Monday, May 5,2014
Six Ways to be Sensational at Your New Job
Your goal at work should be to prove that you are an exceptional employee. Assume you just got a new job at a great company. How can you stand out as an exceptional employee?
1. Behave as if you’re still being interviewed. Think of your first 30-90 days as an extended interview. Prove every day that you deserved to be hired. You'll work harder and smarter, and you won’t take anything for granted.
2. See your manager as a person to help, not a person who tells you what to do. Your manager has many things to do. The more you help your manager achieve goals, the more highly you will be valued. Plus you’ll find it’s a lot easier to work hard when you feel you’re helping someone instead of obeying them.
3. Go the extra mile early and often. In the beginning you probably won’t have all the skills and experience you need. Work hard and everyone around you will know you’re trying. For a short while, that may be enough.
4. Spot the high performers and mimic them. Pick out the top performers and study them. Learn how they approach their work. It’s smart to copy people who do well.
5. Find a way to stand out. Work at being known for something specific, such as responding more quickly, following up first, or offering to help before you’re asked. Pick a task that truly benefits the company and other employees – and work to excel at that task.
6. Never forget why you were hired. You were hired to help advance the goals of the company. Remember that you win only if the company wins, and your contributions can help the company win.
Action: Imagine yourself in the career of your choice. In what ways could you help your manager?
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