If you want to succeed in your career, good work habits are essential. They make you a more valuable employee, increase your job satisfaction and improve your work relationships. A happy personal life will bolster a successful work life. Consequently, many of these habits apply to both aspects of our lives.
- Don’t bring a problem to your boss or coworkers without a solution.
Look at each problem as a chance to use your creativity and find an answer. Think it out, talk to others you trust and identify the best option.
- Live a balanced life.
Find activities inside and outside of work that get your juices flowing. All work and no play leads to narrowed perspective and you miss out on a lot of fun. People with balance in their lives possess a broader perspective that help them make better decisions at work and at home.
- Think Beyond Today
The expression short-term pain for long-term gain has a corollary: short-term gain will often lead to long-term pain. Don’t make decisions that bring temporary pleasure or comfort but will harm your long-term career potential. Take on training, tasks, jobs that may not be on your career ladder, but will prepare you for greater future responsibility.
- Allow Extra Time for Everything
Always build a buffer into your work timelines as well as for family activities.
- Understand You Can’t Know Everything
Starting your career, find mentors willing to teach you. As you gain experience, remember that you can always learn from others and…others can learn from you.
- Treat Everyone with Respect
Follow the golden rule at work and at home. And no, we don’t mean he who has the gold makes the rules.
- Go the Extra Mile
Do more than you’re asked or expected to do. When you’re done with your job, help others. Surprise your coworkers, friends, and family members by exceeding their expectations.
- Remove “That’s not my job” from your Vocabulary
Customers, co-workers, friends, and family who come to you for help want an answer, not an excuse. If their request is truly not within your capability, point them to someone who can help them.
- Separate Work and Home Problems
Don’t let problems at home affect your work performance and by the same token, don’t bring problems at work home with you. This can be difficult to accomplish, but each aspect of your life deserves your focused attention.
- Look at Problems as Opportunities
Nothing is more rewarding than solving a difficult problem. The proper perspective will go a long way towards helping find the best solution. If you’re challenged rather than frustrated by an obstacle you face, you’re more likely to overcome it.
- Measure Twice and Cut Once
This adage implies that taking extra time to do the job correctly at the outset will avoid mistakes and prevent needless repetition of work later. Check your work, whether on the job or at home. Make sure you have the right tools, people, and materials to do the job right the first time.
- Listen Actively
Give your full attention to your colleagues, friends, and family members. Let them know that you’re listening by asking questions that show your interest. Paraphrase their words back to them to ensure your understanding and to let them know that you’re tuned in. Perhaps having two ears and one mouth suggests we listen more than we talk.
- Don’t Procrastinate
Establish priorities and work the most critical tasks/assignments first. Don’t focus on simple or pleasant jobs if they’re not as important as others. Develop a reputation for getting the tough jobs done successfully and on time.
- Be Yourself
Life is too short to try to do or be someone other than our true selves. You’ll be happier and more productive if you admit your shortcomings, develop your strengths, and give of yourself to the benefit of your company, colleagues, friends, and family.
