Did you ever have a time in your career where you were unhappy? Maybe you are unhappy now and are looking for a positive shift. Close your eyes, and think back to your past work experiences and think about what made you miserable. What were the reasons that you threw your hands up and said I quit and you left?
Did you not feel welcome?
Did you feel underpaid?
Maybe you felt unappreciated for all you did for your boss?
Now, I am a firm believer in communication and showing your appreciation, but unfortunately in today’s busy society we don’t say, “Thank You” or “I value you” enough to one another. We have forgotten to focus on what is going great and instead have turned our attention to the things that aren’t. The good news is that there are many ways you can get rid of your, “Don’t want to work today blues!” If you want to feel important at work and be noticed here are 10 key elements to consider:
1. Be punctual!
– More than likely your work place has an attendance policy which includes tardiness! Being even just 2 or 3 minutes late to work isn’t cool! Be 5 to 10 minutes early everyday! This ensures you are not feeling rushed which causes you added stress and gives you time to get settled in! Your boss will appreciate that you care enough to be on time!
2. Be organized!
– Don’t keep a filing stack; put things away in their proper places so you can find them when you need them. Label and highlight important items so you can find them quickly if your boss asks for something. If you have meetings keep a schedule near so you don’t forget and so you can be on time!
3. Be Positive!
– It’s easy to get caught up in the negative complaining session going on in the break room or around the water cooler during the work day. It’s ok to listen but don’t get caught in this negative trap! You will be respected by others who notice you don’t gossip and gripe! Keep yourself in an optimistic healthy state of mind and try to turn the negativity around! It will surely rub off on others!
4. Be Reliable!
– Occasionally you are going to be asked to stay late or cover an extra task for someone who might have an overload of work already. Just do it! Do you think your boss wants to work late? Turn your projects in on time and take ownership of your mistakes should you make one!
5. Be Professional!
– Professionalism sells! Don’t slouch if you are standing! Remember good posture! Smile and say hello to someone you pass in the hallway. If dealing with customers use their last name. Don’t use fowl language! Make eye contact. Speak clearly.
Remember the old adage, treat others as you would like to be treated? Treat your clients, customers and coworkers with kindness and professionalism. You will be noticed and praised for your mannerisms.
6. Be a Role Model!
– Have you ever needed help with a project or needed to talk to someone about something that bothered you at work? Don’t go bragging to your boss about helping out Shannon with her conclusion to her sales pitch! Listen to a co-worker who’s having a problem and needs someone to talk to and don’t go spreading gossip! Keep it to yourself! Others will appreciate this quality in you and you will feel good about yourself for helping others!
7. Be Efficient
– Manage your time accordingly. If you are having trouble on a project and it’s taking longer than you think it should or know it should ask someone at work for help! Don’t try to be a hero and get it all done yourself! In the end you could waste valuable time and your boss would respect you that you were big enough to ask for help!
8. Be a Participant!
– Volunteer for the Company Relay for Life event! You don’t have to sign up for everything your work does in the community but it would certainly be nice to represent your company in something! Choose an event you have a passion for! Participant in group activities in meetings and answer questions if you know the answers!
9. Be Healthy
– This may seem like a strange element but by you being happy and healthy you will rub off on your output of your work and your co-workers. Exercise to relieve stress, eat the right foods to keep your immune system up so you don’t have to call in sick as often! Have good hygiene!
10. Be Passionate
– If you give 100% to your tasks at work without expecting anything in return your hard work will pay off. Do your best and put your heart into your work as though it is your family! Know your works values and what is expected of you and follow them!
Remember everyone gets into a funk at work but you can get yourself out! Do you want that raise? Do you feel you deserve a promotion? Do you want to work up to that big corner office with the gigantic windows? Don’t loose sight of your goals and your future. What you do today will make an impact on your tomorrow and the years to come in your professional journey.