My Campus Chronicles
Our college blog dedicated to helping students prepare for life outside of college.
Don Boone archive
Getting ahead and making an impression is more than producing exceptional work and having a positive attitude. It's also important to stay on top of your industry and know your trade.
By showing your bosses and co-workers that you are "in the know", you are showing a responsibility towards your job and investment in the success of your company.
Sometimes, even the most senior members of your company may not be aware of some of the newest trends and news around your industry, so it's helpful to pass these articles along.
Others will appreciate your initiative, especially if you share important articles and news that may help alter the course of the company or at the very least keep upper management in the loop about a looming trend or industry issue.
One thing to keep in mind though - be selective about how many articles you send out. Everyone is inundated with email, so too many messages may become bothersome and go right to the deleted file. So evaluate what is and isn't the most important to send along. Articles, blog posts and podcasts that may be interesting but not earth-shattering, can be mentioned in staff meetings.
Staying on top of industry and business news not only gives you a leg up at your current job, but it can also help set you apart from other candidates during an interview.
Talking politics at work has always seemed taboo. I know my mother always said that there were two subjects she would never discuss in mixed company: religion and politics.
However, one column points out that politics is no longer an
off limits" topic at work.
This can still be a difficult subject, so keep in mind a few pointers when talking politics:
- Stay objective and keep a level head
- Be willing to listen to others' points of view
- Be respectful
- Keep the conversation light
- When all else fails, steer clear of the conversation all together
All in all, as in any conversation, make sure it is a two-way exchange where both sides have equal opportunity to express their views.
I was searching the Internet the other night and came across the following Quick vote poll conducted on the CNN Web site.
Considering the four answer choices:
1. Happiness
2. Satisfaction
3. A headache
4. A paycheck
How would our readers answer the question - My job gives me....?
Let us know your answer choice, and tell us why.
I wonder how many of our readers wear ties to work on a regular basis? What about pantyhose for women? No doubt that the everyday work environment has become more relaxed, but are dress codes still necessary parts of today's workplace?
An article in the Wall Street Journal explored how different generations view work place dress. Not surprising, more mature workers have a more traditional take on dressing for work than their younger counterparts.
Take for example the subject of pantyhose. The article noted that some female Gen X and Y workers admitted that they have never even owned a pair of pantyhose, much less worn them.
True, workplace casual seems to be implied now. But do some workers take advantage of the "perk"? I say yes. Casual is one thing, but slovenly or unkempt is quite different.
To make sure you understand the limits of your workplace dress code, pay attention to your co-workers and try to emulate their style and how they dress at work. If there are varieties of dress, clarify with your manager or supervisor before being too bold in your attire.
I am interested in knowing about the types of work dress codes our readers' have. Do you work in a traditional work environment with more conservative dress requirements, or does your company fully embrace business casual or less? Also, how many managers have had to discuss inappropriate dress with employees? Are dress codes for work still necessary?
I am looking forward to hearing your take on this subject!
The saying goes that it is better to give than to receive. But when it comes to giving constructive criticism, a good manager always needs to know the best way to deliver their comments without hurting others' feelings or self-esteem.
I think that one of the most difficult jobs of a manager is to give employees a critique that is helpful and can be used to improve daily work habits. I recently read a really good article that offers a few tips about how to deliver constructive criticism to an employee. After reading the article, I thought this would be a good place to add to the list and share some insights.
For starters, if your criticism isn't something pressing that effects the day to day, make a note to bring it up during the employee's review. This is always a good time to bring up areas of improvement. Not only does an employee expect it, but it will be during a meeting where both manager and employee are standing on neutral ground.
Second, try to make it a two-way conversation by asking questions. For example, you might want to consider addressing an issue by saying "I noticed you are struggling with XXX, is there anything a can help you with or giving you advice on?" This shows that you not only are you paying attention to your workers' on a daily basis, but by proactively offering support you build trust for workers to approach you when they may need assistance with their work.
