What are the real fundamentals of success? What are simple, small things everyone can do that will set the stage for larger success? In our technology drenched and dependent lives here are 7 non-technical, simple things that can help pave the way for true success.

1. Show up

If your job requires you to be in the office you should be in the office when you are supposed to. If you are required to be at a remote office, or call on a client or prospect then SHOW UP.   If you have an online webinar or conference call, SHOW UP.  Be there, on time, prepared and ready. As the old saying goes, “You can’t win if you don’t play”. And you can’t play if you don’t show up.

This also means being mentally engaged with your team, customers and company.  Checked out, isolated team members are worth little. They waste everyone’s time and don’t help row the boat. Show up fully engaged and ready to contribute, physically and mentally.

2. Be Nice 

Everyone in the company has work together. Make it a better experience by being nice to others. You need to  treat other employees, customers and vendors with courtesy, respect and decency. Treat others with the same courtesy and respect you want from them. It helps communication and improves the working environment and enhances collaboration. Some companies have a “no jerks” rule. Some companies use stronger language to say the same thing. Don’t be a jerk.

Being nice doesn’t mean you won’t have debate and disagreement. It doesn’t mean that issues are not confronted. It means you need to resolve those situations in a  civil, calm, mature and professional manner and move along. Anger, frustration, name calling, back stabbing, gossip, outbursts, tantrums, passive aggressive behaviors  and the like create more problems to solve, slow down communication and create resentment if they continue over time. Show caring and concern for your team, fellow employees and customers.

3. Follow the Rules

Rules are there to protect the individual and the organization. They help maintain order and define interactions, boundaries and expectations.

Image if everyone driving cars in a large metro area suddenly went anarchist with respect to the rules of the road. Can you image the mess? The wrecks, injuries, property damage and time lost? It just wouldn’t work. But with proper rules, traffic flows (usually) and people get to and from their destinations safely.

Every business needs rules. I know, sometimes the dress code or attendance policies may not be what you would design. If you want to be a rebellious cowboy, go work on a ranch. If there are serious problems with rules talk to your leader. Otherwise man (or woman) up and respect the rules. It will make the entire workplace flow better.

4. Do Your Job

We are all professionals.  We get paid to do a job. Do your job like a professional. Don’t leave problems for others to clean up later. Don’t do your job half way. Don’t finish late. Don’t deliver half the results. Your work products should demonstrate competence, excellence, and be professional in quality and implementation.  This includes your personal and professional growth and continued learning. Ultimately only you can control that.

5. Communicate

No one can read your mind. What you don’t say or communicate, your other teammates and employees can’t know. Talk. Write. Inform. Repeat. Ask clarifying questions. Over communicate. Effective organizations communicate well, clearly and continuously. When you have clear, consistent communication the team can move faster and provide better results.

6. Serve the customer

Serve the customer as if your business depends on it, because it does. Customers fund the operation of the business. Customers pay your salary.   Customers can help you sell and market. It doesn’t matter if they are Internal or external customers, you are there for them, and not the other way around. Always remember that. Customers can quickly tell if they are really cared for and are being served properly. They will move to businesses that show genuine care for them in a heartbeat.

7. Support your team

Always carry your share of the load. Slackers can move along. You should always promote an “I have your back” culture. Support your team with your help, assistance, learning, sharing and collaboration. Be a consistent example re-inforcing the behavior you want your team to replicate.

 

These are 7 simple actions that, if you implement as habits, will yield results and build the foundations for your success.