Top 10 Tuesday: Work Habits

This week's Top 10 focuses on work habits to help you improve professionally.

1. Remove distractions

In order to work at a high performing level it is important to remove distraction. Distractions such as email sounds, frequent small talk with co-workers, nonproductive web surfing, and a clutter desk can greatly inhibit your productivity. 

2. Always Reply

If people take the time to call you, send you an email, or communicate with you in some manner, you should always reply. This acknowledges that your received their communication and shows respect for the time they took to send you the communication.

3. Follow-up

When you delegate, or pass a project on to the next person, it is key to always follow-up. This is also an essential habit in sales. I have obtained multiple clients simply by following up (even if I never heard back from them originally).

4. Be Positive

Having a positive attitude at work goes a long way. Not only will you enjoy your job more, positive attitudes are also contagious and will make your work environment more enjoyable.

5. Make yourself indispensable

By becoming indispensable (not just thinking you are indispensable) is essential. It will lessen the stress if you will have your job next week, and will also allow you to grow within your company.

6. Keep up with technology

Technology updates happen every day. You should keep an eye on trends that can be applied to your position or your task. Keeping up with technology and using some of the latest gadgets in your job may lead to greater efficiencies.

7. Accept change

Change is good thing in most cases. It is important that the change is under proper leadership; either way, when a change to your work environment, you should embrace it and go with the flow. Your adaptability will not go unnoticed.

8. Give more than expected

A scene from Office Space comes to mind for this topic. I think Stan, the manager of Chotchkie's says it best, addressing JoAnna's lack of flair:

"Look, we want you to express yourself, ok? If you think the bare minimum is enough, then ok. Bu some people choose to wear more and we encourage that, ok? You do want to express yourself, don't you?"


Ok, maybe this is not a perfect example, but you should always deliver your work above expectations. One caveat is to make sure you stay in scope of expectations, you don't want to put in the extra effort only to hear it cost the company too much, even if the results are spectacular.

9. Stay organized

Keeping all aspects of your work organized is essential. Utilize email folders, file folders, and other techniques to ensure you can find anything with ease. 

10. Lead by example

Even if you are not in a leadership role, it doesn't mean you can be a leader to your co-workers. Set the example and the expectations early so people know they can count on you. When people gossip, stay out of it. Always ensure you deliver your work on time. These are just a few examples on how you can lead by example.