How to be an Effective Employee!

How many articles do we see on how to be an effective manager or  on how important leadership is?  Well it IS important…however, it is also important to be a great employee!  So how about some tips that you can think about and incorporate into your every day work life to ensure that you are at the top of your game!

Listen

Listening is so important, especially when it comes to receiving performance feedback, instructions on projects, direction, etc.  And to be able to actively listen is even more important – this means, confirming what was said by reiterating it to ensure you “get it”.

Be professional

It is fun to joke around, but keep it professional.  Remember that you are in a professional work space – even if your work space is designed to be fun – remember that there is a fine line between being fun and maintaining professionalism.  Likewise when you disagree with something – take a breath and think before you respond – think before you act or react.

Look for opportunities to learn

Want to grow in your position?  This isn’t all your manager’s responsibility, you have to take responsibility here too.  Take part in training workshops; look for opportunities to work on a new project where you can gain more skills and knowledge.  Have an education policy at work?   Use it.

Be part of the solution

It is so easy to get caught up in the drama within the office.  It is easy to look at what the company doesn’t have.  I challenge you to look at what the company does have and not to buy into the drama.  Look to help solve problems, encourage teamwork, volunteer to help with problem areas.

Be timely

Sure, be timely to work, but also in your deadlines.  Time is money, money pays for your salary.  Be conscious of when projects are due and do what it takes to meet the deadlines and exceed expectations.

Share your expertise

An expert in something?  Why not share it?  Offer to hold a lunch and learn and share your knowledge on Excel or Word or….  This not only increases your value within the office, but it spreads the knowledge, increases efficiency and improves other employee skill sets too!

Be an asset to the company you work for and you will secure your future employment.