If you're a new hire, congratulations! Here's a personal checklist for a more positive job future. 1) Get or create a detailed job description and invest time in ensuring that you understand key tasks. 2) Know how your performance will be measured. 3) Know how those internal customers use what you produce 5) Get a "buddy" you can go to with questions, especially about informal processes. Don't start off finding yourself isolated. 

Sharing work space with a coworker and striving to be productive while also avoiding grating on each other's nerves can be wearisome. Coping well demands self-awareness and practicing common courtesies. Four rules for working in close quarters can help. 1) Accept that conflicts will naturally arise periodically. This will help prevent your overreaction to them. 2) Conflicts are opportunities to know your coworker better and become closer when they are resolved. 3) Minimize frequency of conflict…

To "under promise and over deliver" (UPOD) means to produce value for others so they experience delight. Often used to describe ideal customer service, the doctrine is perfect for ideal employees as well. To practice this doctrine, focus on quality, not necessarily quantity. If your boss asks for a 10-page report and you submit 11 pages, you may have underperformed. But if you deliver the 10-page report early and it relieves your boss's stress, you're over delivered. See the difference? To…

Common complaints among teams include only a few do the work and people coming in late to meetings, but dozens of other problems also undermine teams. Consider whether any of these saboteurs of teamwork affect your productivity. 1) Not showing commitment when the going gets tough. 2) Not saying you're thinking and feeling. 3) Not listening to first understand and when speaking, to be understood. 4) Not performing as promised. 5) Letting others make decisions. 6) Not starting your meeting with a…

Being friendly facilitates relationships and productivity, reduce stress, and creates more reciprocal and happier workplace. Build a friendly reputation with these civility tips: 1) When you approach or speak with coworkers, always insert a greeting or salutation before making a request of them; 2) Show enthusiasm to your coworkers so they know you're pleased to interact with them; 3) Remain conscious of your smile and display it, eve under stress; 4) When unsure, reach out to greet others…

Neglecting to raise concerns about the supervisor-supervisee relationship is a common complaint of managers. Chances are your boss sincerely wants to know what's on your mind if it relates to your productivity. Issues and problems employees typically hold back sharing - even at a private meeting - include: 1) lack of clarity in instructions provided by the supervisor regarding assignments; 2) perceptions of favoritism or non-equitable distribution of work; 3) absence of feedback and…