your company.  If you understand how your company operates, you’ll get better insight into how to do your job effectively.  Show your boss that you want to be involved with helping the company grow by understanding the fundamental values it was built upon.

Set a good example for your co-workers.  Again this includes showing up on time and dressing for success.  Try to keep a smile on your face and have fun.  Be positive and focus on inspiring positivity in others.  Don’t get tangled up in office gossip or negative water cooler conversations.  As cliché as it may sound, treat people the way you would want to be treated.

Lastly, take some time for yourself away from the office.  Spend time with friends and family or pick up a new hobby.  Replenishing yourself away from work will only leave you more refreshed Monday through Friday and more able to competently do your job.  Get enough sleep and take care of your overall health and well-being.  This will allow you to more effectively do your job and your boss will take notice which can only lead to growth and other good things.

Here are some articles you might want to check out about being a great employee:

“How to Be a Good Employee”: http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Employee

“11 Great Employee Qualities: Do You Have Them?”: http://www.careerealism.com/great-employee-qualities/

“8 Qualities of Remarkable Employees”: http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/the-8-qualities-of-remarkable-employees.html

“The #1 Way to Be a Great Employee”: http://www.experis.us/Job-Seekers/Research-and-Insights/Career-Center/The-Number-1-Way-to-Be-a-Great-Employee.htm

Until next time…