The impression that your manager has of you begins in the initial interview. So, it’s important that you start off on the right track. The traits you displayed and spoke of when being interviewed are going to be what helped you to get hired. Your manager will be anticipating that these will shine through in your job performance. So, it’s essential that you incorporate the following 10 traits into your working lifestyle to help ensure you make the perfect impression.
- Keep Your Personal Life Away From the Workplace
When you turn up to work, your manager will be expecting you to get on with your tasks straight away. You’re there for one reason and that’s to get the job done. Reflecting on your weekend, checking-up on social media and making social phone calls are not going to reflect well on you.
- Be a Team Player
Never try to do everything yourself and don’t develop the attitude that no one can do a job better than you. Establish shared goals and join the team. When you try to understand individuals, you are developing a high likeability. If you aren’t well liked in the office, then people aren’t going to want to work with you and your manager is going to hear about it. If you’re concerned about how people perceive you, then you may want to take an online likeability test to assess some of your social skills. This will evaluate your answers and inform you as to how you can make improvements.
- Be Productive But Do Not Burn Out
Always do your share of the work, and stand ready to assist others who may be in need of extra help. However, never allow another employee to push their job responsibilities onto you because they are lazy, incompetent, or non-productive. Taking on unnecessary work may divert your attention away from your individual tasks. If these then are failed to be completed, your manager is going to question your ability to work.
- Consistency
There’s no point in giving it your all one day and giving up the next. If your standards slip, it’s going to get flagged up. Stay consistent in the amount of effort and time you put into each task.
- Stay Alert
Assure you attend scheduled meetings, take notes, and give your input and ideas. By keeping on top of your calendar and showing an interest in the company, you’ll be showing your manager that you’re still invested.
- Take an Active Roll
Socialising at company events once in a while shows another kind of company initiative that is well-received. Company parties, impromptu meetings, and get-togethers for a drink and conversation after work tend to strengthen the ties that bind employees together. Even if you would rather would skip these events, try and make the time for an appearance.
- Speak Up and Communicate
Unhappiness in the workplace spawns negativity. When you are confused about management directives, it is important to discuss them with the proper person. At the end of the day, your manager is going to prefer it if you ask for help, as opposed to figuring it out by yourself and making a mistake that could badly impact the business.
- Clarify
Everyone at some time can say something, and it can come across to the listener in an entirely different light. Lack of clarity causes tasks to be completed incorrectly, ultimately leading to hard feelings, anger, and resentment. Anything you did not understand verbally or in writing needs clarifying. Communicate with that person correctly.
- “Not My Problem”
Take the initiative to fix a situation that everyone else is ignoring, even when it is not your responsibility. Making this your responsibility helps the company and employees. If it is not getting done, “someone” has to do it – it may as well be you.
- Show Excellent Follow Through
Never be an employee who starts a project or job and never completes the task, leaving it for someone else. Follow the project from start to finish and assure the end goal is met.
More often than not, we can fall victim to getting too engrossed with our job, which causes us to ignore essential social skills and workplace traits. It’s important to take careful consideration in everything you do, as your manager is going to be analysing you to assure you’re a valuable asset to the company. If you want to make an impression, try taking on these 10 traits.