Keep your personal life in order. Employers are usually sensitive to situations where employees are coping with difficult personal issues, such as relationship or marital problems or the illness or loss of a loved one. But, if you find yourself in such a situation, deal with the issues as best you can or ask for help in addressing them. If you ignore your problems, they re likely to spill over into your work and detract from your job performance. Work smarter, harder, faster.
Accountability is one of the traits that employers value most in employees.
What it means, in the words of one executive, is that you know what needs to be done, and can be counted on to do it right and on time, without constant reminders or supervision. In the process, think of yourself as a consultant, and continually look for ways that you can function more effectively. Another practical strategy is to let people in management know that you re interested in doing more to benefit your organization, and ask if they would mentor you. Learn the ropes from others who have already climbed them. Demonstrate and document value-added.