Most Valuable Employee

Many employees go to work every day in fear that they may lose their jobs.  With the many responsibilities to provide for families, pay off debt, and save for the future, there is a lot on the line to maintaining stable employment.

Today the blog features four ways that you can be the most valuable employee in your organization. We are going to tackle this topic today in the form of Q&A. Let’s get right to it.

Question #1: What is your first tip for being an invaluable employee?

Michelle: Number one is, to have a good attitude - even if things are bad.  Complainers are toxic to a team, a department, and a company as a whole. If you have complaints, voice them privately and don’t go cubicle to cubicle recruiting allies. Complain in private and compliment in public. Studies show that all qualifications being equal, managers will promote those with the best attitude and that are the easiest to work with.

Question #2: What if things in the organization need a lot of improvement, how do you avoid being negative?

Michelle: Be a problem solver. There can be a lot of reasons to complain, but if you can find solutions and not problems, you’ll be seen as a team player and an invaluable employee. When I’m hiring, I will hire first temporarily before I bring people on part or full time. I’ll give them a project, and if or when there’s a problem I look to see how they solve it, or how their attitude effects the work environment.

Question #3: Do you like employees that come up with solutions and do them without being asked?

Michelle: Absolutely. Sure, there are times where someone can overstep their job position or take a responsibility that should be done by someone else, generally speaking I’m looking for employees that are proactive and not reactive. In addition to being a problem solver, I want them to see problems BEFORE they happen and be willing to make changes or adjustments to smoothing things out ahead of time. That said, questions are not a sign of weakness. If you have something you don’t understand or need more clarity on to proceed, don’t waste time (yours or the company’s). Ask for help so that you can be effective and efficient.

Question #3: What is your final tip for people who want to be rockstar employees?

Michelle: Go the extra mile. It sounds cliché, but this simple task can make you invaluable in an organization. I’m not saying you have to work late every night and burn a candle at both ends, but ask yourself, “What MORE could I do that would benefit my boss, team or organization?” And then do it.  I love the quote by Dan Clark that says, “You aren’t paid by the hour, you’re paid for the value you bring to that hour.”  How can you increase your value at work?