Last but not least, ask your own employees where YOU could improve. By asking their opinions, you show that you are not above taking criticism yourself, and it creates a more cohesive team that is better equipped to not only work together, but improve together.
We've all had 'em...the coworker who is angry with the world, never satisfied and does their best to be a pain in everyone's neck.
Some articles refer to these "team members" as toxic. I like to refer to them as bottlenecks. The reason? Usually, productivity is delayed or stopped all together because their attitude causes an inability to work as a team member or contribute to projects in a useful manner. Not to mention their actions can contribute to depleting morale.
So what do you to counter these co-workers?
Start by realizing that some people are just unhappy and will do anything to bring others down with them. It's hard to do, but don't let their poor disposition and attitude bog you down with them.
There is also the possibility of avoiding contact all together, but this could prove difficult if you are placed on the same team as the offending co-worker. If this is the case, remember to tread lightly and don't antagonize the situation.
If all else fails, and this colleague continues to intrude on your work environment and morale, then consider speaking with a supervisor or HR. It's hard when you feel like you are reporting or "tattling" on a co-worker, but more than likely this person is affecting others too.
In the end, stay positive and try "killing them with kindness".
Gas prices are taking their toll on workers, not to mention the escalating price of food. If you are trying to cut back on the expense of fuel, talk to your boss about working from home. Not all companies have this perk, and some companies limit the type of positions that have the ability to telecommute. But, if the option is there it is worth the savings to check it out.
If telecommuting is not the answer, then ask your supervisor if it's possible to work a compressed schedule to take the edge off of having to drive to work every day of the week. It might amount to only one day a week, but it's still a slight cost savings.
One other idea is to discuss with your manager the possibility of incorporating a public transportation pass or allowance into your yearly raise to supplement your gas expenses.
Last but not least, don't forget the value of carpooling. Sharing a ride with others also cuts back on the frequency of filling up, and helps the environment.
Self-esteem and confidence are very important for your career. For some workers, this can be a detriment because too much self confidence can lead to arrogance, and arrogance can lead to conflict with co-workers and managers or even poor judgment.
However, a healthy amount of confidence helps workers succeed. Confident employees are not afraid to express their ideas, or engage in debate about strategy. Most company leaders are in their positions because they had the self-esteem and confidence throughout their career to make the critical decisions that led to advancement.
Yet, some workers have a difficult time having the self-assurance that they can make the decisions and take the chances required to propel them to the next level.
One column offers ideas about how managers can help boost workers' confidence, but what can workers do themselves?
For starters, make a list of your accomplishments and post them in your office or cubicle. This will remind you daily about your strengths and successes at the office.
When a manager or co-worker compliments your work or achievements, take it to heart. You know you work hard, and when someone recognizes it, enjoy it!
Furthermore, if you make a mistake or are reprimanded, keep in mind that no one is perfect, especially at work. So don't look at this situation as a way to crush your ego. Instead, take it as a learning experience that will help you to not make the same mistake twice.
Lastly, the best way to get a compliment and have your work recognized is to give a compliment and recognize others.
I am interested in hearing from our readers. What do you do to boost your confidence at work?
As Spring Break turns into summer vacation, many workers may find that there is a pocket of downtime at the office. One blog post talks about how the psychological aspect of downtime could affect your work day.
Springtime, summer and the holiday season, for many industries, are some of the slowest times of the year. Kids are out of school and vacation begins. These are factors that take co-workers and clients or outside contacts out of the workplace.
It can be difficult to maintain your productivity level when you could be relying on others who are out of the office for a week, to complete your work projects. But, just because there's a slowdown doesn't mean that it's time to play solitaire on the computer, or take two-hour lunches with your friends.
Downtime can be an opportunity to get organized or offer your help to other co-workers who may not be experiencing a slowdown at the same time or in the same way you are. It's also the perfect time to tackle some of those administrative tasks that may fall through the cracks during heavy workload periods.
How do you deal with downtime? Share with us some of your tips for staying active in the workplace during a slowdown.
