How to Be a Better Employee in 2011

global business, B2B  Global B2B buy sell website: www.bytrade.com

 

 

By Dr. Woody

With the NFL playoffs in full gear, January is all about star performances. And yes, I can’t resist jumping all over those cheesy football analogies.

For starters, true stars always step up their play when the game is one the line and in this economy, every company and every job is potentially on the line. Every day is a playoff game in the business world, and those who have found a way to not only survive, but also thrive, have relied on star players to step up their game. 

One thing we know from watching the NFL is that team MVPs always train harder, work harder, and play harder. They are always more prepared both mentally and physically and always bring their “A” game. Star players not only want success, they are willing to work for it! So, what can each of us as mere mortal office folk do to become office MVPs in 2011?        

Offer Solutions: Be a uniter not a divider. In other words, don’t be the blamer. One of the easiest things in the world to do is point out problems. Winning teams don’t harp on losses, they find ways to win. Bosses aren’t interested in finger pointers, they want problem solvers. Every time you come a across a problem, be sure you come up with potential solutions before taking it to your boss!    

Seek Challenges: If you want success, you need to seek out challenges and find ways to continually grow. This means being proactive. Often times your boss may not realize where your talents are or the best way to use them. So, it’s up to you to point out where you can help and offer yourself up.  

Self-promote: A lot of people are really uncomfortable with the idea of self-promotion, but here's the reality: You can be the greatest employee in the world, but if nobody knows, it really doesn’t matter. 

Star players always find a way to get their coaches to notice them and ultimately give them playing time. I’m not talking about being an outright shameless fool and banging pots and pans, but you do have to step out a little and let management know what you’ve done.  

Do What You Say: More specifically, do what you say you are going to do. There is nothing that bugs me more than someone who doesn’t do what they say they are going to do. If you can’t back up your talk and deliver, than shut-up.

As much as Jets coach Rex Ryan’s bravado got him criticism, at the end of the day, he backed it up with a big win this weekend over the vaunted Patriots. Building trust is critical to any relationship and trust starts with consistency. Do what you say you are going to do and your boss will know he/she can rely on you.  

High- functioning teams are successful because each player knows his/her role and executes that role to the best of their ability. The MVPs on these teams are both team players and individual stars. They know when to play their part and when to step up and shoulder the burden of wining. So, be solution focused, seek challenge, get on the management's radar, and do what you say you are going to do.

Happy New Year and good luck!

 

marble tile, granite tile, stone carving