What makes someone a valuable employee? I don’t know about your work place, but around here, one of the things a person can do to make themselves more valuable is to pay attention.

When I explain something to an employee, and time and time again I have to show them how to do something. It’s easier to just do it myself. But if I wanted to do it myself, I wouldn’t have hired someone to do those particular tasks.

Show initiative. If something is not in your job description, but it’s a task you can handle and do it right, then do it. You might want to check in first, if I am not buried, but just do it. If the phone is ringing off the hook, if the filing is piled up, if people need help with questions that are not complex, those are things you can JUST DO. Thank you.

When I am not crazy busy, then ask some questions. Learn about other jobs that need to be done around the office. Take some classes at night. Show initiative. Show that you care about our company.

If you work for a professional firm, don’t wear jeans and a tshirt to work. Male, female, I don’t care which gender, unless it’s very casual Friday, no flip flops, no collarless shirts, and if you wear jeans, no holes!!

Leave your problems at the door. If we are friends and you are having issues, we can talk about them over lunch. But please, leave your grumpy attitude outside the door. If will infect the entire office, and everyone will be more stressed and less productive.

I don’t know about other workplaces, but these are some of the things I look for in a good employee. One that I want to continue to keep on the salary continuation plan!!

Jennifer Comer