It sounds like a strange subject, but it is definitely important and is something that people commonly take for granted these days. Sadly, most people don't realize how valuable and rare a good employee is, nor how good it is to be one themselves, until they own their own    business or are in charge of their own             employees.

Follow the Rules
One aspect of being a good employee is following company rules.  If there is a rule you do not understand or think  isn’t right, go and talk to your supervisor-don't blatantly break the rules and get yourself in trouble. Your workplace is not just a place to earn money, it is a social environment that has structure, and those rules are in place for a good reason. Along those lines of social environment we also find the topic of coffee. Yes, coffee. I don't drink coffee and I never want to, but if the other people in the office take coffee and the pot is empty, make more. Your fellow coffee-drinking co-workers will appreciate it.

Don't be a Slob
Keep a clean desk, and make sure it has personal items that have meaning to you. Bring in photos of family and friends, but not so many that your desk becomes a home and not a place of work. Having a clean organized desk shows that you are clean and organized as an employee. Your office and/or desk are a daily billboard. A constant, physical curriculum vitae. A reminder of *why* your employer hired you in the first place, and why they still keep you on the payroll. Your conduct and cleanliness should reinforce your worth to your employer. Having plaques, awards, and certifications around is a great help too!

Come in Early, Don't Stay Late
You may also find that your hourly habits make you a better employee. Looking good is one thing, but feeling good is quite another and surely contributes to the quality of work that

you do. Coming in early and energized, if that is your preference, may very well improve your interaction with others, your work speed and image to your manager! On the other hand, if staying late is better and you do better work in the late hours, it may be best for you to try that. There is also a lot to be said for working the 8 hours of the day to their fullest, and leaving on time to see your family. It is all up to you, but whichever you choose, make sure that you are punctual and consistent. Those two are highly valued by management. If I had to choose between coming in early or staying late, I would rather come in early. Getting to work early is easily noticed, but no one sees you staying until 7 pm because they're all at home! Moreover, coming in early gives you a head start, staying late means you're catching up. So, if you come in early you can stop the fire before it starts, otherwise you'll be staying late trying to put it out.

And....
Finally, I will state the obvious: being a good employee means being a good person. You should be patient, attentive, courteous and   reliable. Good companies know that those         values cannot be learned in any college curriculum, or on the job training. They must be within you before you work for them and not only are they the most valued characteristics to find in an employee, they are also the most  rare.

 

 

How To Be A Good Employee

Learning Opportunities Quality Works, Inc.

September 2008