Be Your Best at Work

      Most of us have some type of secular employment, whether that is by working for someone else or by operating our own business.  There are times when we may be extremely proficient at the type of work, we do but we may lack a general conception of how to function within a mixed work environment.

      Being your best at work means not only putting your best foot forward but also continually working to better yourself. This doesn’t always mean turning in the best project or attending all the professional developments. Keep reading to learn basic ways you can show up with your best at work every day.  This will not only benefit YOU, but all around you during the work day will enjoy a more productive work situation.

1.      Get to Know Your Colleagues

     Learning about your colleagues has many benefits. You don’t have to be out to make friends, but learning about others can benefit you in many ways. First, it shows you care, and people like it when people are considerate. Second, it will help you find things in common that you can come back to when work gets tough. Finally, getting to know people will help you learn how to work better. Derek prefers exact instructions and asks lots of questions, while Suzy is a big-picture type of person who tends to skip over minor details. Getting to know means learning how to work better with those around you.  This also applies to getting to understand the various vendors that you may have to deal with during a work day.

 

2.      Don’t Be a Gossip

     No one likes an office gossip, except maybe the other office gossips. Getting caught up in drama can be a distraction and can earn you a bad reputation with your coworkers and supervisors. You want to be someone that can be trusted with information. Keep your business to yourself and remember, loose lips sink ships.  It may seem like a little thing to you, but to others revealing privately shared information may be devastating.

 

3.      Stretch Your Skill Set

     Stretching your skills as well as learning new ones allows you to continue growing your tool bag. This will make you a more valuable team member and will help you if you ever decide to look for a new position elsewhere.  With business practices and technology constantly changing, it is a necessity that you keep advancing in your personal growth in order to keep up with business needs.

 

4.      Become a Mentor

     Mentoring can be done in and outside of the office. The new intern that is lost? Take that person under your wing and help them find their way. You will be a valuable friend and show that you are willing to help others. You can also do outreach in your profession in schools and other community programs.  There are many ways you can share the knowledge and skills that you have learned over the years.  The wisdom of maturity can be planted in the minds and hearts of those following in your footsteps.

 

5.      Be a Friend

     You don’t have to be BFFs with every person in the office but be friendly. Ask how others are doing, encourage, start a meal train if someone is sick or on parental leave. Not only will others appreciate and remember your kindness, but they will be willing to return the favor if the need arises.  There is never enough kindness in the world.  This is not to say that you have to be the “go-to” person for everyone around you, but it doesn’t cost you anything to be kind and considerate of others.

      Being your best at work is not something that you can achieve in a day. It’s a constant stream of small and conscious decisions that you will make daily. These decisions will build upon each other and allow you to create a work culture and life that will be fulfilling and beneficial.  It will help people view you as a person they WANT to work with and be around.  Be patient with yourself as you create this type of work environment around you and never forget, we’re only human!

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"Let your light shine ---

be kind to others."