In a competitive workplace, it is important to have the advantage to keep a job and be viewed as an asset to your company. You need to keep on your toes and ensure that your skills will still be as valuable to the changing and fast-paced world we live in. Continuous learning is necessary to improve skill which will put you in a good position to climb up the ladder. Setting goals and benchmarks will be necessary along with an evaluation of your character to make your best self at work.
Here are some ways to improve your reputation and performance at work:
1. Organize & Prioritize
Create daily schedules and stick to them. Select the priorities and critical projects that need to be completed first and commit to dealing with those. Timelines would need to be set to ensure a smooth flow of work. According to The Project management Institute in the US, only 64% of projects meet their goals. This is why it is important to plan to avoid stretching deadlines which will affect your other projects. If you need assistance from a program then download one that would assist in your type of work. Ensure the plan is manageable and will benefit you and the team.
2. Multitasking
Although this is seen as a skill in such a hectic work environment it can also cost you. According to a study done by a group of Stanford University researchers, it proved that people who do heavy multitasking do not pay much attention as well as others who try to maintain a more manageable workflow.
3. Listen & Observe
It is very important that we take heed of what is going on around us. Not just what our boss tells us but also our fellow employees. Be observant and pay attention to detail it will improve your work and you will be more appreciated.
4. Don’t be Tardy
Being tardy is always an awful look. It shows the lack of discipline or interest. Getting to work at least 15 minutes ahead will give you a lead in the day and if you haven’t organized your tasks the day before you can begin doing so with the extra time you have.
5. Improve the way you handle stress and conflict
Every workplace will have stress and conflict but, how you handle the challenges will determine what type of employee you are. If you feel overwhelmed take it up with a supervisor or manager who can assist you with whatever issue you may be facing. Some colleagues can also offer assistance. If it’s something you can control then take a few minutes excuse yourself from the office, have a glass of water, stretch or just take a few breaths to relax you and handle the problem head-on. When there are several persons working on one project there will be differences of opinions that can escalate. Find solutions instead of disagreeing, a compromise.
6. Connect and Cooperate
Cooperation is key in any workplace. To make a connection involves not only listening but assisting and sharing opinions. A research done by TINYpulse and Microsoft Workplace Analytics revealed that the higher influencers in the office had the most connections with fellow employees. It’s senseless to pretend to know everything asking for help shows that you are willing to learn and assisting means you are contributing to the overall benefit of the team.
By Rae Dawn Brusch
