No matter how good you think you are at your job, there’s always room for improvement. Even if you are already meeting your job requirements, why not strive to be better? Why stop there? Wouldn’t you rather excel at what you do, exceed expectations and, get more recognition and praise for your work? If you’re in agreement with any of those then, this is the perfect article for you! Listed below are eight simple but tried and tested ways that you can practice to become a better employee at work:
Keep focused
With all the tapping, phones beeping and conversations being had all around you it can be difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. Try setting targets and goals. Consider writing them down in a diary or notebook in front of you so you are constantly reminded of your task at hand. Better yet, why not give turning your phone off a go! You might see the truth in 'out of sight, out of mind' and you can then properly immerse yourself in your work.
Be ambitious
Everyone loves a person who is prepared to go the extra mile and being ambitious is all about growth - the growth of your skills and goals. An employer likes this because if you get better at your job and take on more responsibilities, the team and the company will benefit immensely. So don’t be afraid to go above and beyond just because it’s not in your job description. At the end of the day, you are in charge of where you take your career. Don’t hold back!
Be proactive
A proactive individual is someone that is passionate and enthusiastic about what they do. They are those who care about the success of the company as well as the success of themselves. Being proactive is about spotting the little errors and stepping up to resolve them. If you can do your job and go the extra mile, you will be appreciated by your employers and co-workers alike.
Accept your mistakes
Putting your ideas forward to co-workers will always be a little bit scary as there's always that fear that they may dislike or dismiss it. So do try to keep in mind that when people criticise your work it’s only to make it better and to improve your skills. When you receive criticism, which everyone does, accept it with a positive outlook and think about how can start improving your work. Never dwell on criticisms!
Don’t complain about the insignificant stuff
As with anything you do, there will always be good and bad times. The mistake that a lot of people make is dwelling on the small, insignificant negatives even if they are outweighed by the positives. The solution, however, is simple: put Beyoncé's approach to practice. Give yourself 24 hours to be upset about something and then move on.
Find ways to motivate yourself
The best way to do better is by self-motivation. You can be motivated by the benefits of your job but being self-motivated will give you that extra push to do better. If you really like your job then that drive will come naturally. If you’re not sure how to start, you can set yourself little tasks and reward yourself for working hard. As an example, if you would like to complete something in a set time, create your own reward system using little treats or snacks.
Don’t waste your time
While you may be tempted to take an easy day at work whenever you’re tired or down, the reality is that the day will feel harder than usual with less activity. Whereas when you get stuck into what you’re doing, it tends to make the day fly past. So despite the urge to do the bare minimum, try to get the most out of your work day and keep on top of all your tasks to feel like you have achieved something.
Look after your colleagues
You don’t have to offer rides to everyone or buy their lunch but, it's important that you foster a positive relationship with your co-workers and be someone that they can rely on. Being a better employee is about focusing on yourself and your performance but, it’s also about taking care of your team and the people you work with because, at the end of the day, you'll be spending a lot of time with them. If you can be there, listen and offer a helping hand, then you're on your way to becoming a better employee.
Still unsure? Look around, take a minute and see how you can help. Take the initiative to go above and beyond on a daily basis. Try to make it a habit to be one step ahead and contribute effectively to make a positive difference.
Read 7 Ways You Can Improve Your Workplace Culture.
