Shyama and Radhika, both passed out of Management college in the same year. As fate would have it, they both joined “Creative Content” as executives after finishing graduation. Today, Shyama is a Manager, while Radhika is still stuck at Executive level. While Shyama is seen as a responsible performer, Radhika is constantly asked to improve performance. Radhika is neither lazy nor stupid. Then why this difference in their careers?

Obviously, there’s something that Shyama is doing right and Radhika is not. What is this “something”? When a company hires new people, they are very obviously looking for smart and intelligent people who can work hard. Radhika has both these qualities as we know. But these two qualities are not enough! There are many things that you can do to improve your performance and contribution at work. Also, there are many things that you should not do, if you want to be taken seriously by your colleagues.

In this article, let us discuss what makes you a “good employee”. Here are a few things that you should DO to be appreciated and recognized at work:

Be Dependable & Trustworthy

When there is a deadline to be met, can your company count on you? Employees who perform consistently in “crisis” are always seen as valuable assets. So it is very important to be seen as dependable by your company.

Are you trustworthy? Can you keep things to yourself? No company likes to promote a culture of mindless gossip and talking behind backs. Do you indulge in these things? All these points are very valid and important because they contribute to the company’s culture.

Be Proactive

If you work had at doing every task that you are given, you are just an average employee. To be above average, you need to take initiative. This is probably the most important quality that sets apart achievers in any work environment. Take up projects like cost cutting in your department, without being asked to. If you see some lack in your workflow or process, try to devise new procedures that can work more effectively. Present this to your superior. Any initiative you take will be seen as a positive reinforcement by your employers.

Be Punctual & Work Hard

While these two may not get you any extra points for reward, they certainly contribute to your worth as an employee. Arrive at your desk every morning in time. As far as possible, avoid sitting till late in your seat. To be seen as an efficient employee (who doesn’t waste the company’s man-hours) you should try to finish all your days work in the set office timings. Any extra time you spend at your desk should be restricted to a minimum. This gives you the added advantage of being home in time every evening!

Be Organized

It is very simple yaar! If you cannot organize your desk, how can you organize your work? So don’t be a lazy and messy employee. Have a neat and attractive desk with things in “organized” perfection. Also, be meticulous about your day to day activities. Organize your time in such a way that you can get the maximum out of your day at work.

Be A Team Player

If you are forever competing with your colleagues, the company will never be able to progress. Remember, your job is to make the company move forward. Employees can contribute to a company only if they work in tandem with each other. Synchronize your energies to maximize the performance of everyone.

Behave Professionally

This means that you dress formally without being too loud in color or style. Your appearance should be smart and efficient without being over the top. It is unprofessional to be too loud at work coz you might be disturbing others with your noise. When in office, avoid making personal calls. Some people make a call to their homes every hour or two. This is not good by any standards!

All these points sum up the essence of being a good employee, more or less. In our next article in the series, we will discuss the DON’Ts of being a good employee. Till then, work hard, party harder!