What does your employer expect of you?

Employers hire people to either help their company make money or help their company save money. Whether it’s a manager who makes business decisions or a receptionist who makes the first impression on customers or a maintenance worker who makes the building a safe place to conduct the company’s business, all are hired and paid to contribute to the success of the company.

There are some characteristics that employers value in their employees that can be possessed by all, regardless of their job title:

Positive attitude

Your attitude affects the relationships you have with your co-workers and supervisor, the way you feel about the tasks you are asked to accomplish, and how satisfied you are with your employment. A positive attitude in your work means that you look for the best qualities in those with whom you work, that you take on challenges willingly, and that you find ways to accomplish even

Dependability

Being dependable means that you do what you say you will do. Your colleagues and manager rely on you to accomplish responsibilities associated with your job. Your efforts contribute to the success of others. Ask yourself what constitutes success in your particular position and then ensure that you constantly work to exceed those expectations. Being dependable will make you a valued employee.

Continual learning

Continual learning enables you to increase the contribution you make to your company. Are you willing to take the time to learn new skills and thus make yourself a more valuable employee? This does not mean you have to return to school. Asking questions, taking advantage of training programs at work, and reading books all count as learning and help you become more valuable in your current assignment. Ask for advice from your team and manager on things you need to learn in order to progress. Learning to take feedback graciously is a vital skill we all need in order to become better.

Initiative

While there may be specific assignments you are given in your work, there are opportunities to do even more. Have you ever accepted projects that are outside your comfort zone? Have you ever volunteered for a project that no one else wants to take? How often have you approached your employer with new ideas?

Taking the initiative to do things better provides insight into the kind of person you are. Instead of doing things the way they have always been done, share your new ideas with your employer and make a case for the investment. Even if your idea is not received as well as you would have hoped, at least you did your best and learned. Take a chance and try a new project, you will be amazed at the impact it will have on you and the new skills you will learn. 

Cooperation

One of the greatest assets anyone can possess is the ability to get along with others and help them succeed. You may not have all the skills required for a job, but if you can get along with your team and can share your talents with others, you have just made the work environment a better one and you will also have a grateful employer. By helping your team get along, you will make your company a better place for all – this does not go unrecognised.

There are many other attributes that can be added to this basic list, such as honesty and respect. They are all important but they all have their foundation in attitude. A positive attitude is the foundation upon which we must develop our careers.

Source: https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/articles/what-does-your-employer-expect-from-you?lang=eng