
Why Aren't You: Employee of the Month?
Many employers recognize outstanding contributions that are made by its top employee with the designation "Employee of the Month."
So, how do you become the employee that your organization fights to keep? Here are twelve behaviors to make yourself more valuable at work.
1. Make sure you are proud of your work.
If you aren’t proud of your work, then you didn’t put 100% of your effort into it. Do not just complete an assignment just to say you did it! Be sure you are pouring solid, concentrated effort into whatever you are working on!
Reread it, look it over a third or fourth time, do whatever is necessary to make sure your work is high quality. Your work will eventually rise above those who settle for mediocrity. However, do not take twice as long to do your work. Deliver on time, put 100% of your effort into whatever you do, and your work ethic will be noted.
2. Treat your manager and co-workers as you do your customers.
You know what good customer service is about from your own experience. It’s about being cheerful, flexible, prompt, and reliable. Work at delivering good customer service every day to your manager and co-workers. Give them reasons to want to work with you and not with someone else.
3. Maintain a positive attitude.
Everyone has good and bad days, but the people we appreciate for their consistency and enthusiasm don’t let their bad days ruin ours. They choose their attitude. And they choose to make it positive. You can, too. Here are some ways to accomplish this goal:
Make a list of the good things in your life or keep a file of accomplishments you’re proud of. Look at it when you start to feel down. Take yourself back to that time of the accomplishment; think about how energized you became, and why. This can help you get back to that positive state of mind. The momentum gained from this exercise should generate further momentum. Remind yourself that problems at work aren’t all about you. Look at them as opportunities to fix something, not as criticisms of you. Don’t take it personal. Spend time with people who have positive attitudes, both to get an emotional lift from them and to observe how they deal with challenges. Make an effort to be pleasant and easy to work with, even when you’re not feeling that way inside. Avoid the “blame game.” Instead of finding someone to blame when there’s a problem, focus on ways to fix it. Be honest with yourself about what’s causing a negative attitude. Watch for symptoms of stress and think about what is causing it. Get help when you need it..
4. Focus on productivity.
Work at becoming as good as you can be at the most important functions of your job. Produce results that are highly valued. Look for opportunities to do work more efficiently, to improve quality and customer satisfaction, and to save the organization money. Make a point of offering new ideas that could enhance the business. Strive to get more work done by being efficient, overcoming procrastination, and reducing interruptions. Try to understand the work style of your co-workers and of other groups you work with.
5. Be an agent of change, not an obstacle to it.
Employees who embrace positive change and help make changes happen are appreciated and valued by their managers. They also have a head start in learning new work processes and finding out how their skills and talents fit into the changed organization. Be an employee who suggests changes to improve efficiency or quality and who helps to figure out how to make those changes happen. Notice problems at work, but instead of complaining take steps to find a solution. Help co-workers accept changes, too, by drawing their attention to opportunities that change can bring.
6. Make connections.
Make friends at work and with people doing similar work at other organizations. Have fun and help others have fun at work. Make yourself the kind of person others want to work with. Help out when your help is needed, teach valuable skills, and share work-critical information. Let people know about interesting articles or studies that you find. Network to make connections with people who can give you new and different work and teach you valued skills. Volunteer for committees or special events as a way to work with new people. Attend industry functions and trade association meetings when it’s appropriate. Meet experts in your field and ask them for feedback on your work or ideas about problems your organization is facing. Know your employer’s policies about online networking so that, if your organization permits, you can benefit from both “offline” or face-to-face networking and from joining networking sites on the Internet.
7. Communicate clearly and directly.
Being a clear, direct, and thoughtful communicator can help you stand out as a valued employee. Share information that others need to know, and share it efficiently. Use e-mail when discussion isn’t needed. Call or talk in person if an issue truly needs to be discussed. Be prepared when you go to meetings so that you don’t waste people’s time. Get right to the point; eliminate unnecessary details. Always thank people for their time and their help.
8. Keep learning.
If you’re doing the same work in the same way you did it two years ago, chances are you’re being left behind. Take the time (your own time if that’s what’s needed) to learn new skills and to stay current with any areas of special expertise. Keep any licenses or certifications up-to-date even if you’ve moved into a managerial or other job that doesn’t require them. Stay informed about the business you’re in. Consider taking classes or professional development seminars. Commit to reading at least one book or professional journal in your field each quarter. As you gain new skills and knowledge, let your leader know. Find ways to use what you’re learning in your work.
9. Seek and welcome honest feedback.
Understand how your manager and others in your organization see your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you improve your knowledge and skills in the way that would help your employer most. Ask your manager, “What is the most important thing I could do to make myself more valuable to our organization?” Or, “What college classes would help most in my current job?” If you feel uncomfortable talking with your manager, consider requesting a confidential meeting with your human resources (HR) department and asking for clarification. Keep in mind that employers often place a very high value on aspects of performance, such as attendance and punctuality, that employees may see as less important.
10. Make your value visible to others.
“Market” yourself to make sure that your value is noticed. Make sure your manager knows what you do, and especially what you do well. Your performance review is an appropriate forum for listing your accomplishments and explaining the challenges you’ve overcome. Regular one-on-one meetings with your manager are another. Make your value more visible by volunteering for high-profile projects, where your contribution will be noticed as part of an important effort. Offer to be a coach or mentor to new employees. Ask to represent your team or department on cross-functional teams. As you learn new skills, teach your co-workers. They’ll appreciate the help in solving the work problems they face, and it will give you a reputation both as a source of expertise and as a valued team member.
11. Be flexible.
In an up-and-down economy, employers may place a higher value on employees who have the skills and mental flexibility to do more than one job. Be ready and willing to take on some or all of the tasks of a co-worker who is absent or on leave or who has been laid off or furloughed. If your current skills or knowledge wouldn’t allow you to do this, make it a top priority to gain a few new ones.
It may not be easy, but it’s well worth it! Flexible people are so much more valuable.
** 12. Be Honest.**
This one quality alone will set you apart from so many people.
Think about it — how many people these days are completely honest? Sadly, not that many. So, when the project is going to take three weeks to complete, don’t say it’s only going to take one week. When you are the last one at the office after a hard day’s work, don’t grab a box of paper clips to take home with you.
It’s the little things that make all the difference, and this includes telling the truth. Telling the truth is a lot easier than trying to keep up with the lies in the long-run, anyway.
Final Thoughts
In today’s workplace, hard work and the extra effort made by an employee is still recognized and appreciated. Accomplishment at work is no longer just about working harder. It’s about working differently, and ensuring your continued value. Practice the twelve behaviors in this article will help you become the valued employee your company might name the next "Employee of the Month."

