As my kids have grown up and headed out into the work place we've gotten to have more conversations about their trials and tribulations of being wage earners. Around this I wrote for their benefit the following. I pulled this out the other day. Not for them, for me. I felt I needed a refresher. Each point is probably worthy of a blog session but let me give you the meat.
The 10 simple (well, they sound simple and should be simple but really aren’t simple) rules to being a successful employee.
- The place you work is truly only interested in what YOU can do for them.
Yes, good employers realize that happy, motivated, well-trained employees are great assets, but…. - Never (ever, ever)….(ever, ever, ever) lie, cheat or steal. It will create a stigma that can never be overcome.
- Always treat every assignment as an opportunity to learn something useful. Knowledge really is power.
- Being positive and flexible can overcome many other faults. Most bosses greatly appreciate “can do” attitudes.
- The people you work with want to get to know you, but, uh, not all that well. Actually they mainly want to tell you about themselves.
- Ignore the time clock. Getting the job done should always be the priority.
- Volunteer (without fanfare) for some real crap assignments. One, you’ll learn something. Two, you’ll show you’re flexible. But the “without fanfare” is the key.
- You don’t have to like people to work effectively with them. You also don’t have to be subservient to people who are difficult, by the way.
- Get to know as many people as you can (as well as understand what they do and how it affects the company, your group and you). See #3
- If you’ve followed the first nine rules and get fired, shame on you for not getting out of that hole before it happened.
Two bonus points: - Get to the point. People generally aren’t interested in the explanation, just the answer.
- Learn to drink your coffee black (don't be high maintenance) and understand that business meals aren’t about eating (don't treat a "free" meal like dinner at home). Learn to recognize situations and adapt accordingly.
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3 comments:
These ten rules are a great reminder of the things we learn or should have learned in the business. I especially like rule 11. As I've recently learned, "be bright, be brief, be gone!"
Very interesting and relevant tips.
Can I translate that into portuguese for my blog (http://gerentedeprodutos.blogspot.com) ?
As an OD specialist and trainer, I found your Tips very useful and insightful. Thanks for putting them so succinctly.
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