Being a diligent worker is a fast way to impress management and leadership. Diligence means being careful and persistent in your work.

Most employees want to be viewed as diligent. If you’re one of them and believe in the long-term rewards of diligence, here’s the secret: conscientiousness. Being conscientious is not a work style. It is an attitude that drives the diligent worker’s behavior. Being conscientious means wanting to do what is right—well and thoroughly.

Here’s your motivation: Diligent workers are valued and easily stand out. If you exercise diligence, you can count on management talking behind your back—and it will be all good talk that builds your reputation.