How To Improve Job Performance And Competence
It often feels like you are doing everything. You do exactly what the boss suggests, you follow the rules, and work within the guidelines. Is it enough? Chances are good that you still have room to improve job performance.
Mechanics of the Job
Many employees connect mechanically. Which really means that they are in compliance with the characteristics of the job task. Many would suggest that they have the competence to do the work.
She enters the orders fast and with accuracy.
He always jumps right in and gets things done.
She can answer any question about our policies and procedures.
He is great with the computers.
She never leaves before wrapping up what needs done that day.
More Than Just A Task
What this really means is that they are competent with the job task. In today’s workplace, being competent mechanically is probably not all that is required. Putting the round peg in the round hole, the square peg in the square hole, and stuffing everything in a box to ship is really just mechanical.
Employees sometimes argue, “I can do everything required, why am I stuck in this position?” Often what they are missing is the ability to navigate the emotional labor requirements of the job.
She enters the orders fast and with accuracy, but don’t you dare interrupt her or she’ll snap.
He always jumps in and gets things done, but don’t ask for help in another department because that is not his problem.
She can answer any question, but you have to make sure she is in a good mood first.
He is great with computers but he always makes others feel bad by talking down to them when they don’t immediately understand.
She never leaves before finishing all her work, but she often makes mistakes in her rush to get things done.
Improve Job Performance
Being in compliance of what is required for the job task is important but today you have to put in the emotional labor too. Emotional labor may be having patience with others, the ability to navigate generational differences, or put the needs of the many in front of the needs of your own work.
Being able to dot the I’s and cross the T’s, is good. Skills to put the nut on the bolt, thread the needle, and hit the enter key are also important.
Today the best path to improve job performance isn’t always just about the mechanics, it is also about your emotional intelligence and the ability to put in the required amount of emotional labor.
– DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
