Simple Steps To Achieve Success At Work and Career

Organisations today are not only striving to cope with the uncertainties of contemporary hyper-competitive business environment, they are also faced with the issue of engaging and retaining resourceful employees. These are employees that can make a difference, create value and move the organisation forward. They are the ones that can be promoted to take up leadership roles. They are dedicated and committed to pursuing their departmental and Organisational goals. 

This article highlights ten major traits and qualities that employees need to possess to become successful at the workplace and in their careers.

Have a Vision: Successful employees create their own personal visions which support the overall vision of their organization. They appreciate the corporate vision of their company, and form a picture of where their company is going and what role they can play to get the company there. With this in mind, they embark on a mission of achieving excellence in their career and at their workplace by contributing effectively to corporate objectives. They are organization builders – people who co-operate with Management and work consciously for the good of the organization and take pride in seeing the company grow.

Be Productive: Resourceful employees are productive and not lazy at work. They don’t shy away or dodge from their work. They don’t need to be compelled or coaxed into performance. They are hard working. They don’t procrastinate or let official assignments drag up to the deadline. They have reputation for having their acts together. They get the job done and move on to the next thing. They see their job as their contribution in moving the organization forward.

Take Responsibility: Resourceful employees do not push the buck. They take total responsibility for their roles and even for mistakes when necessary; and by correcting and learning from the mistake, they are able to avoid future mistakes and position themselves as experts in their career. This trait makes them dependable and easily entrusted with higher responsibilities.

Find out Management Expectations for Productivity: To be successful in the workplace, you need to know what Management’s expectations for productivity are by asking your supervisor or manager. This will help you align your role with these expectations, and also make you stand out from the other employees. Be sure to mean what you ask and follow through on your promises.

Strive to Find Solution: To be successful at your workplace and in your career, strive to find solution to problems that may arise. Quit whining about what has gone wrong and start being vocal about what can be done to right the wrong! When you go to your boss with a problem, go with at least one suggestion in mind for a solution. Even if the boss doesn't take your suggestion, you will look like a problem-solver, not a complainer. This attitude goes a long way in developing employees to become future leaders.

Learn to do Your Job Better: Apart from working hard to add value to the organization, resourceful employees also strive to learn to do their jobs better.  Do some research, ask from co-workers, and attend workshops, etc about your job. Remember you are building yourself to become an accomplished professional in your career.

Be a Good Team Player: A successful worker in today’s workplace must of all times be a good team player. This involves adopting an attitude of ‘I-don’t-know-it-all’ and willingness to learn from colleagues and offer help when needed. It also involves not striving or struggling for credit when projects are completed. Your concern should be that the project has been accomplished and not to worry about who gets the credit. Avoid unhealthy competition that engenders strife and dissension. Delegate some duties to subordinates where necessary. Remember, no lone player makes a team – no matter how good!

Be Honest and Ethical: Resourceful employees are honest about their work, thoughts, feelings and qualifications. They recognize that work rules are made to be followed. They follow the policies of the company and inspire others to do so too. They are ethical in their practices.

Be Disciplined and Punctual: A good employee is punctual, disciplined and diligent. Habitual late coming, absenteeism and truancy are examples of conducts that will hurt your career.

Avoid Gossip: As an employee who wants to succeed, you should always remember that you came to the office to work, to make a career. Do not spread office gossip or rumors. Respect the privacy and dignity of your coworkers. Resolve issues with your colleagues rather than backstabbing them. Safeguard and protect the confidential nature of office business and transactions.

Thank you.