SelectOne Blog

Be Thankful for Rockstar Coworkers This Thanksgiving

food-salad-healthy-vegetables.jpg
 Seinfeld fans will recognize this as Newman fantasizing about a butter-soaked Kramer-turkey hybrid.  Each Thanksgiving, you’re undoubtedly bombarded with unsolicited advice on what you ought to be thankful for.  Friends, family, health, happiness, success, et al.  
 
But allow me to suggest another faction likely to improve your quality of life on a daily basis without the trite holiday recognition: Rockstar Coworkers.  You know who I’m talking about.  
 
They make the lives of everyone around them – staff, peers, bosses – easier on virtually every front.  But do you qualify as a Rockstar Coworker?  It’s not just as simple as being really good at your job.  Do you:
  • Take the time to build genuine relationships with the people you work with and for?
  • Anticipate the needs of your manager, seeking out guidance only after conceiving of and suggesting viable courses of action?
  • Seek out opportunities to support inundated peers by taking on overflow work without needing to be asked?
  • Find ways to improve processes, making yourself and those around your more efficient and effective?
  • Attract other prospective Rockstar Coworkers to come work on your team?

Did you answer yes to most or all of these questions?  That’s great!  But, is it possible to do the above without becoming a pushover or yes-(wo)man?  Absolutely – Rockstar Coworkers also:

  • Hold themselves and others accountable to expectations, deliverables, and deadlines
  • Clearly communicate their expectations, aspirations, and goals
  • Understand their value at their employer and in the broader marketplace

The bottom line is people fitting the criteria defined above are often the glue holding together dynamic companies, especially during periods of rapid growth and change.  In our small company setting, we’ve been fortunate to have a number of Rockstar Coworkers, and ultimately the’ve proven themselves critical as we differentiate ourselves and articulate a clear value proposition in a highly competitive industry.  In addition to productivity related considerations, Rockstar Coworkers are also tireless culture-builders and leaders.  How can you thank them?  A nice bottle of wine, unexpected cup of coffee, or gift card to their favorite store are great options; but sometimes, a simple thank you, recognizing them in front of the team is all it takes.  So take the time to think about who truly makes your job easier, more fun, less stressful, simply better, overall.  And say thank you!

15 minute consultation

No Comments Yet

Let us know what you think