Do you know what companies are looking for today?
Developing the proper work habits for success is crucial.
There is a quote that says, “First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” This is so true, but it is important to know the right habits to develop.
The habits for success at work have changed a bit from the old days. Knowing the right things to do will help you to climb that ladder to success much faster than your peers.
The Ten Work Habits to Develop for Success
These habits are the same whether you work for yourself or for someone else. They will help you to stand head and shoulders above the mediocrity of the masses.
Here are ten work habits for success:
1. Take Initiative
Employers and clients want people that see a need and meet it. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. Be the first to act. When you’ve accomplished something meaningful, drop your boss or client a quick email letting them know. They’ll love you for taking care of it for them.
2. Be Positive
You don’t have to be a “yes man”, but you should keep your overall attitude positive. People are naturally attracted to optimists. Companies want people that see a better future and can help them get there. Take a positive attitude with you and it will pay off.
3. Make Yourself Indispensible
As Seth Godin points out in Linchpin, people that deliver high value are the ones that get paid the most and receive all the perks. Make it a habit to constantly look for opportunities to serve your organization in ways that no else can. In short order, you will become indispensible.
4. Stay Organized
It is hard to deliver high value if you are disorganized. Find a system that works for you and use it to keep yourself heading in the right direction. A well-organized to-do list and calendar are essential to your success.
5. Give More than Expected
If you do the bare minimum, then you are going to get the bare minimum in return. Always give your most valued customers more than they expect. Going the extra mile will get you a whole crowd of raving fans singing your praises to those that sign your checks.
6. Get Along with Others
This was important in Kindergarten and its still important now. You must know how to deal well with people of every race, religion and ethnic background to thrive in today’s work environment. Avoid things like gossiping, temper tantrums, and cliques. Getting along with others is an essential element to high achievement.
7. Keep Up with Technology
Like it or not, technology is a big part of today’s workplace. Are you knowledgeable about the latest software, hardware and online systems in your industry? If not, then make it habit to get current and stay there. This can also be a way to make yourself indispensible.
8. Accept Change
Change is the new norm in workplaces. We’ve all heard that change is inevitable, but are you prepared for the rate of change we are seeing today? You’ve got to be extremely flexible so you can roll with the punches. Today’s environment won’t allow you to get comfortable. The more adaptable you are to knew situations, the better.
9. Keep People in the Loop
Those you work for want to be informed. There is nothing worse than being blindsided in a meeting with an issue you don’t know anything about. Keeping higher-ups in the loop on what’s going on will make you a valuable person in their eyes.
10. Be Widely Available
“Business hours” is an obsolete term. The modern world operates 24×7. We all want instant access and no delays. Be sure the people you serve know how to get in touch when they need you. If you always answer, but your colleagues do not, then guess who will become the go-to person.
What are some other critical work habits for success? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.
Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com
One of the best comments I heard on the workplace is from an operations manager where I work. He stated to a customer, “I treat this business as if it’s my own.” It shows in everything he does, which is why he has advanced so far in the company.
Steve-Personal Success Factors´s last [type] ..Live Life to the Full!
Hi Jeff,
I think that being flexible, able to adapt to change, and maintaining a positive attitude through all this are particularly important for current corporate climates.
In this fast paced world there will be constant change and if an employee has commitment to an organization they’re going to have to be able to adapt and deal with change while still maintaining enthusiasm and a positive outlook. Much of this I believe is an important thing for an organization to consider as well! Thanks for sharing.
Joe Wilner´s last [type] ..Check Your Head- Why Attitude is Everything
These are definitely great tips for success in the workplace. I think another good one is to avoid office gossip. When you get caught up in complaining about your boss or some nagging co-worker, it’s hard to maintain a positive attitude about your job. If people sit around talking about everything that’s wrong at work, don’t get sucked in.
Nea | Self Improvement Saga´s last [type] ..How I’m Shaking Things Up and Spreading My Wings in 2011
Nea, I couldn’t agree more. Gossip is rampant in the workplace and its effects on everyone inhibits success. We all seem to fall into this trap from time-to-time, but the less you participate, the better.
I used to work in the TV industry and a top tip there is being prepared to do things that you really think are beneath you without showing that you think they’re beneath you!
The people who start their TV careers with Masters in Broadcasting and so on but are still prepared to get cups of tea for the producer are the people who really get on.
I’m sure that’s applicable to other industries too.
JenP´s last [type] ..Loneliness
JenP, Pride is certainly a factor that can work against you in your journey toward success in the workplace. People that are willing to do whatever needs to be done are definitely the ones that are going to get promoted the quickest. Thanks for bringing this up!
The eleventh tip, in my opinion, should be: spend minimum 30 minutes a day learning. e.i. foreigns languages
The advice given in the article is dangerous!
It is a distortion of reality. I find it very discomforting for people to be told how to operate and function. The advice given basically tells a person to kiss up to other people and stop hanging around losers. This means that being one’s true self is not enough. Being independent is not valuable. How can a person really be happy when they are basically told to become a robot and adapt to the rest of the world? Will happiness be attained from becoming another cog in the machine?
Yadgyu, Reality is that success comes to those who bring value to others. The tips provided here are not intended to make people into robots. They are shared so that you can pick and choose the ones that will help you achieve more. Independence, in the sense of being some kind of loner renegade, won’t get you anywhere. You’ve got to work with others to achieve some greater good in life.
Great tips Jeff, i agree that this tips is only a guide to our success. It’s up to
you if you don’t want to follow on the list. We are old enough to know what’s
good and right.
thanks for sharing Jeff… i keep coming back to your site.
Michel J.´s last [type] ..LP-E5 Battery Charger for Canon EOS Rebel T1i Xsi Xs
Great article..!
Would like to share more on New Work Habits – workers can immediately weave into their daily routines.
Transform your organization fast by:
Eliminating the root cause of resistance
Building commitment from the ground up
Creating an agile and adaptable workforce that can compete with the very best
ref: http://www.pritchettnet.com/change-management-bookstore/new-work-habits-changing-world