By: Michelle Joseph
Publication: Prevview.com (14 June 2011)

You finally got that job you were so keen on landing. You are pumped up and ready to excel at your duties. But, where do you start? What would make you better than the guy in the cubicle next to yours?

It’s a dog eat dog world out there and we all need to step it up a notch if we want to be outstanding – and no doubt most of us definitely want to. But, before we can do that, we need to know how to be the model employee. I shall assume the role of a Social Darwinist and give you tips on how the “strong survive”. Whip out your pens and start taking notes.

Let’s start with; "What is on the employers’ mind?"

Every employer naturally seeks employees who work hard to ensure that;

• The business runs smoothly
• Mistakes are minimized
• The general morale is always lifted. The happier the workers, the better the performances
• Profits increase and that there is a steady stream of revenue.

Now that you have an idea of what the Employers wants, let’s look at..
Top traits needed to increase your worth in the eyes of employers...

Be swift to hear and slow to speak (Listen to instructions carefully): This is number 1 on the list because ever so often, NOT listening carefully is a weak employee’s folly. Being attentive is the key to getting started on the right foot. Whenever something goes wrong, how often have we heard this.. “Ohhhh I thought you wanted me to…” ? If you don’t listen, then after all that work, time and effort, your end product would have been a waste. Never assume that you know what is needed and dismiss the given instructions as redundant.

Avoid a ‘tunnel vision’. (Take responsibility): Instead of being unidirectional, always try to have a 360 degree view of what is going on in the office. Know how your work affects your colleagues and take responsibility for your actions. Never shift blame and always step up to the plate. If your boss knows that you are dependable because you know what to do and when to do it, then he/she would be more inclined to trusting you in a leadership role.

Never wait to be told what to do (Take initiative): Instead of taking the backseat and cruising along hoping that others will solve problems - step up to the challenge! Always think things through and keep busy by constantly finding tasks that need performing. A self-motivated employee automatically sets himself/herself apart from the crowd. As the Chinese saying goes, “The capable ones are given more to do”. Show initiative and constantly hunt for ways to solve problems, improve things, and be more efficient. The more initiative taken, the more likely you will be given more responsibility and even a promotion!

Don’t be self-centred (Give due credit to others): Just as people tend to point their fingers at others when things go wrong, these same people will take credit for the good work of others. A renowned Hierachiologist who studies employee behaviour said, “There are two kinds of egotists: Those who admit it, and the rest of us.” If you want to be respected and recognised as a model employee, then admit mistakes and praise fellow employees and always share the spotlight with those who helped you succeed. The favour will be returned and it will improve and strengthen morale and build trust among your fellow employees.

Don’t be a grouch (Perform your duties cheerfully): Being naturally upbeat (without overdoing it), positive and easy to be around will get you farther than the grouch in the other cubicle. You would naturally be well-liked by your peers and acquaintances. It’s simple psychology really. No one wants to work around someone who maintains a surly or negative attitude. Pessimism just breeds more pessimism. But, cheerfulness is generally contagious. Just remember that work is not meant to be a bed of roses. Things do sometimes go wrong. But, maintain a positive attitude and work on solving an issue, instead of brooding over it. No one wants to work with people who only see problems, but not solutions.

Always be someone Employers can count on (Be dependable): There are plenty of employees who habitually call in sick or arrive late. This kind of behaviour is just like the boy who cried wolf. If you keep taking sick leave, no one is going to sympathise with you. If you arrive late with a different excuse every time, no one is going to trust you. The common reaction when you don’t turn up at work would be colleagues rolling their eyes and thinking, “what’s new?”. No one is going to believe you are genuinely sick or feel sorry for you if you ‘ braved a storm’ to get to work. The fact is, simple commitments like arriving to work on time and reporting regularly, returning phone calls promptly, and performing tasks on time, shows that you care. “Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.” – Robert E. Lee – Considered the Greatest general to have ever lived.

Never be stagnant, but always on the move. (Exceed expectations) : Very often, employees refuse to exert more energy than required. They do only what they are required to do, and nothing more. But, an employer always recognises the diamonds in the rough. These are the workers who go above and beyond what is expected of them; such as being willing to take on duties that others refuse to do. This kind of resourcefulness instantly increases your value to the company. When push comes to shove, you would be the one to stand out over your peers and land that sought after promotion.

The last but most important trait …

Always be polite. (Be responsive): These days, people have become lazy and fast losing the art of social interaction. Perhaps it is the influence of internet language or the fast pace of our society that begs the need to get things over and done with. But, there was a time when, if someone said, “Thank you,” the other person would reply, “You’re welcome.” These days, people tend to reply with “Uh-huh” or “Sure” or some other statement that implies self-entitlement. Don’t be a slave to modernity and stick to old fashioned courtesy. Responding to people is just another way of showing them that they matter and this will get you far in the working world.

So, if you want to be the model employee and :

• obtain job security
• want employers and supervisors to consider you too valuable to ever let go
• want your services to be in demand in the job market….

You need to set yourself apart from others by following the above traits like a mantra. Remember that in an overcrowded market with many workers with similar credentials, you always need to take that extra step to stand out!