Ever been forced to pay for a cake or gift for a person in your office that you don't even know? Or worse yet, have you ever been forced to pay for someone else's share?
As we catch up with the our friends in the latest episode of The Temp Life, we find that their officemates are up to their old tricks and trying to pull a fast one on Laura. However, the joke is on them when she doesn't take the bait.
Let us know if you've ever been in a similar situation and how you've handled it. We might even pay you $100 for your story. Want to catch up on other Temp Life episodes? Click here to access the Temp Life channel.
Gadgets are a part of our work lives. Blackberries, Treos, Sidekicks, the list goes on and on. However, constantly being connected is not always a good choice to make. The amount of information that we are inundated with on a regular basis can be overwhelming, much less adding in a constant stream of emails.
One article even suggests that too much email is lowering IQs because professionals are bombarded by so many they are unable to concentrate and focus on work and projects that require workers to focus. Some of The Big Time's regular readers may also recall other posts about workers who never really disconnect while on vacation, because they are constantly connected to email.
Some companies are going to no email Fridays to cut down on the amount of email that is sent and encourage more face to face contact with colleagues. Other companies are working on innovative initiatives such as periods of "Quiet Time" and email programs that filter out unnecessary or redundant email messages.
I myself find that by not having my email open, I can better concentrate on work with tight deadlines or projects that need my undivided attention, resulting in a complete outcome with minimal mistakes.
So think twice before sending an unmanageable amount of email or too many voicemails. Chances are if you are having a hard time receiving an answer, it's because the recipient is too busy playing catch up!
Office gossip and water cooler talk are almost unavoidable. But when does it go too far? Some managers find the rumor mill a distraction and toxic, while others welcome the opportunity to know the inside story where their employees are concerned.
In one article I found, the owner of a small company ended gossip in his office by telling employees that any rumors being spread would be revealed to the person who the rumor was about, along with the source of the rumor.
Certainly rumors can be hurtful and gossip can decrease productivity and employee morale, but when should and shouldn't employees engage in office gossip? Here are a few suggestions:
• Avoid spreading information that starts with "you know what I heard?" or "Did you hear that...?" Usually this means it's second or third hand information and probably has been distorted or is entirely false.
• Your manager may confide in you regarding company news that may not be public. Check with you manager before sharing any information with your team.
• Remember that rumors about individuals can be hurtful and could get back to that person, which could result in low morale. Resist the temptation to join in and mention what "you heard" about someone.
• If you do hear company gossip and rumors about new hires, layoffs, or company changes ask your manager and get the story straight. They may not be able to tell you anything, but they may be able to ease your fears or correct any misinformation.
Bottom line, keep office gossip to a minimum and think twice before spreading it around.
Q: Dear Seymour: I'm considering looking for a new job but I have heard that the holiday season is not a good time to begin my search. Should I wait until the New Year to begin my job search?
- Submitted by Olive Moya, Houston, TX
A: Dear Olive,
Many job seekers believe that it is impossible to schedule interviews with vacationing executives during the time between cutting the turkey and toasting in the New Year. However, what many people don't know is that looking for a new position during the holidays can give you a leg up on the competition.
Although a few executives are out of the office many are looking for a go getter like you. So while other job hunters may be off Christmas shopping, now is the time for you to kick your job search into high gear. Here are six reasons why 'tis the season to go job hunting:
1. In today's competitive business environment companies cannot afford to wait until the New Year to fill key positions. They are aggressively working with head hunters to help them find the right candidate.
2. Many companies have just received budget approval and will be looking to fill open positions in January. There may also be money left from last year's budget from open positions that were never filled, giving companies an incentive to use the money to fill the position or lose it.
4. While there are usually less job postings and want ads during this time of year, the ones that do appear are usually high priority jobs that need to be quickly filled by employers. Since fewer people read and respond to ads during this time, there is less competition than usual, which is to your advantage.
5. Get your name in-front of recruiters or networking contacts by sending them a holiday greeting card. It's a nice way to remind them of who you are and a great way to differentiate yourself from the pack.
6. Do you have a dream list of companies that you would love to work for? Set up informational interviews with executives over the phone or at lunch. Many of them have fewer meetings on their calendars during this time of the year and are more open to meeting with you to share information about the company and the kinds of skills that they value in their employees.
