How to be a highly-effective employee
TIMES are getting tough for businesses the world over. Keeping a job has become a game of chutes and ladders in some organisations. But some habits always make you and the boss look good.
By Fred Ouma
TIMES are getting tough for businesses the world over. Keeping a job has become a game of chutes and ladders in some organisations. But some habits always make you and the boss look good.
Negotiate deadlines
When the boss is giving assignments, do not blurt out a negative reaction or panic if the deadline is short. Attempt to follow the boss’ orders so that h/she gets what they need: obedience and respect.“Determine if the results will be needed in-house, sent further up the chain, or will be pending other efforts to come to fruition,†advises Silvia Nandera, a human resource and management consultant. Also, update the boss about progress made and suggest re-tasking.
Keep extracurricular activities current
“If you see the boss going home, ask them what is on their schedule for the night and then let them know you are keeping up with your own plans. This is a strong signal of support, says Patrick Okee, a workplace researcher. “Employee’s happiness is a bellwether of manager success,†he says.
Ask favours from the boss, not subordinates
The boss should be the one to determine if you can leave early or finish later. If a boss has doled out the work more heavily to some than others, there may be a promotion or responsibility change in the offing. Also, don’t cover up for each other because you are hiding your real ability and skills under someone else’s bushel, Okee says.
Keep a workplace journal
A workplace diary can be no more than typed e-mails to a third party or e-mails with ideas and thoughts about how the day went. These records are important after some years when you want to see how workplace events have evolved or you want to distinguish your capability.
Keep a clean cubicle
Cubicles test how you manage your time and reflect how you project yourself. If memorabilia, games, events, family and friends overwhelm 50% of the visual space, it may be obvious that you would rather be anywhere but at work.
Sarah Namirembe says employees should not look like they are having a garage sale. “If you screw up, there will be a dozen people looking at your cubicle with scorn,†she warns.
Turn your cellphone off
Cell phones are personal property and unless they are provided by the company, they should be used minimally during office hours. Screen call numbers to see if any clients or work contacts have made contact.
Have good attendance
Get to work on time. If you have a habit of getting to work late, people always notice.
Look ahead
Employees looking to build a secure career need to know where their company is going. Stay tuned to the business channels.
TIMES are getting tough for businesses the world over. Keeping a job has become a game of chutes and ladders in some organisations. But some habits always make you and the boss look good.
Negotiate deadlines
When the boss is giving assignments, do not blurt out a negative reaction or panic if the deadline is short. Attempt to follow the boss’ orders so that h/she gets what they need: obedience and respect.“Determine if the results will be needed in-house, sent further up the chain, or will be pending other efforts to come to fruition,†advises Silvia Nandera, a human resource and management consultant. Also, update the boss about progress made and suggest re-tasking.
Keep extracurricular activities current
“If you see the boss going home, ask them what is on their schedule for the night and then let them know you are keeping up with your own plans. This is a strong signal of support, says Patrick Okee, a workplace researcher. “Employee’s happiness is a bellwether of manager success,†he says.
Ask favours from the boss, not subordinates
The boss should be the one to determine if you can leave early or finish later. If a boss has doled out the work more heavily to some than others, there may be a promotion or responsibility change in the offing. Also, don’t cover up for each other because you are hiding your real ability and skills under someone else’s bushel, Okee says.
Keep a workplace journal
A workplace diary can be no more than typed e-mails to a third party or e-mails with ideas and thoughts about how the day went. These records are important after some years when you want to see how workplace events have evolved or you want to distinguish your capability.
Keep a clean cubicle
Cubicles test how you manage your time and reflect how you project yourself. If memorabilia, games, events, family and friends overwhelm 50% of the visual space, it may be obvious that you would rather be anywhere but at work.
Sarah Namirembe says employees should not look like they are having a garage sale. “If you screw up, there will be a dozen people looking at your cubicle with scorn,†she warns.
Turn your cellphone off
Cell phones are personal property and unless they are provided by the company, they should be used minimally during office hours. Screen call numbers to see if any clients or work contacts have made contact.
Have good attendance
Get to work on time. If you have a habit of getting to work late, people always notice.
Look ahead
Employees looking to build a secure career need to know where their company is going. Stay tuned to the business channels.