15 Ways to Keep Your Job

In the Summer Issue 2009 of Texas Business Today an article “Ten – no, make that 15 ways to keep your job” by William T. Simmons, Legal Counsel to Chairman Tom Pauken, Chairman, Texas Workforce Commission, outlines 15 steps that an employee should take in order to keep his/her job. I think that these “15 Commandments of Keeping Your Job” are instructive for not only employees but also job seekers. I have summarized these commandments below:

1. Be on time, whether it is with showing up for work, returning from breaks, going to meetings, or turning in assignments.
2. Call your manager if you know you will be tardy or absent.
3. Try your best: always finish an assignment, no matter how much you would rather be doing something else.
4. Anticipate problems and needs of management.
5. Show a positive attitude.
6. Avoid backstabbing, office gossip, and spreading rumors.
7. Follow the rules.
8. Look for opportunities to serve customers and help coworkers.
9. Avoid the impulse to criticize your boss or the company.
10. Volunteer for training and new assignments.
11. Avoid the temptation to criticize your company, coworkers, or customers on the Internet.
12. Be a good team member.
13. Try to avoid every saying “that’s not my job.”
14. Show pride in yourself.
15. Distinguish yourself.

I suggest that all readers of this blog consider adhering to this list of commandants in their work environments.

Please share your personal experiences relative to your reaction to these commandments by posting a comment in this blog.

Thanks! Glyn