10 steps to becoming an outstanding employee!

From the employer’s perspective what is most important is to find the right person with the right skills to fill the position.  But that’s not all, they are also looking for someone committed to the role, someone who will add value to the company, a self-motivator, team player, hard worker, someone flexible, someone that can represent the company well, someone that ‘goes the extra mile’, someone really committed to the role, someone with the right education, someone with a number of years of experience in the same industry and ideally in the same type of role etc. etc. etc.  I could probably go on for another while but does this sound familiar? It’s a bit overwhelming isn’t it?

So when you eventually get that ideal role, what next?  Nowadays, securing the role is not enough. You also have to prove that you are worth holding on to. So how do you maintain that perfect position?  How do you become the employee that all employers desire and want to hold on to?  It’s simple you need to Kick-Ass.

I believe that at this stage everyone has either heard of or has seen the film ‘Kick-Ass’ or recently released ‘Kick-Ass 2’.  It’s a story of a normal guy who becomes a self-made super hero. A guy who decides to put on a costume and fight crime, after witnessing a few gangsters attacking someone on the street.  He scares the gangsters off and becomes a local hero. No special powers required! Just his initiative, his belief in what’s right, no fear and a ‘go for it’ attitude!

Bear with me; I’m coming back to the work environment now. What I’m trying to say is that in the work environment, the same rules apply. You too can become a ‘Kick-Ass employee’ or an outstanding employee, if that’s what you want to call it. You just need some initiative and the will to do it.

1.       Stand out! But only for the right reasons!

Just like Kick-Ass stood out by fighting for what he believed was right, you can also stand out at work by taking on extra responsibility.  Remember however, that any extra activity should be job related and contribute to your own job. Make sure that your regular tasks are finished or under control before you decide to take on any extra responsibilities. So get your priorities right!

2.       Be on time!

You’re probably thinking this is so obvious, but it’s surprisingly not to everyone.  Imagine Kick-Ass being late trying to save someone in need.  Imagine any of the superheroes being late when saving someone. Let’s just say that usually doesn’t end well… exploding bombs, crashing cars/buses/planes… overall chaos! Ok, I know I’m being dramatic but you know what I’m trying to say.  Being on time is really important, as it shows you are taking your job seriously.  Always arrive a few minutes early, so you are ‘ready for action’ on time.

3.       Dress to impress!

You don’t need a ‘Kick-Ass’ costume to stand out at work. No one said not to show your personal style but at the same time, keep it simple and classy. Make sure that you always look sharp, clean and that you comply with the company’s dress code. The way you dress will not only look good in the front of management but will also make you feel good,  more professional and ready to ‘Kick-Ass’ every day.

4.       Learn new skills!

If given the opportunity, at work or outside work, always try to learn something new that will contribute to your work performance.  That way you will be able to truly add value to the company.  At the same time you will up skill, you will feel more confident about yourself and might be eventually seen as an expert in your field.  Everyone wins!

5.       “Feel the fear and do it anyway”

It’s a great motivational book by Susan Jeffers, that I highly recommend reading.  Without going into too much detail, the main point of the book is that the only way to get rid of the fear is by simply doing it.  We all fear something at work. There is always a part of our job that we don’t like to do. What Susan is trying to say throughout the book is that unless we actually do the thing that we fear, we will never get rid of that fear. Again, it’s just like Kick-Ass – I’m sure that he feared at first what might happen when he confronted criminals, but he did it anyway and became a local super hero.

6.       Treat others the way you would like to be treated!

Make sure that you always treat your colleagues and management with respect as one day you might need their help and support.  It is important to get on with your team and work colleagues, you are not always going to agree with everyone but at least try to understand their point of view. Put yourself in their shoes before you judge and arrive at a conclusion. Help your colleagues if asked for it. And sometimes, just simply listen to what they are trying to say. Maybe you will be able to help!

7.       Have a positive attitude!

I’m sure you have an ‘off day’ from time to time, we all have them.  We all have them for different reasons.  No one is expecting you to be a 100% all of the time.  But even if you have an off day and your motivation is running at an all time low, try to stay positive. Being negative will first of all look bad in front of your management. And second of all, it will make you feel even more depressed. If you maintain a positive attitude, your work will show it at the end of the day. I say: ‘Positive attitude – Positive results at work’.

8.       Set yourself a goal and try to reach it!

It’s a really good way to stay focused at work. But not only at work: school, gym, your own projects and life in general. I don’t mean to sound so deep; I just believe that having a set goal or focus really works. If you can picture yourself at ‘the finish line’, you will subconsciously start making the necessary steps to get there.

9.       Don’t bring work home!

As much as you can, try to switch off your ‘work mode’ after work. There is no point in bringing unnecessary stress home. You will only be more tired the next day.  Kick-Ass too has his normal life, friends etc. He doesn’t wear his superhero costume to the cinema or shopping.  (Well… unless it is Halloween J) So try to relax after work and I guarantee you that the next day you will feel fresh and ready to start again.

10.   Be yourself!

This is the most important part. Remember no matter what don’t try to be someone else. I’m not trying to contradict everything I just said. Just try to better yourself, become a Kick-Ass employee but don’t change who you are. Be honest with yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to admit that you have made a mistake or don’t know how to complete a certain task. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And don’t pretend that you know it all. Don’t pretend that you are someone that you are not. After all, we are just humans, not superheroes!