Bad Apple or a Good Egg?
We all know there are some terrible managers out there. Employees are overworked, they're underpaid, and they'd be lucky to spend PTO on a real getaway. But not every employee can be let off the hook either. Some offices are crawling with chronic complainers and demanding staff who make the whole atmosphere a nightmare. It's time to pack your lunch and explore the office with us—including the good, the bad, and the ugly!
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1. People Complain
Whether it’s clients or coworkers, people avoid difficult employees. Customers are far less hesitant to speak their minds, so negative feedback from them is bad enough, but when that criticism comes from within, there’s generally a larger problem.
2. You Complain
On the other hand, bad employees are often their own Negative Nelly. There’s always something to complain about, always something they’d do differently, etc. It’s one thing to dislike obvious problems in a company, but it’s another to find fault in every little thing.
3. You’re Always Late
We’ve all shown up late once or twice, and good bosses understand that life gets in the way! However, there’s no reason to take advantage of good-natured employers. Tardiness not only makes you look bad, but it also hinders production for everyone else. Show up on time, even if you hate your job.
4. Constant Demands
Life gets a little rough sometimes, throwing wrenches into our schedules or weighing on our psyches. Good managers provide mental health days, or at the very least, a kind word in the face of adversity. Now, a gentle PTO request isn’t the end of the world, but constant demands prove an employee’s hard to work with.
5. You’re Not Motivated
There’s no denying it—some jobs suck the life right out of you. It’s not great to cram yourself into a cubicle every day, but it is a job. You don’t have to revolutionize the workplace, but you should still be motivated enough to get the work done.
6. Always Gossiping
We’d be lying if we said we never engaged in light gossip. After all, there’s nothing like a good tea spill! However, there’s a time and place, and employees who do nothing but gossip only out themselves as the problem.
7. Never Showing Up
Tardiness is bad enough, but some employees have mentally clocked out, too. They deliberately ditch meetings, make no effort to provide feedback, and just can’t be bothered. There’s a difference between doing a menial job and not doing it at all.
8. You Don’t Take Feedback Well
Performance reviews aren’t personal! Good bosses help you succeed, offering constructive feedback to ensure everyone works together. Emotional immaturity leads to a lot of resentment or premature decisions, like quitting or meeting with HR.
9. A Huge Ego
Confidence at work can help lock in promotions…but too much only makes someone pompous. No one, from the boss to your coworkers, wants to deal with an inflated ego, so it’s time to pop that big head!
10. Taking All the Credit
Hey, congratulations on a job well done—no, not you. We're talking about the person who did all the actual work! It might be tough, but give credit where credit’s due. If you wouldn’t want someone doing it to you, don’t do it to others.
Now that we’ve covered some red flags, it’s time we dove into the green ones.
1. You’re Reliable
Reliable employees thrive the most; show up on time, put in the effort, and let them know your job matters. That said, don’t let your boss take advantage of you either! You can be reliable without answering calls after hours or taking on responsibilities outside your pay grade.
2. Leadership
Bosses don’t want to spend all day wiping noses. While you don’t need to lead the charge every time, employers appreciate when you can guide a small team or take over a meeting. An ability to lead is the ability to grow!
3. You Can Adapt
Speaking of growth, bosses love coachable employees. Adaptability shows you can take direction and maintain efficiency in the face of change. Of course, there’s a fine line between adapting and getting tasked with something way out in left field—keep your best interests in mind, too!
4. People Look Up to You
Poor employees either complain or get complained about—good employees have earned the respect of everyone around them. Whether people ask for you directly or your boss trusts you more, it’s always a good sign when anyone looks up to you.
5. You Ask the Important Questions
Never be afraid to ask questions! Good employers take the time to address queries, so inquire about your salary in the interview. Ask what’s expected of you day-to-day. It’s a bigger reflection on bosses if they deflect than it is if you ask.
6. Open Communication
Communication is a must. Good employees keep their doors open to feedback and direction, and good bosses should do the same. Wherever you are on the corporate ladder, transparency benefits everyone.
7. Willing to Learn
We’re not saying you have to take classes in your spare time (though some employees do)! We are, however, saying that you should be willing to improve. Learning from team members or even employers can make a job way more enjoyable.
8. You’re a Team Player
Like it or not, plenty of jobs come with teamwork. You might not get along with every employee, but being able to work with them regardless shows off those problem-solving skills. It’s also a good idea to boost camaraderie in the workplace.
9. Shows Improvement
Employers always notice when their hires improve. Whether it’s sitting down for performance reviews or building skills on your own time, improvement shows adaptability—and puts you first in line for promotions.
10. You Take Initiative
It’s important not to be too overzealous, but a little initiative goes a long way. Showing you’re willing to go the extra mile, and can handle the change, alerts those around you that you’re something special.
