13 signs you're a stellar employee — even if it doesn't feel like it
Are you killing it at work, or are you barely scraping by?
It's not always obvious.
Sometimes, certain bosses or office environments just aren't that big on feedback.
These subtle signs can help you determine if you are, in fact, an exemplary employee:
1. You get along great with your colleagues
Not only are you a delight to be around in the office, you're an awesome team player. Plus, this probably means that you're a great fit for the culture of your organization.
2. You're honest
Good bosses love workers with integrity. You're forthright with your boss and colleagues. You speak frankly and candidly. Most importantly, you don't stoop to using nefarious means to get ahead.
In organizations with toxic cultures, honesty may be overlooked — it might even get you in trouble. But when you're in a company with a strong, ethical grounding, honesty tends to pay off in the long run.
3. You're restless
In Lin-Manuel Miranda's smash Broadway hit "Hamilton," the titular Founding Father ascends to great heights by virtue of never being satisfied. (This drive also gets him into a bit of trouble, but let's just ignore that for now.)
At a certain point, most of us settle for good enough. Truly stellar employees are never quite content. They're constantly learning new things, trying new approaches, and striving to work smarter. They're a bit restless and always seeking to improve themselves.
4. You hold yourself acｃountable
Again, in a workplace without integrity, doing this might be a bit of a disadvantage. But if you've got a decent boss, holding yourself acｃountable and taking on responsibility will likely go over well.
5. You're dependable
You're not flashy. You're like clockwork. You say you're going to do something, and you do it right every time. You're trustworthy and dependable, which makes you invaluable on important projects.
6. You rise above office politics
In corporate America, no one is 100% immune to office politics. Learning to navigate your workplace is an important part of succeeding at your job. (Unfortunately, too often this takes precedence over actually being good at your job.)
However, if you're one of those people who can successfully sail through potentially contentious workplace situations without ever getting mired in the drama, that's a good sign.
7. You mentor others
If others are looking to you for guidance, you can rest assured that they already see you as an excellent worker. You're so good at your job that not only are you successful on your own, but you're able to reach out and help others succeed as well.
8. You do things without being asked
You don't sit around waiting to be told what to do. You go out, find problems, and then work to discover solutions. This allows you to seize each and every day.
9. You speak up
Effective communicators make for dream employees. You don't bottle things up, and you express yourself clearly. That's an important skill.
10. You finish what you start
Ambition and imagination are nothing without perseverance. You might have plenty of great ideas and plans, but if you don't finish any projects, you'll never be a standout worker.
Managers love people who communicate what they intend to do — and then actually go out and do it.
11. You're conscientious — not nice
As Business Insider previously reported, being nice is good, but it won't always get you ahead in the workplace. Employees who get noticed tend to be conscientious — characterized by being hardworking, persevering, orderly, and hungry for achievement.
Coming into work every day with a positive, conscientious attitude will allow you to establish yourself as a model employee.
12. You don't overdo it
The best employees work hard without burning themselves out. This means taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional well being. You shouldn't have to become a work martyr in order to do your job well — in fact, in the long run, burnout will leave you ineffective and drained.
13. You know your weaknesses
The top workers are confident without being arrogant. You're probably in a good place if you know of a few areas where you could use some improvement. But you don't beat yourself about your weaknesses — you acknowledge them and work to correct them going forward.
Article Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/unexpected-signs-you-are-a-star-employee-2016-11
Image Source: http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/582216ab691e8849528b50a4-1820/29679146466_73984697ee_k.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Stellar (adj./ informal) ~ exceptionally good outstanding
2. Forthright (adj.) ~ (of a person or their manner or speech) direct and outspoken straightforward and honest
3. Candid (adj.) ~ truthful and straightforward frank
4. Flashy (adj.) ~ ostentatiously attractive or impressive
5. Contentious (adj.) ~ causing or likely to cause an argument controversial
6. Mired (adj.) ~ be involved someone or something in (a difficult situation)
7. Conscientious (adj.) ~ (of a person) wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly
8. Martyr (adj.) ~ one who makes great sacrifices or suffers much in order to further a belief, cause, or principle
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Do you think you are a stellar employee? Discuss your answer.
2. Why do you think getting along with your co-workers is necessary to be a good employee?
3. How do you react about office politics? What do you think is the best way to handle this kind of situation?
4. What do you think is the aspect of yourself that you need to work on for you to become a better employee?