A recent survey garnered a lot of attention in the media by reporting that nearly one-third of workers have slept on the job! That's a lot of employees catching some zzzz's when they should be working.
The survey, conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, reported that on average workers receive 40 minutes less sleep than what they need to be most effective on the job. This may be bad news, and dangerous on the job, if you are one of those workers lacking sleep.
Some companies have recognized that their workers may be punching out later and later at the end of the day. So they allow workers short naps during the day to help them catch up or revive their energy.
But what if you're not working for one of these employers? Getting caught sleeping on the job could result in a serious reprimand or dismissal altogether. So what do you do if you feel your body is too tired?
It may difficult to change your sleep patterns, but there are simple things you can do throughout the day that might help you get a better night's sleep.
For one, watch your daily caffeine intake. We all know that tired workers rely on coffee to help jump start their day and keep them going for the long haul. But too much caffeine may be prohibiting you from a restful night's sleep. Try decaf or cutting back. It may be difficult at first, but in the end you might find it's worth it for more sleep.
Second, consider exercise or yoga to boost your energy. Having more energy to burn during the day will help you sleep better at night. Also pay attention to your diet. You might be eating foods that are high in protein or sugar late at night that will prevent you from going to sleep at a decent bedtime.
Also, listen to our body. If you feel run down, you will not be productive. You could also be opening yourself up to cold and flu season. Your employer gives you time to take off. So take it. Even if it's just to catch up on some sleep!
I recently read a blog post about looking for and landing your second career opportunity. The first job you work out of college will be your entrée into the career world. A glimpse of what's to come. Although it isn't a full education about workplace, it is a stepping out of the college life and into the career life.
Your second job, however, will set the stage for future endeavors and employment opportunities. Your second job can certainly be the most critical leap for your career. So what should you do to make sure the job search yields the best options for job number two?
The blog post points out the importance of updating your resume with the experiences from your first job. So there is lesson number one. Make sure that you are squeezing as much skill development and learning out of your first employer and job experience.
Secondly, take your networking to the next level. Make sure that you are joining professional industry organizations where you can interact with experienced workers, get advice on choosing your next job, or perhaps getting a lead on a job opening.
Also, be prepared to start utilizing your own instincts and taking more of a proactive role in choosing the right next step. When you start to interview for second jobs, ask questions about the company's culture, values, and workplace environment. Would you be a good fit? You should also consider asking how employees with your same level of experience are mentored so that you can continue to grow and acquire more skills.
Your second job should be viewed as the time when you get serious about your career. It's when you take what you have learned and start applying it more independently to projects and tasks.
So, take care when choosing your next employer and get ready to jumpstart your future!
Losing your job can be a terrible experience, and the psychology behind it can throw you for a loop. If you are fired, at least you can come to terms with it by assuming some of the responsibility and changing a behavior that may be trouble at work.
But if you are laid off from your job, it may be harder to come to terms with it and you could find yourself asking nagging questions about why you were chosen and not others. Even though you know it's not because of your abilities, the fact that you were chosen to lose your job leaves you feeling helpless and out of control.
Heeding the advice of professionals who can help you land on your feet will certainly keep you motivated to stay in the job hunt, and not be discouraged.
Should you lose your job through a lay off, remember to tap into your network and stay on top of job opportunities. Seek guidance from career counselors or try a staffing firm to uncover opportunities.
You may have to be patient, so if the hunt looks like it will take longer than anticipated consider a part-time job so that you can keep your head above water financially, but also stay in the habit of working.
Best of luck job seekers!
I once worked for a manager who intimidated me to the point where I was nervous to work on her projects. She was personable, fair, well-respected and everyone held her in high esteem. So my anxiety about performing up to her standards left me intimidated and unsure about my abilities.
Then, one day we had an office lunch where we all laughed and shared stories about work and our lives, and I realized that she was just like everyone else. From that day forward, I realized that I had created most of my anxiety because I was thinking of her only as a boss and not as a person.
