I changed jobs two years ago. I found that my manager was a "hands-off" individual who did not give feedback. I had to determine how to make my contributions valuable to my company. However, the lessons I have learned are applicable to anyone. The key is to do more than is expected. Determining this may require careful evaluation.

- Ask yourself if you know everything about your job. If not, fill in the gaps by observing others, asking questions or doing research.- Determine what your manager's expectations and needs are. Then find ways to address them.

- Study appropriate materials to gain insight into the work place. Particularly, include works by recognized experts in productivity and change.

- Anticipate the changes that your company and your current job may experience during the coming year. Adapt your work and skills accordingly.

- Consider additional education or skills training to increase your ability to perform your current job or to take on additional responsibilities.

- Ask your manager to discuss your strengths and weaknesses. Listen and make changes based on the counsel you receive.

- Commit to follow the advice of our General Authorities to give a full day's work for a day's pay.

- Pray for specific guidance about your job and your relationships with your co-workers and managers. - James E. Utterback, Winona Lake, Ind.

*****

How we did it:

Go the extra mile

- Always do your best. Be honest and do your share. Go the extra mile and help others. Be on time. Don't gossip and if someone gossips to you, don't pass it on.

- Offer suggestions on how your boss can save money or improve production.

- Treat everyone as you expect to be treated.

- Never borrow anything without permission. Don't take home company items such as paper or pens. This can be costly for the company, and taking them is stealing. Don't use company phones for personal calls.

- Send cards to employees who are sick.

- Get the company to sponsor a family at Christmas instead of having an expensive party. - Becky Robinette Wright, Richmond, Va.

Don't allow hurt feelings

- Be considerate of others.

- Try not to make your own two cents the only two cents that count.

- Be more concerned with fixing the break, not fixing the blame.

- Be willing to be corrected.

- Don't allow hurt feelings. Look behind the suggestion.

- Talk less; listen more.

- Think, "What if Christ were working in our work place?" - Name withheld, Utah

Be positive

I think the very best way to become a greater asset at your place of employment is to be positive. Do the following:

- Honestly look for the good qualities that individuals possess.

- Be quick to give genuine compliments on skills, abilities, appearances, accomplishments, etc.

- Do your own job well, and seek ways to help others.

- Observe interaction of co-workers and strive to find ways to promote harmony if a need exists.

- Be pleasant in manner and appearance.

- Think of your job as a blessing. - Jan Golden, Albany, Ga.

Accept changes

On my drive to work, I ask myself, "What can I do to keep our office running smoothly?" The following comes to mind:

- Be happy, cheerful and positive.

- Give my boss solutions, not problems.

- Accept changes as being exciting, challenging and opportunities to learn new skills.

- Leave personal situations at home, and leave office business at the office.

- Be willing to go the extra mile.

I have the unique opportunity of having as my boss a former delightful, little red-headed Primary student from when I was a Primary teacher in Rexburg, Idaho, 30 years ago. The moral is this: "Be careful what you say to Primary children. They may grow up to be your boss!" - Ruby Woodward, Newton, Utah

Catch the vision

The gospel of Jesus Christ offers a plan for success in the working world, just as it does in eternity. Consider these examples:

- Let your light so shine. Employees who are friendly, cooperative, helpful and patient make the daily business experience more productive and positive for everybody.

- Realize every job has its problems, difficulties and challenges. Don't be an angry problem-finder. Instead, be a helpful problem-solver by developing ideas and suggestions to overcome the obstacles.

- Replace reactive anxiety with pro-active enthusiasm. When you know what to do, do it without being told. When you don't know, ask somebody who can help you.

- Catch the vision. By understanding how your contribution fits in, you will feel greater job satisfaction and discover specific ways to increase your individual value.

- Realize that in today's rapidly changing workplace, education is essential, both to land a job and to keep it. Success belongs to those who regularly seek, obtain and make use of relevant training, whether they find it on the job, in a trade school or a university.

- Magnify your calling. Think of your career as your calling in life. You can be successful and valuable wherever you are by learning what your employer and customers really need, then doing all you can to meet those needs. - Daniel Doornbos, San Jose, Calif.

Team work

Team work is the key to becoming an asset at work. You need to be willing to help and go beyond the call of duty. The work place will run smoother, and you will be respected and liked by your fellow workers. - Karen McBride, Evansville, Ind.

*****

How to checklist:

1 Be honest with your employer; pray for help in your job.

2 Seek to meet needs, expectations; go the extra mile.

3 Improve knowledge, skills; seek additional training.

4 Be cheerful, positive; leave personal problems at home.

*****

WRITE TO US:

July 1 "How to overcome personal barriers to making friends."

July 8 "How to benefit from institute of religion as a college-age young adult."

July 15 "How to help young people learn about the legacy left by the pioneers of every land."

July 22 "How to maintain appropriate relationships among family members separated by divorce."

July 29 "How to respect the privacy of family members and/or roommates."

Aug. 5 "How to be aware of and attentive to the needs and feelings of your spouse."

Had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110, or send fax to (801) 237-2121. Please include a name and phone number. Contributions may be edited or excerpted and will not be returned. Due to limited space, some contributions may not be used; those used should not be regarded as official Church doctrine or policy. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.