6 Steps to becoming a special employee

Are special employees born or made? And what makes an employee so special in eyes of the beholder; the employer? In a world full of competition, all companies; big or small, are in constant pursuit of the best brains to bring on board. There is some sort of scramble for the best talent across the country. There are some four facts about employers that I have come to learn;

1.  The toughest role for all employers is in identification of the most suitable talent(s) to bring on board to suit the relevant company or Institutions’ needs; other factors remaining constant. Hiring the right persons is one of the toughest roles for most employers.T
2. The easiest but most painful task for employers is in the identification of the talent to be disposed; other factors remaining constant. 
3.  Most employees are rewarded according to the value they bring to the employers. 
4.  Employers would not wish to lose the services of an employee with good academic grades, varied skills and excellent work results. They would do everything to safeguard the services of such employees.

Any employment anywhere in the world is an act towards fulfilling two mutual dreams. One for the employee and the other one for the employer. But above all, employers’ dreams and interests supersede those of the employee(s). The two, to some extent, may have two parallel dreams. The dream of the employer is to safeguard the initial dreams upon which the company was established and to constantly re-align the company’s’ vision towards achieving that dream. Most dreams of the employees may perhaps be to secure safe and comfortable working environment.

To be a special employee;

RESPECT YOURSELF

Before you venture out to expose yourself to the world, first respect yourself.  Don’t abuse your body. Brush your teeth, comb your hair, wash your nails, put on a clean under wear, get on some new socks, bathe daily, put on clean vests(men) or bra (women), cleanliness is next to Godliness.

KNOW YOUR COMPANY

Special employees are not naturally born. They are made, and a good number are self made. It takes yourself to provoke the desires within you to become special at the work place and generally in life. The journey towards becoming a special employee in any organization begins right from the interview room. Once granted the job, special employees go ahead to know in details their job specifications. Then they further go the extra mile to know the structure of the company; from top to bottom. This assist in knowing the communication channels the company offers; in case of any issue.

UNDERSTAND YOUR BOSS

Research shows that a majority of the current workforce in the world do not comfortably get along with their immediate bosses. And the reasons are varied from one work place to another. But in order to stay passionate and give your employer the best, it is important to learn how to get along with your immediate boss. Sometimes you cannot choose your circumstances, but you have the power to influence how you react to the same circumstances.

Your boss is a representative of your employer. He/She enjoys certain employer privileges. Their role at any give work place is to set direction and monitor day to day operations of their given work stations. Understand your boss. Get to know what makes your boss happy and what pisses him\her off. This will enable you design and operate within the favorable boundaries.

We often forget that bosses are human beings; unless your boss is a robot. We live with them in the same society and perhaps you will be surprised that most of them can trace employees back to their village homes.

KNOW YOUR STUFF

Have an inside out knowledge about what is expected of you. Know the exact details of your job specifications. This cannot be overemphasized.

RESPECT YOUR COLLEAGUES

You workplace is like your second home. In fact, research shows that we spend more time at the work place when compared to the actual time we spend with our families. Therefore the way you relate with your colleagues at the work place has a direct impact to your life. Earn your colleagues respect; don’t demand that they respect you.

STAND OUT.

It is very unfortunate that in the world of today, most employees get into employment to simply blend with the rest of their colleagues. They ‘fear’ standing out and making necessary contributions to propel their organizations to the next level.

It is very disturbing that during interviews, many potential recruits promise to ‘definitely add value to their respective organizations,’ based on their competitive academic backgrounds and previous work experiences. Shockingly, these impressive employees never live to their interview vows. They are quick to forget about their commitments. It is not bad to perfectly blend with the rest of the colleagues. It is necessary to activate team spirit. But it is very wrong to blend and play the role of the crowd when your leadership or ideas maybe of essence to propel the organization to the next level. Aim to be a consultant in your field of operation. Let your role be the best.