Becoming a Better Employee

Dreamfedjob.com

Download Now!

When thinking about their job performance, some employees do not take in consideration that it includes getting along with others.  This is true for senior leadership and support staff.

Author, Kate Lorenz , says that "taking a moment to think about how we may be viewed by co-workers is an important exercise that could have far-reaching effects. 

While you may not care what Bob down in accounting or Mary the administrative assistant thinks of you, it's important to remember that Mary may go on to become the administrative assistant to the potential new boss you have an interview with. And one day Bob just may be in charge of auditing your expense receipts at a future company."

"The single most important thing to remember is to be considerate," says John Challenger, chief executive officer of global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
Below are a few tips that will assist you in being more courteous and thus a better co-worker:

1. Dial it down a notch. “Whether it's talking on your phone, singing to your iPod, or slamming file drawers with a deafening bang, reduce the volume of noises emanating from your office or cube,” Challenger warns.
2. Keep your ego in check.   It’s great that you came up with a great idea, but most of your co-workers don't want to hear the endless reasons why you are so great. So stop bragging and wait to earn a compliment.
3. Avoid office politics (Part 1).   When someone confides insider information to you, don’t fall in the trap of responding especially if it is about someone you really don’t like.   The grapevine flourishes and any words from you may come back to haunt you.
4. Clean up after yourself.   Make sure you wash your dishes in the break sink, don’t leave food spoiling in the refrigerator, and clean up your crumbs.
5. Silence it.   Avoid annoying phone ring tones or computer sound effects. You may enjoy hearing this over and over, but your colleagues probably don’t.
6. Cut cube clutter.  Try to make sure your cube looks relatively clear of clutter, and make sure your belongings don’t cascade into the adjoining cube.
7. Avoid office politics (Part 2).  Keep your opinions about politicians and how to solve world peace to yourself.  Political issues can start a fire quickly.
8. Temper your toxicity.  Try to be positive around your colleagues, even when you are not feeling so great.  Work hard not to put a negative spin on things.
9. Good hygiene never fails.  Don’t be complacent about your grooming.  Take pride in your appearance and hygiene.
10. Keep the small talk small.  Since we spend so much time at work, it is natural to want to share experiences with our colleagues.  While this is important for bonding with co-workers, don’t overdo it.  You are there to work.

"The best environments to work in are those where people really get along and have built friendships in the workplace," Challenger says. "However, if there ever is an issue between co-workers it's very important to recognize it and repair it," he advises.

It is in the best interest of the employee and company to have a cooperative, friendly workforce.

Source:  Be a Better Co-worker: 10 Tips By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com.   Editor Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Dreamfedjob - Turning unemployed into employed.