As a recent blog post points out, bonding with your boss can be easier than you think. Finding commonalities are as simple as listening to office banter and paying attention to how your manager or supervisor spends their free time. And remember, they have superiors too, and they know what it's like to try and develop a rapport with a higher up.
Now, don't expect to make them your best friend by sharing intimate details about your cousin's bad break-up or the painful root canal that needed extra medication. Keep conversation light and simple to ensure that you don't say too much. Losing your professionalism while developing a comfort level with your boss could be detrimental to your image or career path, so be selective about how much you are willing to share.
Once you take the first step, you might find out that you have more in common with your superiors than you think!
We all know the feeling- the end of the work day is approaching and the clock couldn't possibly tick any slower. You're exhausted from an 8+ hour work day and have a "to-do" list with never-ending errands to run. Well before you rush out the door into a sea of traffic jams and shopping cart congestion, consider this. Why not ditch your daily routine and join your co-workers and other professional colleagues for happy hour?
Not only is happy hour a laid-back place to enjoy appetizer's and drink specials, but it is also a great opportunity to chat with your co-workers in a more personal setting and to network with potential employers if you are considering a job change. Experts suggest that by simply socializing at the occasional happy hour, you greatly increase the potential to advance your career within your organization and beyond.
As a junior-level employee or job seeker, happy hours can potentially facilitate social and professional relationships with senior level executives and provide you with unique insight into the company's culture and into your industry that you may not have experienced in a more formal, workplace setting.
However, there are some important guidelines to keep in mind when casually rubbing elbows with co-workers, company executives and potential employers:
• Be sure to check your individual company's policy on social drinking. While some organizations may sponsor social work events where alcohol is present, others may seriously frown upon this activity.
• Always remember that just because alcohol is served, that does not mean it is a requirement. Keep in mind that you are at an office function and should not drink in excess.
• Maintain a demeanor that is professional, appropriate and respectful by paying attention to what you say. Save your personal problems or spreading gossip about colleagues for your friends.
Happy New Year! The mad dash to the holidays has ended the new year is beginning. Now is the time when we all make those resolutions to start 2008 off on the right foot. You know what I am talking about... lose weight, call your mother more often, shop less, read more. There are hundreds of them.
But what about turning your focus on your career? In the spirit of Baby New Year, here are my top five career new year's resolutions:
1. Learn a new skill. This is one that can not only enrich your career, but your personal life too. Better ways to communicate and team building/participation are two ideas to start with.
2. Develop new responsibilities. Many times, posts on the Big Time focus on getting ahead in your career, and that means more responsibility. This is the time of year to focus on doing it, instead of just thinking about it. No new responsbilities on the horizon? Find one that fits your expertise and go for it!
3. Become a leader. How may times have you sat in a meeting and wondered who was in charge of the project? Maybe you are that person who can provide guidance and structure to your team or company. Go ahead and take the reigns.
4. Volunteer and network. Need to jump start your career search? Get out there and find an organization or group and make new connections and friends. Not only are you developing a career network, you may be helping your community while you're at it.
5. Find that work/life balance. You know who you are. You work 12-hour days and have "Blackberry Thumb." This year, try to take time out for yourself and don't get too caught up in the rat race. Not only will you save your sanity, you might also be nurturing your productivity at the same time.
Those are my suggestions for new year's resolutions. How about our readers? Do you have a 2008 goal for your career? We want to hear about them.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could network with industry colleagues on site at a company that could one day be your employer? That's the new trend in the technology industry thanks to one industrious, former Google employee.
As one article describes, this former Googler returned to one of the Company's cafeterias for free lunch with friends. Then the idea came to him: why not check out companies while enjoying a free or reasonably priced lunch at the same time. Now, that idea has turned into a group dubbed Lunch 2.0, and they network regularly as various companies' cafeterias.
This is a bit of a radical idea, but it has transformed networking nationwide with positive results. Now if you think the only way to network nowadays is to sneak into corporate cafeterias and score a free meal think again. Networking has changes in all sorts of ways, from rubbing elbows in cyber-space to the tried and true industry organization event. Consider creating your own networking events. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Develop a "speed networking" event to be held at a local restaurant or night spot. Similar to speed dating, this would allow professionals to try out their elevator speech and develop several new contacts for jobs.
