Valerie & Company Blog

The dream of every human resources manager, every team leader and every supervisor is to have an entire department or team of employees who are not only quality individuals but also valued contributors to the organization.

 

If you ask 10 different managers about what a valued employee looks like, you’ll get 10 different models.  However, the common thread is that management wants talented employees they can keep.  Said one CEO, “We want loyal, hardworking associates who get the work done well and, generally, faster than we expect.  Why?  Because that means our business continues and, quite possibly, moves to the next level.”

 

In spite of the different valued employee models the surveyed managers provided, there were more than 10 characteristics they agreed could be found in every valued employee within their organization.

 

These characteristics included:

 

• Good attendance – they show up when expected and they show up ready to work.
• Punctuality – whether it’s arriving at the office, returning from breaks, going to staff meetings or completing tasks, a valued employee is always on time…and can be counted on to be there.
• Being a strong communicator – whether calling in when they expect to be late to updating their supervisor on projects they’re working on.
• Dressing appropriately – for the job they do and for special occasions, too.
• Having a positive attitude – for any job they’re assigned, any situation.  They’re enthusiastic and take pride in accomplishing assignments, well and on time.
• Being prepared – when they come to work, they’re willing to do what it takes to get the job accomplished.  They pay attention, follow directions and volunteer often.
• Working safely and keeping themselves healthy – including not using alcohol or drugs.  They make safe behavior part of their everyday routine and don’t take chances, placing themselves or others in harm’s way.
• Being open to learning new skills, both personal and technical.  They seize opportunities to increase their skill sets and their ability to make a larger contribution to the organization.  They also take responsibility for mistakes and don’t waste time, trying to make excuses or blaming situations on other people or circumstances.
• Working as team players.  They’re willing to work with others to achieve a common goal and will do what it takes to get their team to the finish line.
• Willing to take initiative – when they see something that needs to be done, they do it without waiting to be asked or assigned the task.
• Always being honest and trustworthy.
• Being knowledgeable about the company, its history, its mission and its philosophy – of customer service, quality, etc.

Should these qualities only be important to CEOs, managers, team leaders and supervisors?  In order for the organization to achieve its full potential and its goals, these qualities should matter to everyone on the payroll. 

Without a doubt, employees who have these qualities are more confident in their jobs and usually have increased job security.  However, with the entire organization on this same page, it’s easier to move to the next level of production, competence, service and ability to compete within the market place – and this ability makes everyone, from the mail room to the board room, a better contributor and realizing more value in every aspect of their lives.

 

Visit Valerie’s site at: http://www.valerieandcompany.com/