1) LEARN HOW TO MANAGE YOUR PRIORITIES

To improve performance at work you must have the ability to set priorities and to separate the relevant from the irrelevant when facing the many tasks of the day. You must also possess a sense of urgency, the ability to get the job done fast.

Many managers have confirmed this to be the truth. They place an extraordinarily high value on a person who can set priorities and move quickly to get the job done. Speed and dependability in job completion is one of the most valued traits in the workforce. When your employer can hand you a job and then walk away and not worry about it again, you will have moved yourself onto the fast track. Your subsequent promotion and increased pay are virtually guaranteed.

2) DEVELOP A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE

Another way you can improve your performance at work is to develop a positive mental attitude. People like to be around and to promote employees they like. Everybody quickly notices a consistent, persistent attitude of cheerfulness and optimism. When you make an effort to cultivate an attitude of friendliness toward people, they will make extraordinary efforts to open doors for you.

3) IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS, SEEK KNOWLEDGE

Improve performance at work by continually upgrading your work-related skills and making sure that your superiors know about it. Seek out additional courses you can take to improve yourself at your job and discuss these courses with your boss. Ask him or her to pay for the courses if you pass, but make it clear that you are going to take them anyway.

Bosses are very impressed with people who are constantly striving to learn more in order to increase their value to their companies. Upgrading your knowledge and skills as a part of your life can really accelerate your career.

4) THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONALITY AT WORK

Probably 85 percent of your success in the world of work will come from your personality and your ability to communicate effectively with others. It will be determined by how much people like you and respect you.

You can greatly improve how other people perceive you by continually looking for ways to boost their self-esteem throughout the workday. A little genuine praise and appreciation, on a regular basis, will cause people to like you and want to help you. A likeable person is often perceived as being better at what they do than a person with a negative personality. When you are with your superiors, make it a practice to listen with respect, attentiveness and interest.

The more you honestly and sincerely listen to another person, the more that other person will like and trust you and want to give you additional help and responsibilities. All leaders should be excellent listeners. It is a key method of influence. If you want to get people on your side, practice asking interested questions and then listening intently to the answers.