For those of you who have been a part of the workplace, you most likely know that there is a ladder of seniority when it comes to coworkers and the higher-ups. I have found that it is rather similar to what you’d find in a school setting. There are the Slackers, Minimalists, Average Joes, Old-Timers and Stand-Alones. As I’m sure one could guess, there are different levels of respect and responsibility that come with the various workers. I’ve learned a few things from the various jobs and programs I’ve been a part of, and I’ve found that when it comes to respect, it has to be earned.

One of the most important things in life is being on time. I know that for some it’s a joke, that tardiness is humorous and not a big deal. But trust me when I say that it can have a huge effect on future careers when it comes to dependability. If you are supposed to show up for a shift on the job and consistently arrive 10 to 15 minutes late, your coworkers will never feel comfortable when you offer to cover if they need to call off. There have been many times that my manager called out of nowhere, desperate to find someone to come in within the hour. She knew that if I could, I would be there as soon as possible.

Here’s another piece of advice - whenever you can, try your hardest to do anything your superiors ask of you. I’m not talking about inappropriate favors, but rather anything that can show you’re willing to go the extra mile. A few weeks ago a district manager came to visit one of the places I work, and she asked us to do things slightly different than we were used to. Instead of giving her a hard time, I was willing to change up my routine and do things her way with a smile and an open mind. At the end of it I walked away with a gift card and praise on a job well done.

Try to avoid any workplace drama that you hear about. When coworkers begin talking about each other, trust me: Don't. Say. Anything. The words you say will get back to them one way or another, and even if you think they’re harmless, they’ll most likely be twisted to be negative. This will also come off badly to your superiors as it’ll make them wonder if you question their decisions and are causing unrest among the workers. By never being involved in conflicts, you’ll often gain trust from all the people you work with. It’s better to be a confidante than a gossip.

If you do find that you’re having problems with a coworker, relax. It’s totally normal. Don’t lash out at them, and instead try to dig deep and find a little patience. I’ve found the people I have a bad attitude toward are often the ones I get along with best in the end. Because of the effort I put into being friendly and getting to know them, I usually realize that I misjudged them. Be open minded with the people you are surrounded by - they can often make or break the experience you have at work.

By being dependable, you will become someone who is trusted with unique tasks that allow you to have a more enjoyable experience at work. Your coworkers and superiors will involve you not only in tasks regarding the job, but you’ll find yourself getting to know each other on a more personal level as well. You’ll earn respect through the actions you take toward the people around you. Be open minded and willing to go out of your comfort zone; going the extra mile will often bring positive results.

Good luck wherever your career takes you! I hope this article gives some good advice you can take with you.