How to Become an Invaluable Employee
By Rhonda Caughlin Werner & Alexis Stiebe, Ag 1 Source
Agriculture is experiencing a period of uncertainty this year which is causing industry consolidation and financial stress for many. This can bring uncertainty as you wonder what tomorrow will bring. Is your position at work well established enough? Is there any such thing as job security? The tips below can help you become an invaluable employee that your company would hate to lose.
- Have a positive attitude
Your attitude effects the interactions you have with each of your coworkers. Do they think of you a positive teammate that sees the silver lining in every situation? Or are you the chronic complainer that can’t wait for the workday to end? Those with a negative attitude tend to always points out problems and have issues working with others. To be an invaluable employee, you need to be able to work with your coworkers without slowing down progress and bringing everybody down into a negative space. Don’t complain to co-workers about problems, people in other departments, about management or about how hard it’s going to be to reach the company goals. Instead, bring encouragement and kindness to the workplace and success will follow.
- Embrace a spirit of volunteering
We know you already have a positive attitude so just take that one step further. Maybe another coworker is overwhelmed with tasks this week. Ask if you can help out and lighten the load. The favor may be returned in the future. Is there an oddball task that needs completed but doesn’t quite fit with anyone’s job description? Step in and take on that task that needs to be done and figure out how to make it happen. Better yet, don’t wait to be asked to do it. When you show initiative, you show your value and worth as an employee at the same time.
- Invest in a unique skill
A more specific way to make yourself invaluable is to learn a new skill. By investing in a skill that is needed but currently lacking in your company, you increase your worth in the organization. Choose a skill that isn’t far outside your job description but adds value. Ideally, this will be a skill no one else in the organization has, or at least that is in high demand. You might learn how to write HTML, be the undisputed Excel master, or even just be the only person that can fix the copier without calling a repair person.
- Focus on the big goals
It’s easy to get caught up in the routine and repetitive tasks you must complete each day but take some time to think of the big picture. What is the ultimate goal of your position in the organization? How do you contribute to the overall success of the company? Think of ways to improve your role to more efficiently achieve those goals and really help to achieve company success. Work to be a part of the solution.
Remember these tips as you take on the challenges of the rest of 2019. Not only will they demonstrate your value to your boss, they’ll also help you find success in uncertain times. If you’d like to learn more about how you can leverage your unique skills to find success, talk to the career experts at Ag 1 Source.
Rhonda Caughlin Werner & Alexis Stiebe
July 22, 2019
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