7. This is the time when temporary opportunities abound. You can use a temporary assignment to get your foot in the door and earn some extra holiday cash.
8. Attend as many holiday parties and socials as you can and focus on those events where you are likely to meet other business professionals. More people attend these events during the holiday season which will give you a wealth of new contacts who might aide your job search.
For the majority of Americans, "retirement" no longer means to retire from working. Spherion studies find that 77% of workers plan to work after retirement, even if it means squeezing it in during a round of golf. What are your plans for retirement? Let us know...
Q: Dear Seymour: Holiday season is approaching and while I am generally look forward to this time, every year I struggle with how to handle gifts at work. Do I have to give my boss a gift and if so, what is appropriate? And what about my co-workers?
- Submitted by Debra Blax, Pompano Beach, Florida
A: Dear Debra,
I can assure you that you are not alone in this quandary. Often, "the season of giving" sparks a whole new host of workplace anxiety and questions regarding holiday etiquette. Speaking of etiquette, the queen herself, Emily Post has this to say on whether it is required to give your boss a gift for the holidays: "Generally, no. It could easily be perceived as trying to win favor. However, a pooled gift from you and other employees that isn't too expensive or personal is fine."
It is also wise to check with your HR department to determine if your company (particularly if it is large) has any rules about gift-giving. Some corporate cultures forbid the practice as it can be seen as currying favor.
If this isn't the case with your employer, or for those workers who may have already started a tradition of giving their boss an individual gift, I'd suggest keeping your gift simple, but professional. Now is not the time to purchase boxers or perfume. Fruit, chocolates, coffees, and food baskets are always safe bets. Work-specific gifts such as a nice pen, business card holder or portfolio will also be appreciated. And you can almost never go wrong with a gift certificate to a store such as Borders, Target, or Starbucks.
In terms of cost, don't go overboard. Keeping it well under $50 is a good rule of thumb. Regardless of what you spend, the thought will be far more appreciated than the cash you doled out. Remember, it's the "giving" season, not the "how much did you spend on me?" season.
Last but not least, giving gifts to certain co-workers is your choice. The most important rule to follow is to exchange presents discreetly. Making a scene or a big production in front of others will only create tension. Simply arrange for a holiday lunch or event outside the office.
One of the most important skills a person can possess is the ability to communicate. Whether it's to a client, co-worker or to the CEO of your company, the ability to communicate clearly, succinctly and with confidence is a trait that separates the leaders from the followers.
The truth is, too often someone thinks that they are being assertive when in fact they are really being aggressive. More likely than not, these styles get mixed up unintentionally. This confusion, however, can lead to undesired results.
The main difference between these two styles is that assertive people are firm, but remain polite about it. Assertive people are open to conflicting opinions. These individuals seek a mutual solution that will meet both sets of needs. They work with people to obtain a common goal, not against them.
Aggressive people will do whatever it takes to meet their needs. They communicate for control and usually end up pushing others away. They have the 'my way or the highway' approach to getting what they want. If you have ever worked with someone like this, their inflexible approach to getting things done usually stirs a lack of respect and cooperation from others.
Another differentiator between these two styles is one's body language. Without saying a word, most people are very receptive to what someone is feeling or thinking by their eyes, their body stance, and the volume of their voice. Ever speak to someone that doesn't look you in the eyes? It's not a very good practice, especially if you want to appear confident and trustworthy.
Assertive behavior is a key ingredient for career success. If you are wondering if you're assertive, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer the majority with a 'yes," you're on the right track.
- Can you say no when you disagree?
- Do you look people in the eyes when you are speaking to them?
- Do you consider other's opinions that differ from your own?
- Is your tone conversational, rather than loud?
- Do you wait until others are done speaking to interrupt?
- Do you have open posture?
- Do you participate in group discussions, rather than try to control them?
When is it time to move on from your current job? If you are feeling dissatisfied and unfulfilled, then you should not be expected to stay.
You may want to ask you friends and colleagues for their advice about why you are looking to move on, but they may not be as supportive as you would like. An article in BusinessWeek touches on the subject of job change and seeking advice from colleagues.
