How to Be a Good Employee

Do you want to be in your current position the rest of your life? Some think that's fine, but many say "no." Being a successful employee is similar to running a sole proprietorship with low risk and limited customers. You listen around for what your primary customers (boss) wants to get out of you. Then, you learn and actually get yourself to accomplish the requested tasks.

Steps

1. Know your employer. Decide if you are working for a company that has a motto or standard that you are comfortable with, and if the company goal is something you believe in. If you are working for an honorable establishment, then you will be treated with respect due to your position.
2. Behave professionally. This is a business, not a playground.
3. Learn to take criticism gracefully. It will provide you with valuable ideas about what people expect from you, any weak areas, and what you need to work on first.
4. Learn to do your job, and do it well. Whether it's menial and tedious, or tough and high-paying, learn how to do the job, regardless of how difficult you think it might be. Salary is most commonly based upon years of experience, tenure with the company, and your educational background.
5. Keep a clean job history. Do a good job, show up on time, keep a good attendance history.
6. Be ready to provide references from past employers. If your present employer wishes to contact your previous employer, do not deny their request. Leaving a company on good terms is always an asset to securing another job.
7. Never be on time. Always arrive early. Be at least 15 minutes early every day. That way, if you are running late, you will be on time. If you have to park far away, you will walk in and still not be late. If your client is early, you will be there to greet him or her, and not leave someone waiting for you - even if you arrive on time.
8. Ask your supervisor what the expectations for productivity are. This will immediately make you stand out from 95% of the other employees.
9. Be part of the solutions. Quit whining about what's wrong and start being vocal about what's right! A positive attitude goes a long way with many supervisors.
10. Don't drag your feet. We mean this in a literal way. Pick your feet up and walk proud, and get right to your work - don't procrastinate or let things drag up to the deadline, and then jump in to get it done in a fast flurry at the end. It makes your boss crazy.
11. Be quiet and work. Quit gossiping and get to work. Your employer is not paying you to gossip. Of course, you want to establish a good rapport with your co-workers, and a little chatting is inevitable and desirable. But spending a half hour regaling your co-workers with your previous evening's adventures will not make your boss love you. When one of you is talking a lot, two of you are not working a lot.
12. Always be productive. Don't let paper sit on your desk for days on end. Get the work done and move on to the next thing as quickly as possible.
13. Don't dress like your co-workers, dress as well or better than your boss.
14. Hold your head high and be confident. A calm, assured energy will take you much farther than carrying yourself in a hunched up ball.
15. Volunteer or be active in projects to get the job done. Don't worry about who gets credit - your boss knows much more than you think. Be a team player.
16. Don't spend a lot of time on personal phone calls. Work is for work.
17. Stay late, even if it is only 15-20 minutes. People notice who runs for the door at 5:30 pm.
18. Offer junior employees guidance and encouragement. Offer to show them the ropes or offer training tips.

Tips

* If there is a company-wide problem or complaint, take it to your HR department or open forums, if your company supports them.
* Choose carefully the subjects you wish to bring forward in these meetings. A general complaint with no backing, such as complaining about your schedule or salary will only be briefly noted, and the company may begin looking for a way to replace you. However, an honest complaint about facilities, lack of benefits, etc. might be opening the door for further discussion, and also gives you credibility if you present the matter in a mature, non-confrontational manner.

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