Appreciate your employees for their efforts and achievements with a "Well Done or Thank You" recognition.

Every company has different ways of rewarding their employees to congratulate and show appreciation for their efforts. Most of them either reward their employees with cash, physical gifts or gift cards. However, Rewards by YouGotaGift makes the process of sourcing and delivering rewards a whole lot easier:

Love this ... Outstanding advise!! I wish every one would read this. I wish they could teach this in school. The younger generation has no idea. !!

I worked at the same job for 10 1/2 yrs. I was unloading trucks, tagging, stocking shelves and cashiering. Now the job is only giving me about 18 hrs a week. How can you live off of that. I applied for another job and hoping to get hired. Hope God is with me.

Absolutely excellent advice. And better to learn sooner rather than later.

How nice for you

Received retirement package from Nestle BUT not ready to retire! 40 years management of people. Extensive knowledge of the food industry.

YAY he is back!!! Love this post Patrick Coppedge : ) and what an honor for someone to earn this title! My personal favorite line in your post, "Accomplishment at work is no longer just about working harder. It’s about working differently, and ensuring your continued value." I agree and your boss is always listening and watching ; ) Welcome back!!

Welcome back Patrick Coppedge ! It's been a while! Great post as always, I resonate most with #9. I appreciate receiving feedback because I think it's about being able to always continue getting better :).
Very motivational post! This is part of employee benefits which is not presented in the form of cash as is usual. It serves as a motivation to any employee and his/her family to see this recognition being displayed at home. It spurs hard work and dedication which have positive effects on a business' balance sheet and eventually employee morale and attitude towards work, colleagues and family.