BluePrint For Workplace Success II - NUTS AND BOLTS

Exceeding Employer Expectations

 “What can you do to go “above and beyond” in your job?”

BLUEPRINT II

1. Anticipate needs – Have a “just do it” attitude; take initiative

2. Look for opportunities to save money for the company

3. Work as a team (be a team player)

4. Value teamwork and be open to change

5. Develop more skills and be willing to take on more work (responsibilities)

6. Cross-train in order to share tasks and help other staff who may be overloaded

7. Go above and beyond /dig deeper (utilize fact finding methods) and be thorough

8. Close the loop/provide feedback

9. Be willing to go above and beyond by: a. Understanding expectations

                                                               b. Maintaining a positive attitude

10.Form a team to review current processes and procedures a. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to              management

11.Work together as a team and be willing to share new ideas

12.Mentor less experienced staff; veteran staff can share knowledge and experience

13.Train incoming staff as if they are “replacements”

14.Focus more on co-workers needs

15.Be willing to work extra hours, if needed

16.Improve customer relations; be more responsive to the needs of our customers; provide customers with adequate                    information and support

Great Expectations and the Sensibility of Flexibility

Introduction:

One of the secrets to getting ahead in the workplace is to “go above and beyond” your own responsibilities and find ways to improve your place of employment. Your eagerness to do more than what is required will demonstrate your ability to exceed your employer’s expectations

Quote: “If a man is called to be a street sweeper,

he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted,

or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry.

He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and

earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a street sweeper who did his job well.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

American clergyman, activist, and leader in the Civil Rights Movement

Your ability to be flexible or to “bounce back” with a positive attitude when faced with workplace problems or issues is also related to your success on the job. Everyone faces challenges, obstacles, and hurdles on the job, many of which you have no control over. The true worth of flexibility is revealed in your ability to handle such obstacles with a clear eye and a cool head.

Quote: “The oak fought the wind and was broken,

the willow bent when it must and survived.”

― Robert Jordan,

author, “The Fires of Heaven”

Along with a positive attitude, your willingness to “go above and beyond” in the workplace and your eagerness to do more than what is expected will demonstrate your ability to exceed your employer’s expectations as well as broaden your skills and expand your knowledge.

To “go above and beyond” you must demonstrate both drive and initiative in your dealings with your supervisor, co-workers, other departments, vendors, and your customers or clients, while you simultaneously demonstrate your loyalty to the company.

You can do this by showing your willingness to do tasks outside your normal responsibilities, taking on extra work assignments or duties, being a team player, working work well with others, assisting co-workers, and volunteering for workplace committees.

Flexibility in the workplace is the ability to persist in the face of adversity and to “bounce back” from setbacks or disappointments. The ability to remain flexible comes from life experiences, education, relationships, and upbringing. Being resilient helps us overcome obstacles, cope with stress, adjust to change, and deal with life and workplace challenges.

Flexibility is boosted by developing and building upon positive relationships with supervisors and co-workers. Building and maintaining such relationships increases your ability to plan, to meet goals, and to deal with challenges. Flexibility is also helped by having a well-rounded life and outside social networks, by your social skills, and by your self-confidence.

Although it’s impossible to always control your feelings, some emotional control is necessary because becoming overwhelmed by emotion in the workplace affects your judgment and your ability to make decisions. Having control of your emotions will allow you to accept feedback, either positive or negative, and to express your concerns constructively. Your attitude and your reaction when faced with challenges and obstacles will be under your control.

Having other outlets and a well-rounded life so that you are not defined by what you do is important. Being flexible allows you the ability to deal with workplace demands and challenges, and is an important factor in your career success.

Key Points and Learning Objectives

Key Points:

• To exceed employer expectations, do your work first, then assist co-workers or do tasks outside your normal responsibilities

• Demonstrate a willingness to volunteer for new work, or to serve on work committees; be a team player; work well with others

• Flexibility in the workplace is the ability to persist in the face of adversity and to bounce back from setbacks or disappointments

• Being flexible helps greatly in overcoming obstacles, coping with stress, adjusting to change, and dealing with life and workplace challenges.

• Build flexibility by maintaining positive relationships, having outside interests, and being in control of your emotions

Learning Objectives:

• To understand what is required to go above and beyond

• To understand how to exceed employer expectations

• To understand the importance of being resilient in the workplace

• To learn how to build workplace resiliency

Strategies for Exceeding Employer Expectations

Look at the list below and think about ways in which you can put these strategies into practice.

Be Observant, Be Inquisitive – Do your assigned duties first, then see what else needs to be done to help the business or your fellow employees. Ask questions about work assignments or requirements, find ways to solve problems or overcome obstacles.

Be Dependable – Cultivate a reputation for completing work assignments on time and keeping the promises you make when dealing with internal and external customers.

Be A Difference-Maker – The people who get promoted are the ones who make a difference in the workplace. If there is no difference between what happens when you come to work and when you don’t, why are you there? The more jobs you do that matter to your boss, the faster you will move ahead.

Be Proud – Do your job well and take ownership of everything you do, and you will be given jobs that are of increasing importance and visibility. The more such jobs you do, and do well, the faster you will move ahead.

Be Positive – Sometimes your work will be challenging or frustrating; it is at those moments when displaying a positive attitude, and being encouraging and optimistic, will cause you to stand out as exceptional.

Be Flexible, Be Resilient – Change at work is inevitable, so remaining flexible by adapting to changes and being resilient enough to bounce back after setbacks are crucial skills that will get noticed by management.

Be Self-Motivated – Self-motivated employees are ones who can do the work with little or no direction and do it well. These are the employees who stand out and who will be noticed when the opportunity for advancement is presented.

Be Attentive – Employees who pay attention to the details and raise concerns by spotting errors or correcting mistakes are a valuable resource to their supervisors.

Strategies for Building Flexibility in the Workplace

Look at the list below and think about ways in which you can put these strategies into practice.

Step Back – Although it’s inevitable that work can sometimes feel overwhelming at a specific moment, it is important to reflect on the bigger picture. Thinking about your goals or objectives will allow you to put minor challenges into perspective.

Seek Out – It is easy to bottle-up emotions and frustrations when facing issues or problems in the workplace; however, the healthier strategy is to find emotional support or empathy from your coworkers. Talk it out.

Take Care – When faced with issues or problems in the workplace, it is especially important to look after your health and well-being to make certain you are getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and exercising.

Slow Down – Not all challenges demand immediate resolution. Slow down and give yourself time to think; this is a better flexibility strategy than becoming defensive or just reacting unthinkingly to the situation. Get feedback from your supervisor or team to help you prioritize and create a flexible strategy

Cheer Up – When faced with a stressful work situation, take a step back and recall a pleasant non-work-related experience to help you re-establish your perspective and positive mental attitude. Recall a pleasant dinner out, a concert or movie that you enjoyed, or a vacation trip that was especially inspiring.

Chill Out – Make time for enjoyable activities that get your mind off of work stress. Take up a hobby, engage in a sporting event or a concert, or spend time with your family.

Clear Away – Techniques such as breathing deeply, meditation, massage, visualization, or other relaxation methods will help you build resiliency and flexibility to handle whatever comes at you.

Give In – The drive for perfection is a form of pride and a sure way to failure. Everyone makes mistakes and you will too, so give in to that realization and just do your best.

The nuts and bolts are the most essential components of something.
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/nuts+and+bolts.html#DFg4WvJKzILgpmqP.99