- Organize a group of professionals who share interests outside of work. Maybe a beach or parks clean up committee. The idea is to get to know people while sharing a common interest.
- Design an event with a personal touch. Maybe a bi-monthly, themed dinner event that includes a recipe and business card exchange. And encourage "regulars" to bring someone new every time so that the network continues to grow.
Networking doesn't have to be the dry, uninviting event of yesterday. Put some thought into it and make it a fun event that keeps people interested in returning.
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.
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.
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.
Career change has been a huge topic for conversation. Two recent articles that I found about making a career change, "Preparing for and Making a Career Change" and "Ten Tips on Making a Successful Career Change," both offer advice and tools on how to change careers, and the topic has been discussed on 'The Big' extensively.
But what I would like to discuss is from the first article, "Preparing for and Making a Career Change," which provides reasons for why workers want to change careers in the first place. They are:
1. For some people, staying in the same job for too long of a time is unthinkable.
2. A 'career midlife crisis.'
3. Dissatisfaction with the current employer (this could be a variety of reasons).
4. Boredom.
5. Lack of feeling fulfillment or accomplishment.
While these are all sound reasons for wanting to change a job or career, I can't help but wonder if some of these reasons are areas that workers can improve at their current employer.
For example, take number four - Boredom. We all feel that our job can become stale, but this may also be a symptom that you are not stepping up and doing more to challenge yourself. Don't be afraid to speak with your manager and ask for more responsibilities, or to take on more projects. This could also be a lead in to help out with symptom #5 too.
Overall dissatisfaction may not be something that can change for the better, but a 'career midlife crisis' may be. After a few years of working, you might find yourself at a crossroads for reinvention. Perhaps now is the time to hone your skills in other areas, differing from your current responsibilities. Also, check out options for job-sharing or internal internships that cross train you for a different position.
Changing careers is certainly an option if you are unhappy with your job or employer, but having the opportunity to reinvigorate your career may also just be at your fingertips.
If you aren't already a fan of NBC's "The Office," I highly recommend that you check it out one Thursday night. The premise: hi-jinks at a branch office of a paper company. You can check out a fellow bloggers' top 10 scenes from The Office or search "The Office" on You Tube.
Some speculate the reason this show is so popular is because employees wished that their own work environment was as fun, or funny, as the one at Dunder Mifflin Inc. (the name of the show's fictional company).
Me? I think it's been a breakout hit because it mirrors some of our own co-workers (the brown-noser, the know-it-all, the prankster) and work experiences (a visit from corporate, diversity training, office birthday parties), adding funny elements, even if a bit exaggerated.
What I also like about "The Office" is that it also presents cases of what NOT to do, and how NOT to act in a real work environment. Funny as the episodes and situations are, the bottom line is that the antics that take place in the show, are completely inappropriate for a real office environment.
So how do you keep things light without crossing the line? Easy. Get to know you co-workers and their personality on a more social level. At staff meetings, suggest a monthly office lunch where everyone can get together and unwind, even for an hour. Or, periodically go out to lunch or after work happy hours to get to know your colleagues better.
Work isn't meant to be a "laugh a minute" way to spend 8-10 hours a day and collect a paycheck. But it also doesn't have to be a buttoned-up, nose to the grindstone four-walled box either.
School is back in session, and for many college students that means choosing a major that may or may not impact their potential for future career success.
There appears to be a debate as to the relative importance of a graduate's major to their career advancement. According to some in the industry, college majors are not all that important to determining whether or not you are qualified for an entry-level job. Still, others agree that college majors are very important, especially for first time job seekers.
A recent post on Secrets of the Job Hunt titled "College Kids: Your Major is Important" reveals survey results of top employers, where the number one most important consideration when hiring entry-level employees is the student's major. My take is that the importance of a student's major largely varies on a case by case basis. For example, students planning on a career in the field of medicine or electronic engineering may fare better with a related major. For others with aspirations of being in sales, a specific major may not be as important.
