Archive for the ‘Career Goals’ Category
Calming Your Job Jitters
29March 2009
The unemployment climate has made even the most confident employees nervous as recently discussed in Inc. and our national study. With workplace stress up, it’s not only your manager’s responsibility to ease your worries. You can take proactive steps to overcome these jitters. As one proverb says, “Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.”
There are a few basic things that you can be doing during this uncertain time. Firstly, do your best every day because really nothing else is in your control. Second, keep busy. Volunteer for tasks that you know need attention. Take opportunities to highlight and deploy your strengths to the benefit of you and your employer.
In addition, there are small yet effective steps you can take to reduce stress during your day:
Personalize your work space with a photo that is funny, endearing, beautiful, or relaxing. Anything that puts your mind at ease — a short getaway of sorts - can be a powerful way to feel good in a flash.While it’s always good to talk to someone with whom who you can commiserate, instead call someone who is guaranteed to lift your spirits during a break from work.
Use positive energy when you’re faced with difficult challenges. Visualize yourself getting through a conflict with a Terrible Office TyrantTM (TOT) boss or peer. Picture a positive outcome. Take it a step further, and despite the difficult employment climate, see yourself getting praise from your boss or even receiving a promotion.
There are ways to take control and not let fears devour your day. Focus on doing great work and surround yourself with supportive people and positive thinking.
Squeaky Wheels and Your Job
28February 2009
Dear Lynn,
I was recently passed over for a promotion after taking over the jobs of two other people - for five months. And the work still keeps coming. I know that in this economy I have to be careful, yet when I look around, I see “squeaky wheels get all the grease,” at least the recognition. I’m more of a “get the job done person” who doesn’t schmooze a lot. But do I need to start being shrewd and manipulative to get ahead?
- Quiet Wheels (Going Nowhere?)
Dear Quiet Wheels,
Squeaky wheels do tend to get more grease, but there’s a fine line between squeaky and screechy wheels, which can fall off! You don’t have to go overboard “working the system,” become underhanded, or anything of the sort. It’s a myth to think that this is how people rise to the top. Besides, if you put a lot of effort into those behaviors, you’ll lose focus of the very (wise) thing you’re doing right now, which is to perform well at your job.
Having said all that, let’s talk about the old proverb, “don’t hide your light under a bushel.” Being quiet or silent about what you do - or how you go about your job can also have its downsides. You have talents that may well be needed, especially now, when companies are trying to do more with less, within departments and even cross-functionally.
Someone recently asked me if it’s true that “if no one sees me, I won’t be fired.” I told him to rethink that, and instead to become indispensable; visible; to volunteer for more projects; even to consider writing articles on his area of expertise for the local business weekly. Here are some other tips I can offer you:
- Stay with the friendly course: be sincere, generous, kind and open
- Demonstrate leadership skills through clear communication and proactive, decisive action.
- Document your successes and share them with your immediate supervisor and other managers
- Find meaningful ways to contribute to the organization through your unique expertise
- Communicate desires as suggestions - and problems as solutions
So don’t be afraid to toot your own horn, but be true to yourself and the job at hand. It might take a little time to get that coveted promotion. The end goal, however, is worth the wait.
Best regards,
Lynn Taylor
More on the Downsized Office, “Surprise Boss”
14February 2009
As I mentioned in my last blog, layoffs are reshuffling people and departments constantly. Many employees don’t know what to expect from day to day, including how this environment will impact their own job duties. Flexibility is the word of the day. But when you have a newly “inaugurated” boss as a result of a downsized office, there are several steps you can take to mitigate stress.
I wrote to self-proclaimed “Jumpy” last time, who asked about such a situation. I’ll take this opportunity to elaborate further. First, realize that it’s common for a new boss to want to know more about the projects you’re working on, and to wonder just how much management you need. (This assumes that micromanagement hasn’t gone into full gear!) Besides sitting down and communicating with your new “surprise” boss about any and all pertinent issues, here are five tips to enhance your job security and career advancement:
1. Have a new employee mindset. Forget the ways that you used to or always did things, or the ways your old boss did them. Pretend it’s your first day. Ask questions and listen.
