Saturday, March 22, 2014

Professional Employee Characteristics

       Numerous characteristics are essential to the success of a professional employee in the workplace, but I would like to focus on three. First, being reliable includes being punctual, working autonomous, and always getting the job done. Second, having grounded positivity consists of both a positive outlook and disposition. Third, being an excellent communicator entails the ability to communicate messages accurately in writing and speaking.

       Employees must prove reliability by consistently showing up on time, keeping their word, working autonomously, and completing assigned tasks regardless of circumstance (Beshore, 2013). Being reliable is essential to efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Employees can often make up for a deficiency, such as lack of experience, simply by being extremely reliable (Kibilko, 2014).

       “True positivity is a resilient fortitude only mildly tempered by reality” (Beshore, 2013). It is important for an employee to keep a positive outlook and pleasant disposition no matter what circumstances may be. This creates a working environment that is more energetic, creative, and productive (Sundheim, 2013). Grounded positivity alone may not get the job done, but it does make for a well rounded employee and a more productive workplace (Kibilko, 2014).

       The value of being an excellent communicator cannot be overemphasized. This includes the ability to convey messages accurately in writing and speaking; write concisely and speak clearly (Beshore, 2013). According to the Houston Chronicle, “A good idea is of no worth if you cannot explain it properly.” In today’s world, communication skills are necessary to virtually any job (Kibilko, 2014).

       When considering what characteristics are most essential to the success of a professional employee, do not forget the importance of being reliable, having a grounded positivity, and being an excellent communicator. By working to develop these attributes, employees can greatly increase their success within the workplace and value to an employer.


References
Beshore, B. (2013, April 2). The 9 attributes every employer desperately wants.
       Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/brentbeshore/2013/
       04/02/the-9-attributes-every-employer-desperately-wants/
Kibilko, J. (2014). The most important characteristics of a successful employee.
       Retrieved from Houston Chronicle: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/important-
       characteristics-successful-employee-14292.html
Sundheim, K. (2013, April 2). 15 traits of the ideal employee. Retrieved from Forbes:
       http://www. forbes.com/sites/kensundheim/2013/04/02/15-traits-of-the-ideal-
       employee/

Monday, March 17, 2014

Tips for Team Effectiveness

       Working in teams can be difficult, but the following tips can help make your team more effective: (1) designate a leader (Lyle) even if leadership shifts occasionally (Byers); (2) define a clear unified purpose of the team (Byers); (3) set goals and deadlines (Byers); (4) divide work evenly (Lyle); (5) keep in contact with group (Lyle); (6) maintain open and respectful communication (Byers); and (7) make the most of teammates’ strengths (Lyle).

       A designated leader and unified purpose are essential for any team to be effective. A leader is needed to keep the team focused, motivated, and moving forward (Lyle). A change in leadership once in a while may also be beneficial. As Byers explains, “The issue is not who controls but how to get the job done” (Byers). It is also important that everyone in the group agrees and knows what the purpose of the team is so that goals and deadlines can be created and agreed upon (Byers).

       Setting goals and deadlines and dividing work evenly will keep team progress moving forward. Writing down goals and setting deadlines for milestones will build motivation, increase productivity, and help track progress (Byers). It is important for the group to discuss and agree how work should be divided to prevent unequal workloads and feelings of resentment toward those doing less. The more communication there is within a team, the more effective it will be (Lyle).

       One of the most important keys to an effective team is communication (Lyle). Communication should be consistent, open, and respectful (Byers). Make sure that everyone has every team member’s contact information. Teams can work most effectively when information, ideas, and feedback are shared freely and positively. Also, by getting to know team members, through open communication, the team can then use members’ abilities to the greatest advantage (Lyle).

       Overcome the challenges of working in a group and become an effective team by doing the following: (1) designate a leader (Lyle) even if leadership changes sometimes (Byers); (2) define a clear unified purpose of the team (Byers); (3) set goals and deadlines (Byers); (4) divide work evenly (Lyle); (5) keep in contact with the group (Lyle); (6) maintain open and respectful communication (Byers); and (7) make the most of teammates’ strengths (Lyle). Follow these tips, and see how your team’s effectiveness improves!

References
Byers. Characteristics of Effective Teams. Retrieved from Stanford University Web 
       site: http://www.stanford.edu/class/e140/e140a/effective.html
Lyle. Top Ten Tips for Teamwork. Retrieved from Top Ten Reviews Webs site:
       http://online- education-review.toptenreviews.com/top-ten-tips-for-
       teamwork.html