When you're looking for a new job or trying to get a promotion at work, it's important to be a good employee. The problem is that it can be really hard to know exactly what it takes to really stand out. In fact, if you go to any bookstore and look in the self help or career section, you'll see hundreds of books that all have differing advice about how to be successful. Some of them have excellent advice, others, not so much.
The truth is that it doesn't take a book to learn what makes some employees stand out in their careers. There are 5 key traits that all leaders share. Here are 5 things that set great employees apart:
They take responsibility for new projects and new programs - Stepping up and grabbing a new opportunity shows initiative and enthusiasm, both of which bosses love. When the project succeeds, don't brag or gloat, just move on to the next challenge. If it fails, don't look for people to blame. Take responsibility and move forward. Learning from both your successes and your failures will make you a better person and will impress your co-workers and your boss.
Don't take things personally - If the company policy changes or your project was cancelled, don't take it personally and let it be a cause for building resentment. Just let it go and move forward. Change is the nature of business, so you should try to get used to it. When you are flexible and adaptable, new opportunities will come your way.
Make the company's goals your own - Don't look at management as your enemy. When the company succeeds, everyone does. Pay attention to the goals of your department and your company. Make those goals your own and work hard to achieve them. When you show that you are a team player, your boss will notice.
Grow the business or help improve the bottom line - Look for ways to help grow the business or save money on expenses. Be efficient and look for ways to cut corners. Too often, employees don't care about the money their employer spends. They freely take or waste office supplies and waste time. Instead, look for ways to boost productivity. The truth is that when employees take the initiative to save the company money, it makes a huge impression.
Are there other ways that you think leaders make themselves stand out? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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