What type of employee are you?

Over the years, I have worked with many types of individuals. I’ve seen many individuals who genuinely want to do a good job, as well as some who just want to get by. Let’s look at some of the different types I’ve encountered.

Do you identify as a good employee? You arrive at work early, look forward to doing your job and generally have a positive attitude. You stay busy, and the workday flies by.

You look forward to overcoming any challenges that are given to you. Do you know why you’re given challenging work? Because your supervisor knows that you enjoy these challenges and he or she can count on you to take on those challenges successfully. I have a few individuals like that on my team. They are truly team players. Others know they can go to these team players for assistance and receive it without hesitation. These people take constructive criticism well and know I value their opinions. They do not take things personally unless they make a bad part, which is rare, because they are also conscientious.

Do you identify instead as an employee who is not so good? This probably occurred over time, even years. Maybe you were affected by issues at home or a management change. Maybe you were passed over for a position that you felt you were entitled to. Maybe the work you’re doing isn’t challenging enough or interesting enough. I’ve seen it happen on more than one occasion.

You usually arrive at work on time but are missing work more frequently. Remember, though, production depends on every employee being at his or her machine every workday for the full shift. Do you feel you’re being taken for granted? Let your supervisor know your feelings. Don’t keep them inside.

What if you’re just plain indifferent? You couldn’t care less about getting your work done. Your supervisor is held accountable for the production in the shop. Perhaps you’re not held accountable for your work, but you should be. Do others bother you? Perhaps they are just asking a simple question or need a hand for a minute. To you, it’s a bother. You don’t have time for that.

You just want to do your job, nothing more—certainly less if possible. The parts that you make are just within tolerance. Your setups take longer than anyone else’s. You make parts to print most of the time but don’t really care when one is bad. An employee with an indifferent attitude could possibly be the worst type of employee to have. If the work you’re doing is boring, go somewhere else or change careers. Make a change before you’re forced to make one.

Do you see yourself anywhere here? You may even fall into more than one category. Just remember: The better you are as an employee, the more opportunity you will receive. If you fall into the not-so-good category, you still have time to improve yourself. Even if you are indifferent, you can change—but only if you want to.