Friends and colleagues may or may not be supportive of your decision, and it's up to you whether or not you want to share your plans. But you do want to make sure that you are leaving for the right reasons.
First and foremost, have a clear plan about what you want out of your career. Make a list of five to seven career goals and observe whether your current job is meeting at least four of those goals. If it's falling short of those expectations then it might be time to find a new job.
Second, take time to evaluate the pros of your current job. You may be missing out on opportunities to develop a new skill or career interest that can be cultivated with your current employer.
Lastly, remember that the grass may not always to greener elsewhere. Searching for jobs and transitioning into a new one can be stressful. If you do find a potentially new employer, do your research to make sure it is what you are looking for. It would be a shame to leave a job with stability for a new one that may not be as exciting or fulfilling.
This may be the biggest thing to hit personal branding since it's Fast Company article 10 years ago. Be sure to tune in today to this Personal Branding Summit. The Summit features two concurrent sessions for 12 hours on the topic from a host of amazing speakers. This is free to participate and an opportunity to learn the latest trends in personal branding to enhance your career. You can also find a side-by-side schedule on JibberJobber.
Do ever get the feeling when you work on a project that you are unfulfilled and not quite sure whether or not you make an impact or contribution to your company? If so, chances are you're not the only one.
I came across this article that talks about how employees and managers are often times not on the same page about the "big picture" goals and outcomes of company projects. This can lead to employees feeling burned out and unfulfilled by their job.
If you find yourself in this situation, there are ways around just taking an assignment, doing the work and then moving on to the next assignment.
A good way to become engaged is ask your manager questions about the project. If you don't want to seem that you are prying, try asking questions in subtle manner, such as, "Is this part of the new building initiative I've heard so much about, or an entirely new project?" Also, be mindful of how your team works together and use your intuition as a guide for more insight. In other words, put two and two together based on the tasks that your co-workers have been assigned.
You should also stay in tune during staff meetings, town hall meetings and internal communiqués that may offer clues into the vision and direction of your company. Then, when you receive an assignment from your manager it will be easier to uncover the reasons behind your impending hard work.
Countless numbers of Americans find themselves part of a "sandwich" generation, having to care for aging parents while raising their own children. This situation can take its toll in the form of required time off from work. I'm often asked if an employer can fire a worker for what is arguably beyond their control.
Additionally, now is an excellent time to create a discussion with your HR leaders about flexible staffing models and telecommuting options. Point out what's in it for them (WIIFT). The more flexible their workplace becomes, the less problem retention will be for your employer as the number of employees who share your challenges will increase exponentially over the next few years.
It is important to investigate your options now before your performance at work is characterized as something other than what it is - a growing problem the American workplace must address.
For more on the latest trends impacting mature workers, visit my website: www.AgelessinAmerica.com.
Employee Evolution is a blog dedicated to offering advice to millennial generation workers. A recent post on the site offers six tips for younger workers to establish them selves as professionals despite their younger age and inexperience.
Here are the tips, along with my own observations about how they may help a millennial worker succeed in their job.
1. Be a student of everyone. Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn what you can from the professionals who have come before you. This is a sign of maturity, as well as shows a willingness to be a team player.
2. Write really well. Written communications are extremely important. Emails, proposals, meeting agendas, whatever your assignment, demonstrate a high-level of achievement. Poor grammar and incorrect punctuation may leave a poor impression on a manager or supervisor.
3. Demonstrate leadership. Even participating and sharing your ideas during internal meetings will also show maturity and leadership capabilities. Leadership also means offering support and helping others to be effective at their jobs.
4. Work smarter. This doesn't mean cutting corners, but finding creative ways to do parts of your job more efficiently. Others may also benefit from your input.
5. Show up. Take advantage of those opportunities to interact with upper-management, inside and outside of the office. This will leave a positive impression on your management, and keep you from appearing as a shy, unconfident "youngster".
6. Avoid being an idiot. Dress properly or in the same nature as your co-workers, and avoid using vulgar language, telling inappropriate jokes, leaving before the end of the work day, or showing up late. This will show signs of immaturity and leave a bad impression on co-workers and managers.
Other tips to consider: actively participate in networking with colleagues, share the workload of the team, and always be willing to lend a helping hand to co-workers who may be overwhelmed.
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