How to Start Being a Good Employee

You’ve sent a thousand copies of your resumé for the past months and finally it has paid off. You’ve been hired for a kick-ass job, and you’re dying to show everyone just how amazing you are at work. Well, there’s only one way to do it and that is to do it. Sure, you have your high grades, but when it comes to the office, your transcript is the least of the requirements. Learn the basics and be the next employee of the month!


1. Know your job description. What were you hired for? What are the tasks and responsibilities given to you by the person who hired you? What does your boss expect from you? Know the answers to these simple questions and you will grasp the full essence of your job. Some people are unable to do their jobs very well because they don’t really know what they’re doing. If you are hired as a sales person then it means you are expected to be highly capable in selling your products. If you are hired as a customer service representative then it means you should be able to assist your clients satisfactorily. Knowing your basic responsibilities will help you achieve your goals in your job.

2. Be professional. You always hear it, and everyone in the office says it. But what does it really mean? It simply means you have to do your job…regardless! Sometimes your work can be too exhausting, sometimes scenes in the office can be emotional like when your boss shouts at you, and sometimes days can just be traumatic for some reason. But whatever happens, the most important thing is to remember that other thing you always hear from other people: Nothing personal.

3. Be optimistic. The office is not the place to be all shy and unsure of oneself. Be confident and help your team perform to its full potential by being supportive and optimistic. Determine your targets and work hard to achieve them instead of complaining that there’s just so much to do. Your pessimism might affect your team’s over-all effectiveness.

4. Be Miss/Mister Congeniality. Try to be a generally happy person. A more cheerful mood will make you more approachable so your officemates will come to you without hesitation. You will be more likable if you are always in good spirits. People will want to be around you and you can get along with everyone.

On top of it all, the most important thing to remember is always learn from your mistakes. Even the most efficient worker has made mistakes in the past; but what’s important is never to repeat the same mistake twice.

Top 5 Tips to Retain Good Employees

Valued employees leave the company for many reasons. They may leave the job because of higher pay else where but more often than not the push factors within the company compel them to leave for greener pasture. They are no longer happy to work in the same company. Here are some of the reasons:

• Lack of appreciation for excellent performance: Top performers, like any other staff, need a pat on their shoulders from time to time to keep them motivated.

• Insufficient meaningful and challenging work: The work may not be as varied and interesting as expected. Moreover there isn't enough work and responsibility to keep them meaningfully occupied.

• Little autonomy: Every now and then they have to refer to you to get a job done. It frustrates and demoralizes them to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

• Limited career advancement: Positions at the top are limited or virtually nonexistent.

• Poor communication: Top performers are result oriented. They want to know the visions and goals of the company. They may leave when the future outlook of the company is blur.

Her are the top tips to retain valued people:

1. Create opportunities for them to excel and develop.

2. Appreciate and reward more of top performers.

3. Allow good people to make their own decisions and encourage them to take on more initiative.

4. Create rooms at the top for top performers.

5. Open up more communication channels.


It is a good practice to do exit interview. When someone leaves the company there is always a reason. Find out why.