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What you need to enjoy your job, improve your skills, better your performance, and grow your career
By Noel Paiement
June 18, 2009

Unfortunately, many organizations do not spend a lot of time or effort on making sure employees are engaged. Usually employees do not receive timely performance feedback, have little or no training opportunities, and have either a limited focus or no focus at all on their career growth. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help ensure you enjoy your job, improve your skills, better your performance, and grow your career.
Before accepting a position, check out your prospective employer

Choosing who to work for is a very important decision, even in these current economic times. As most of us know, working for a great employer is fantastic; working for a bad employer can ruin both your work and personal life. One of the best, most reliable ways to find out how good prospective employers are, is to ask people you know. Even if they don't know, they may know someone who can honestly tell you. Also, do an Internet search on the company. You may find comments from current and former employees, along with customer opinions.
During an interview, be sure to ask the interviewer(s) several questions. Although there are a number of questions that should be asked, here are a few that are very important:

What does it take to excel in this position and your firm?

Why did you choose to work here and what do you like best about working here?

Why is this position available?

What type of individuals are most successful with the company? How is that success measured?

What type of opportunities are available after I have consistently performed at high levels for an extended period of time?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, as you perceive them?

How would you describe the organization’s culture?

Are there opportunities for additional training?

When starting a job you need to be proactive

On your first day working at a new organization, make sure you meet with your new manager. Explain that you want to know what is expected of you and that you would like to determine what your goals are. Make sure you have or are expected to get the equipment and training you need to perform well. If your manager has not introduced you to your new co-workers, take the initiative and introduce yourself to them.
Touch base with your manager on a regular basis

Frequently checking in with your manager will help you build up trust with him or her. Find out how your manager is doing. Perhaps there is a way you can help? Let your manager know what you are thinking and concerned about and update him or her on your current challenges and accomplishments. Your relationship will be enhanced as you and your manager will get to know each other and will be able to share information quickly.
Make sure you and your manager agree on goals/expectations
If your manager does not communicate goals and expectations for you, or does but does not let you provide input, it is crucial that you let your manager know that you think it is important that the two of you regularly meet and agree on goals and expectations. These goals should not just be performance related; they should also focus on your learning and development. The goals should be Specific, Measurable, Agreed upon, Realistic, and Time-based.
Keep track of your accomplishments and communicate them to your manager
It is very important that you always keep track of your accomplishments, whether they be job-related or associated with your training. You cannot assume that your manager knows all of this information. Noting this information will help you update your manager on your progress. It is a good idea to regularly provide your manager with a written list of your accomplishments, as it will help him or her when reviewing your performance, determining your compensation, and evaluating you for a promotion. Tracking your accomplishments is also good for you because it helps you provide detailed information on your resume.
Have a long-term career plan
Ultimately, you are responsible for your career. You have to take the initiative because in most cases your manager won’t. Always be thinking of experiences and skills you need to get the position you want next. Volunteer for tasks and projects that will give you the experience and skills you need. If formal training will help you, make a case to your manager for receiving the training. Let your manager know about your career goals. If your manager doesn’t know, he or she won’t be able to help you.
But how do you know if you will like particular jobs and how do you know what experiences and skills you will need for certain jobs? Meet with someone who is currently doing the job you are interested in. Most people will be more than happy to let you know what they like and don’t like about their job, what experience and skills are needed for the position, and other contacts who may be able to help you.
For example, if you are interested in another position within your organization, you could meet with the manager in charge of that area and discuss the position and its requirements. If you haven’t already spoken to an employee in the coveted position, the manager could likely help you meet with the employee.
If, after getting information on the position, you are no longer interested, you have saved yourself time and effort. You know not to pursue the position and can focus on other positions that may interest you. But if you are still interested in the position you are now much further ahead than before. You know you really want the position and your enthusiasm will show. Your possible future new boss is aware of you, knows you care about your career, and are proactive. And you can start working on the experience and skills you need - perhaps doing tasks or projects for your future boss. Then, when a position opens up, you will likely already be considered to be a great candidate.
Build a case for getting the training and equipment you need
If you need special training or equipment that will increase your skills and better your performance, be sure to give specific, detailed reasons when you ask your manager. Let him or her know how it will improve your peformance, how it will benefit the organization, and if applicable, how it will help you with your career development.
You need to take charge of your career and be proactive. Before accepting a job, check out your prospective employer. When starting a new job, meet your manager and co-workers, make sure you know what is expected of you, and that you have the training and equipment you need. Frequently speak with your manager and make sure you both agree on your goals and expectations. Also, keep track of your accomplishments and make sure your manager knows about them. Have a long-term career plan, and if you ask your manager for additional training or equipment, be sure to provide solid reasons as to why you need it. It takes dedication and perseverance, but you can enjoy your job, improve your skills, better your performance, and grow your career.

Noel Paiement is the founder and president of West Edge Solutions Inc. By providing experienced guidance and operating Texel, a web-based service, West Edge Solutions Inc. helps organizations become an Employer of Choice. For free access to Noel’s “Engaged & Effective Employees 101” resources, email CharityVillage@WestEdgeSolutions.com.