Regardless of the profession, employees and employers in every
industry desire the same thing: recognition and appreciation for their daily
efforts. Employees want to be assured on a consistent basis that they have made
a positive difference in the organization. Likewise, employers want their
workers to realize and recognize the effort it takes to lead a group efficiently
and to provide a comfortable and nurturing environment.
Think about your own performance for a moment. Could your
employer enclose a note thanking you for your contributions, support, positive
attitude, willingness to accept change, communication skills, commitment to
working hard, leadership capabilities and respectful attitude and mean every
word? If not, what changes do you need to make in your attitude and behavior?
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Perhaps one of the most unfortunate commentaries on management
today is its reluctance, fear, or lack of courage to let employees honestly know
where they stand within the organization. It used to be that getting a paycheck
meant you were doing a good job. That is no longer the case. Many employees
mistakenly assume that since no one has reprimanded, counseled or criticized
their work or behavior, they are doing a satisfactory job. However, this
assumption could very well put their jobs in jeopardy, because many managers
have a difficult time honestly expressing their concerns and doubts about an
employee's performance, even at evaluation time. Therefore, you must make a
concerted effort to identify for yourself where you stand within your
organization. One good way to do that is to ask yourself, "Could my employer
write a thank-you note to me commending me for my work performance?"
By the same token, think about your current employer for a
moment. Could you give your employer a note thanking him/her for creating a team
environment, being a positive leader, providing adequate training, sharing the
organization's mission statement, identifying and embracing change, listening to
your opinions, treating you with dignity and respect, and communicating openly
and assertively? If you honestly feel you are not being treated well or
compensated fairly, then you must address the problem immediately.
Many employees reveal that they dislike what they do and where
they work. Yet they have done nothing for years but complain and gripe. Not once
have they made the effort to move up, on, or out. Perhaps they think that all
they have to do is stick it out a few more years before retirement. They tell
themselves that they'll survive somehow. If you've ever told yourself this, ask
yourself, "Is mere survival all I want out of my job?" Are you really willing to
give up precious years of your life simply because you don't want to make the
changes necessary to find a more rewarding job?
Most people want a job that is meaningful and worthwhile.
People instinctively have a need to make some sort of significant contribution
and to take pride in their accomplishments. Are you proud of what you do? Do you
believe your work, skills and talents are making a worthwhile contribution?
Often employees will answer no to these questions because they believe that to
do meaningful work you must discover a new vaccine, compose a symphony or save a
life. However, the fact is that there is inherent value in any job done well and
with a sense of pride. Meaningful employment does not refer to what your job is,
but to how you do that job in terms of your commitment to quality service,
honesty, dependability, integrity and treating others with dignity and respect.
Because today's workplace is continually evolving and more
competitive than ever, now is the time to evaluate your circumstances and your
strengths and weaknesses and decide where you need to make improvements to get
the recognition and appreciation you deserve. The more pride you show in your
work, the better your chances for staying employed. While there are no
guarantees in today's job market, employees who place a high value on their work
and their environment fare much better. In the end, your future employability
and job satisfaction are up to you. You and you alone are in charge of your
career-and the rest of your life.
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