Top Areas to Target for Employee Improvement – Part One

Improving professional skills, (which really means employee improvement), is a journey, not a destination. Feeling challenged, in a good way, can make your work exciting. It makes you feel like you are part of a team, committed to your shared goals.

When employees feel like my managers really see them – pointing out my strengths and helping them work though my weaknesses – growth feels attainable. It’s this feeling, this drive to improve, that can lead to truly amazing things in a career.

Making routine checks on overall performance is a strategy many managers opt for. There’s regular one-on-one sessions for constructive feedback from our superiors. And sure, they are managers. But they’re humans too. They also need to hone their skills, just like everyone else. But, what’s the point?

• To be even better at what we do.
• To continue to rise through the ranks.
• To be prepared for any curve balls work throws.
• To reach our personal and professional goals.

By improving our performance we’re not just helping ourselves. It’s much bigger than that. We’re helping our teams, saving time and money. We’re producing better quality work, feeling happier in our jobs, and more likely to stick around.

There are tons of ways employees can all grow. Let’s discuss each one!

Areas of Improvement for Employees

The best managers provide feedback tailored to each individual’s skills and role. But some areas for growth apply to us all.

Managing time is one example. Multitasking, meeting deadlines, and prioritising tasks can make us more efficient. More importantly, getting good at managing time can take a lot of stress off! The less time we spend managing time, the more time we have for our projects and development opportunities.

But how do we this?

• By relying on to-do lists.
• By testing out free scheduling apps.
• By using digital reminders to keep us on track.
• By being realistic with our daily or weekly schedules.
• By reflecting on how we spend our time, and whether it aligns with our priorities.

By actively working on these areas, we can become better employees and understand ourselves more in the process!

Customer service

Top-notch customer service really matters. I mean, it can make or break a company’s reputation, right? Companies with excellent customer service attract loyal customers. And what’s great is that the skill applies to all positions, even those not dealing directly with customers. Believe it or not, we use customer service skills when interacting with colleagues too!

How can we get better?

• Learning from a coworker who’s really good.
• Practicing customer interactions with friends or managers.
• Going through online training courses.
• Teaming up with a coach.

Teamwork

When a team clicks, magical things happen. They reach objectives quickly, making problem-solving a breeze. And when people come together, decisions are more diverse, making workflows smoother and leading to better outcomes.

How can we foster good teamwork?

• Strengthening our communication skills.
• Choosing face-to-face convos over texting or emailing.
• Appreciating our coworkers’ hard work.
• Celebrating team achievements together.
• Planning team lunches to bond outside work.

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are like superpowers. They help us connect with both customers and colleagues. Strong interpersonal skills make us better team players and improve the quality of our interactions.

So, how do we fine-tune these skills?

• Practicing active listening and empathy.
• Observing how others communicate.
• Seeking guidance from mentors.
• Maintaining eye contact during conversations.
• Being mindful of body language.

The journey to cultivating these skills will take time, but it’s rewarding. We’ll not only grow as professionals, but as human beings too.

And with that growth, all of our connections will become more meaningful and enjoyable.

Communication

Communication is a big deal. It’s verbal, nonverbal, even written. Nail this, and you’ll see organizations hum along like well-oiled machines. Plus, good communication has the power to lift everyone’s spirits.

So, how can we improve our verbal and nonverbal communication skills?

• Prefer face-to-face chats with peers.
• Be present and listen to them.
• Ask questions to ensure understanding.
• Practice speeches before giving them.
• Keep an eye on body language.
• Change my mode of conversation based on the situation.

Writing

Putting words on paper (or screen) is something we all do, professionally. Job roles often need us to draft briefs, proposals, presentations, analyses, or even casual chats with co-workers or clients.

How do we better our writing prowess then?

• Look at style guides, if any are shared by the company.
• A spelling and grammar checker can be our best friend.
• Seek feedback from colleagues or managers.
• Use their comments to make improvements.

Accepting Feedback

Taking feedback can be tough, I get it. But, it’s also one of the biggest triggers for personal growth. It’s a stepping stone for making better decisions and enhancing my performance.

Here are some ways to make accepting feedback easier:

• Listen attentively and ask for ways to improve.
• Keep calm, don’t let emotions cloud judgment.
• Adopt a ‘just got feedback, not a pink slip’ approach.
• Be thankful, feedback is a learning opportunity.

For example, “Thanks for your advice, I value your effort in helping me grow.”

Organization

Organization is how we make sense of the wild world around us. With good organization, we can sail through our tasks, full steam ahead, in a focused, efficient manner. It keeps us ticking like a well-oiled machine, preventing stress from muddling up the works.

How to boost this vital skill?

• Keep a well-structured day plan.
• Declutter the workspace to avoid misplacing important stuff.
• Go digital; it takes less space and is easier to manage.
• Set up a quick access system for important files.

Flexibility

At work, flexibility is as important as getting the job done. Adaptability to changing conditions, and juggling multiple tasks with a smile – that’s the essence of flexibility. It makes us stronger, more productive contributors to the team.

Flexibility can be boosted by:

• Embracing diverse tasks.
• Learning new skills with enthusiasm.
• Staying zen when plans flip over. Meditation or breathing exercises could help.
• Taking calculated breaks.
• Seeking advice from mentors.

Problem-solving Abilities

Problem-solving – the ace up your sleeve that turns obstacles into opportunities. It’s about identifying an issue, considering potential solutions, picking the best one, and then setting it in motion. Imagine being the one who clears hurdles, defuses conflicts, and designs creative paths to reach goals. Sounds cool, right?

Ways to grow this skill include:

• Observing respected peers at work.
• Reflecting on past problems and contemplating better approaches.
• Keeping cool and working with others who may know things we don’t.

Leadership

Leadership isn’t just reserved for the top dogs. Anyone, in any position, can gain from honing their leadership abilities. Good leaders unify teams, solve problems deftly, and communicate effectively with project partners. Even we loners can use good leadership skills to run successful meetings or projects and motivate others towards a common goal.

Boost leadership skills by:

• Leading outside of work, engagements like team-building exercises or leading nonprofit events.
• Participating in online or real-life leadership courses.
• In office engagements, intently listening to coworkers, praising good work and celebrating people for their inputs.

In the end, it’s about becoming a better you, professionally and personally. It’s all about embracing growth, being flexible and staying committed to improving every day!