[Hopefull]

I finally got it that I don't have to finish every assignment in order to be a good employee. I don't know why I am so dense (negative thinker who just can't quite seem to get the most obvious things at times). I found myself thinking about the all-or-none thinking discribed by Cognitive behavioral therapy.
So, what is a good standard for behavior at work? I suppose it would include being on time, properly dressed, staying busy, working hard, flexibility and good customer service skills. Is that a reasonable idea? What are some of your thoughts on what makes an employee a good employee? I am hoping to figure this out some more. I think it might make work less anxiety producing and help my odd tendency to lose help.
Why am I so dense as to need to pay someone to convince me of the most obvious things in the world? How does negative thinking get that freaking annoying? Everyone else can see this obvious fact--my sister, T and my boss could see this. But, not me. How can I be less dense to reality?

[ErinBear]

Hi Hopefull,

I think some of the things you described are really important. Some of those basic things - like arriving on time, and leaving at the end of shift....dressing appropriately....staying on task as much as possible....those are all good goals. Being courteous to customers is another big plus, and with your coworkers, so there can be a good work environment.

I'd say another helpful thing is to see if your job has a job description associated with it. These days, a lot of jobs do. If your job does, that will give you a written guideline of what is expected of you. If not, you and your boss may be able to develop one together. Sometimes it helps to have a written guide of what is (and isn't!) expected of an employee. :-) (i.e., you're not expected to make the morning coffee, perhaps......LOL.......I used to get stuck doing that even though it wasn't in my job description!!!!!!! tee hee hee)

Hang in there!

Take care,
ErinBear

I think it's important to be someone YOU want to work with.

For me that's a matter of "pulling their weight", and just being nice to be around, ya know?

I also think it's a good plan to try to make your boss look good, even if that person is a goober. Then if your boss is good, you will look good. If your boss is an incompent bonehead, you will look like someone who tries to support management. Bigshots like that.

Smiling even when you want to throw a stapler at someone, listening to peers and customers, being open to feedback...these are all important attributes.

Also, venting when you need! Find a good person to gripe with, and use that tool. It's an excellent coping mechanism! This does NOT have to be someone from work....but it must be someone you can talk to during the day, in case you think your head will explode.

Take care, emmy

[EJ711]

Emmy -

I've been semi-retired for four years now.

Just wanted to let you know that your comment about having someone to talk to when you feel like your head is going to explode just cracked me up. I never thought of it that way, but it is so true.

Hope your week is going well.

EJ

[Peanuts]

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emily4040 said:
I think it's important to be someone YOU want to work with.

I totally agree with that statement. What a good way of phrasing the whole work environment and behavior situation. It is like "treat others as you want to be treated". or something like that.

[drunksunflower]

i agree with what Emily 4040 said ...

Personally, it's also a matter of getting things done to deadlines, even if that means working late or taking things home ... within reason, of course.

Best way to get promotions and pay rises ...

[(JD)]

I think it depends upon what you want from the job. Do you just want to keep the job and not move up? Do you want to stay where you are at, but be considered only "good?"

If you want to really be a good employee, you could get to work early, ready to do work, dressed quite appropriately, with a good attitude (putting personal items out of your mind.)

If you also want to move up in the company, you will do more than your job, stay later than you're required to (if allowed) return from breaks early, have a great attitude and offer to help other employees. You'll learn more about the company you work for, and their main goals as a company. You'll ask questions from your supervisor as to how to improve and how to help the company improve. You'll offer suggestions. You will also not become upset when others get noticed, or promotions. You won't care who gets the outward credit, as long as the company excells. (You will feel good about asking for raises, though.) You'll offer to learn other jobs within the company. You'll take educational courses you need to improve your own personal skills, either with the company (if offered) or on your own (community college.)

Remember, if you want your manager's job, you have to dress like, act like, a manager, and know how to do that position. TC!