The new year is a great time to set some goals and develop the right framework to succeed at work whether you are starting a new job or continuing with your old one.
When the next position opens up in the company, or you choose to move on, acing your current job will help you land your dream job.
Londiwe Luthuli the Head of Recruitment at Lulaway Holdings provides the following tips to ensure that you are successful this year.
Develop A Positive Attitude
Attitude is everything. Employers want to work with someone who is energetic, enthusiastic and happy to be there. A positive, upbeat employee is a valuable asset to any team; it helps bring up the team morale and improves everyone’s performance.
Be sure to stay away from complaining, being negative and cynical. If you have complaints or need to raise certain issues, be sure to do in a respectful manner with the attitude of “I care about the company and want to help improve things.”
Ownership
Employees that require micro-management become a burden to a company because they need constant monitoring. Learning to work effectively on your own without the aid of your supervisor or manager puts you in a position where you could potentially be considered for promotions and incentives.
Taking initiative is a valued workplace trait and will set you apart from the rest
Keep your mind on your long-term goals
Many people, especially in more entry-level positions, find it hard to stay motivated. But you must remember that this is a step in your path to achieve your dreams. The first thing is to define your goals clearly.
Is it earning a certain amount of money per year? Is it performing a certain role? Is it eventually owning your own business? With this in mind, you can view your current role as preparation for your success and stay motivated to perform your best.
Get a mentor
The power of mentorship is often underestimated. Be sure to find yourself a mentor – within or outside of your organization. Check in with them for advice, guidance and insight and accelerate your own learning path. Their experience and knowledge will help you make the best decisions for your career and climb the path to success.
Manage your time like a pro
Poor time management is one of the key causes of poor performance. Having a set routine is helpful in ensuring your achieve your deadlines on time. Write out a weekly schedule and fit in all your tasks. Being organized and managing your time well is a key skill which you will require in any career.
When projects have a specific completion date and time, it is important to stick to the deadline. When you adhere to the set requirements, employers view this as a positive attribute. It shows that you are diligent and efficient.
Meeting your deadlines or submitting your tasks before their due time shows that you are proactive and can work accordingly in order to achieve your targets. Working on a deadline basis helps you create an effective plan of action for tasks that you need to complete.
Adopt a learning mindset
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It doesn’t show ignorance – it shows a desire to improve and learn. Employers don’t expect you to know what your company is about, so ask questions, do research and observe your surroundings to figure out what you need to know.
Establish a strong work ethic
A strong work ethic shows that you take your job and the organization’s priorities seriously. It’s about quality and commitment. It means coming on time, meeting deadlines and producing high quality work consistently. It also means communicating professionally – both verbally and electronically.
A hardworking employee committed to quality is an employee worth promoting and then writing you an outstanding reference letter when you choose to move on.
Go the Extra Mile Employers recognize, appreciate and promote those who work hard. Occasionally be willing to stay late or come in early if the company requires it.
Volunteer for other jobs projects whenever you can. Your supervisor and colleagues will notice and your dedication and commitment. An extra couple of hours and taking on more than is required will pay off in the long run.