2. Watch closely how your new manager operates, and ask your peers for information about his or her working style. Observe how your boss interacts with others. Be a sponge. Remember, information is the currency of self-empowerment and a key to your advancement.
3. Be a resource. Go the extra mile and roll up your sleeves. Know that your boss and colleagues are doing the same. This economy dictates that everyone wear more hats - and so become more proactive in helping out where possible. That said, set reasonable limits to maintain your health and peace of mind - or you won’t be of any help to yourself or anyone else!
4. Know that your new supervisor is likely overwhelmed, too, perhaps as a result of assuming the roles of two or more people. The more compassionate, efficient and focused you are, the more indispensable you become.
5. Focus on work. Avoid the temptation to be distracted by, or become involved with, gossip, rumors, politics or fear. Just do good work; it always counts the most.
Big changes in the workplace or in your career are difficult to navigate at first, but if you can tough it out, better times do eventually follow.
Best regards,
Lynn Taylor
My Newly Inaugurated Boss
30January 2009
Dear Lynn,
My boss was just laid off last week. Suddenly I have a new one, who got pulled over from another department, and is now doing two jobs. She’s totally different from my former supervisor, who I loved. She literally stands behind me and watches me work. It makes me sweat! I’m not sure she likes me, and I don’t want to be the next one out. Help!
– Jumpy
Dear Jumpy,
Lately, many people have new bosses due to consolidation and layoffs. Because a number of managers are now responsible for the jobs and duties of those laid off, it can sometimes feel like a “potluck” in terms of who your boss might be tomorrow - only a lot less festive. However, our country has inaugurated a new boss, too, so consider change as “the only constant” - and remember that change can bring opportunity, if you let it. It’s solely dependent on your mindset and actions, especially in the office.
I’m going to address “the sudden new boss” syndrome in my next blog because it’s become so relevant in a downsized corporate environment. But I’ll quickly point out a couple things here. First the good news. On the bright side, your boss may be trying to figure out how much supervision feels right for both of you, because it’s early in the game. But if you’re now being watched 24/7 by a more senior TOT™ (Terrible Office Tyrant) who is evaluating your every move, that’s a different matter. It’s time to diplomatically and constructively speak up - so you can perform your job (and save your sanity!)
If you haven’t done so already, offer to have a meeting with your new boss, maybe over lunch, about how you can best meet her objectives. You may have already addressed more superficial or project-focused matters in an orientation. But your means of collaborating is equally important. Without communicating this openly, it’s hard to be productive. One last bit of good news: you’re not the only one sweating this – which is why I’ll be addressing it in more detail. Stay cool!
Best regards,
Lynn
Got a TOT™? You’re not alone! Dare to share your story at the TOT Blog with other TOT tamers in the making, while Lynn helps you: cope with difficult or childish bosses and office politics, and humanize your workplace™. Post your question for Lynn, and she will try her best to answer it in an upcoming TOT Tamer Advice Column or blog. Be sure to visit the Tame Your TOT™ website.
Turning A Good Job Into A Great Job
31July 2008
You spend over one-third of your day at work if you are lucky! Just like everything else in life, you need to enjoy what you do and that includes work. You probably already feel that while your job may have its ups-and-downs, it’s a pretty good job. However, when you spend that much time at work, you can do better than simply good.
Loving your job means being genuinely happy. It’s much more than trying to muster a smile. In a truly Great Job, you should be enthusiastic about your work. You should feel challenged by your job and you should have opportunities for greater rewards ahead of you (like a promotion or a raise).
Sound easier said than done? It can be, but you know what? You’re worth it! I’ve just posted an article called Turning A Good Job Into A Great Job at the Tame Your TOT site. Take some time and read it over, and think about what you can do to have a Great Job.
Best regards,
Lynn
