In today's competitive business climate, employees need to find new ways to boost their efficiency and increase their value to their employers, according to a Brigham Young University professor of management com-mu-ni-ca-tion.
"For the most part, this can be accomplished by turning your attention to the little things, the details you're expected to take care of on a day-to-day basis," said Paul Timm.To boost your productivity and your profile, Timm suggests the following:
- Exceed your employer's expectations. Employees should look for ways to go beyond what their employers need or want.
- Do it now. "Nothing impresses anyone as much as immediate follow-up."
- Handle paperwork quickly. Try to handle each piece of paper that crosses your desk only once.
- Keep clarifying what your employer expects from you.
- Get really good at what you do. Find a niche in some area in which you can make the greatest contribution. Continually look for ways to improve the quality of your work.
- Know your company's business. Be aware of its history and goals as well the relationships between its departments and divisions.
- Empower yourself through daily planning.
- Invest in yourself. Exercise, stress management and relaxation exercises can all contribute to greater productivity.
- Maintain a balance. "Imagine your life is a three-legged stool. One leg represents your career, another your personal development and the third your family or relationships. If one leg is carrying too much or too little weight, the stool falls."
- Take the long view. Find small ways every day to improve the various aspects of your life.
- Maintain a positive attitude. "The most successful people remain positive even when they find themselves in negative situations."