Impress Your Boss

Whether you have a disability or not - here's how to get ahead on the job and secure your future employment.

1. Arrive a few minutes early.  You'll have a chance to listen to voice mail, read e-mail and go over the details of the day before your co-workers come in.

2. Dress professionally.  The latest trendy fashions have no place in the office.  Likewise for jeans, shorts or tank tops, even if your office environment is casual.  Instead, take cues from your boss, if he or she wears khakis and loafers, you should feel comfortable doing the same.

3. Act professionally.  If your job is receptionist or another where the customer sees you first, remember that you make the first impression for the company.  Never eat, file your nails, or gossip in the public eye, save this for breaks and off work time.

4. Keep your workspace neat and uncluttered.  It is easier to produce a document or report if you know exactly where everything is.  If you are loosing things - you could loose your job too.

5. Acknowledge your mistakes.  Taking responsibility for your actions shows your boss that you can face adversity and keep your cool.  If the mistake can be rectified, offer a reasonable suggestion.  It may more than make up for the original misstep.  Never make excuses for your errors or omissions.

6. Make small decisions on your own.  Most people don't like to micromanage employees.  By taking initiative, you'll be freeing up your boss to get his or her own work done.

7. Show your appreciation. If your boss gives you a key project or goes out of her way to teach you something new, thank her for the help.  However make sure you are sincere.  Most people can see through false compliments.  

8. Learn a new skill and offer to teach it to coworkers.  Master the Internet.  Learn a new software program.  Do something that will enrich your life and help co-workers too.

9. Make good use of your time. try not to get derailed by personal problems or issues.  Do everything possible to meet deadlines without reminders.  Don't waste your time or others by chatting about personal issues on the job, save it for breaks or off work hours.  (If you have a personal issue that is affecting your job performance,  you should problem solve with your supervisor - but beware too many personal issues makes you a high maintenance employee and this could put your job in jeopardy)

10. Be a team player.  Have a good attitude. Pitch in and be part of the solution.  Don't cause conflict by undermining, gossiping about or generally minding your co-worker's business instead of your own. Never challenge your supervisor's authority.

11. These are all common sense rules to being a good employee.  Whether you are new on the job or have been with a company for a long time, now is the time to begin implementing these rules.

*If you are an individual with a disability, you will not only impress your boss by following these rules, but your on the job behavior will encourage them to hire more people with disabilities.  
 
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