Strategies for Thriving at Work

Be enthusiastic about your work. The best way to thrive at work is to do the best work possible, every time. Tackle each task and every assignment with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. I'm not talking about clapping your hands and announcing how excited you are to have yet another project, or even more work to do in addition to your current heavy workload. View each assignment as an opportunity to learn something valuable as a means to be viewed as an asset to the organization

Keep an eye on the clock. Make sure you show up on time, ready to work every day. If you stop for coffee or breakfast from a drive-through, leave early enough to go through the line, park and be at your desk on time each morning. Take a lunch break, but don't take an extended lunch break! Don't clean your desk off and put your work away until quitting time.

Avoid gossip. Do not participate in office gossip or conversations about co-workers, your boss or company management. Make positive comments, or walk away if your co-workers start gossiping. Don't encourage visitors who stop by to share the latest rumor or juicy tidbit about a co-worker or company management.

Ask your boss questions. If you are unsure of an instruction or about the details of an assignment, ask your boss for clarification. If there is more than one way to accomplish a task, ask your boss if he/she has a preference for how it should be done. Don't proceed without being certain of the details. Nurture your relationship with your boss. Be a willing student. Encourage your boss to share his/her knowledge and expertise with you.

Be a team player. If at all possible, offer to help your co-workers with their assignments. Especially new or inexperienced employees would be grateful for your assistance and guidance. Pitch in any time a co-worker has a big project or may need to work overtime to finish their work in order to meet a deadline.

Dress appropriately. Every company has a "personality" of its own. If the dress code is business casual don't dress like you're going to a dinner party. Don't wear jeans, either, though! Be sure your clothes are clean, in good repair, pressed and fit comfortably-nothing too tight, too revealing, or too baggy.

Be nice. Be pleasant to your co-workers. You don't have to invite them to your home for dinner, but you can certainly exchange pleasantries. Be sincere in your conversation, and cultivate relationships with your co-workers. You'll enjoy being at work much more, and they'll be glad to see you.

Be true to yourself and your values. Don't let your work life have a negative influence on your life. You must be true to yourself and what you believe in. Don't compromise your integrity, no matter what.

Be grateful. Finally, be thankful that you have a job. Even if you're not crazy about what you're doing, be glad are able to pay your bills, and provide for yourself and/or your family. Make your work mean something. Do it well. Be happy to be alive-that's how you'll thrive-at work and in every other area of your life.