Although you do not necessarily have to know from your first day of college what major you are interested in pursuing, you should have a good idea by your second full year. Typically, the first year of college is focused on basic, required skills to graduate. But, once you are ready to start your sophomore year, that's when it becomes very important to choose a major and stick with it.
Usually, those who enter college have some basic idea as the type of career they are interested in pursuing. So when choosing a major, remember that in some cases, it may be the first step towards choosing your career path.
Salary negotiations can be difficult for anyone. I just saw a recent Career Solvers blog post that suggests there are differences in how women and men negotiate for increases in salary. It includes information from a Washington Post article and recent research by Carnegie Mellon on the topic. It also offers advice including how to develop relationships with the HR department, and tips for establishing a comfort level for future salary discussions.
Regardless of gender, salary negotiation can be a difficult conversation. The key is to make sure that you can reasonably show HR why you deserve a pay increase. Here are my suggestions:
- Keep a running log of all of the projects that you have worked on throughout the year, outlining your involvement and the outcomes.
- Conduct industry research for your local market and determine if you are fairly compensated for your experience and position.
- Check your job description to see if you have exceeded the responsibilities or have added to them.
- Determine a list of career goals and objectives that you would like to accomplish. This will show HR that you are planning ahead and looking forward to a future with your company.
Preparing for salary negotiation will make you feel more comfortable about setting a meeting with HR, and give you the confidence to speak about what you believe you deserve. Of course, this is a negotiation, so you will also need to be on a look out for HR to counter with their offer. Here are a couple of tips to handle the counter:
- Know what you are willing to settle for in regards to negotiation.
- Think about alternatives to salary. Maybe more vacation or a flexible schedule would be another area to negotiate for compensation.
- Have questions prepared for the end of the conversation. Some may include: What do I need to do to reach this desired salary bracket? Can I renegotiate in 6, 8 or 10 months?
Also, for more tips on negotiating total compensation packages, check out two other posts on the topic. Remember, hard work and dedication deserve a fair salary. You've earned it. Now all you have to do is ask for it!
Ahhh, the office party. When I hear office party I immediately think of the many "parties gone bad " thrown by none other than Michael Scott of The Office. We often hear about the do's and don'ts of attending an office party. In fact, I ran across a great post on College Recruiter that has some sage advice for party goers, specifically how to avoid embarrassing mishaps that can occur either sober or post alcohol-consumption. If an office party is around the corner, check out the post for reminders like make sure you attend, limit alcohol intake, dress appropriately, and don't brag or brown nose.
More interesting to me is whether or not employees actually enjoy going to office functions, such as the holiday party. Spherion conducted a survey recently on this very topic, and found that more than half (58%) of workers say it is not important to them that their employer has an annual holiday party, and 46% do not feel obligated to attend such an event.
I've often wondered how many workers would rather have their company take the budget amount allocated to such an event, and instead evenly divide that amount in the form of cash bonuses to employees. Or, instead of one big holiday party, use it for smaller "happy hour" parties throughout the year? Where do you stand?
Recently, a writer with the Detroit Free Press wrote an article about the growing trend of free-Internet cafes taking the place of office environments. The story ran in a couple of different newspapers, which is obviously a sign that many cities are witnessing this trend.
The writer points to a couple of reasons why more workers are using these cafes as their office spot. Among those reasons include free office space and the influx of coffee shops that are showing up on every street corner. But is this trend productive and cost-effective?
For starters, the coffee craze is popular but expensive. Today, consumers are paying $3 and $4 for a cup of coffee. If you are one who enjoys working in the coffee shop environment, you could be spending $20 a day out of a feeling of obligation to the barista. That's easily $100 a week! You might find that working from home is more cost-effective.
Also, you could be saving gas money by walking to your neighborhood Internet-café as opposed to driving to your office. But are you also missing out on social interaction with your co-workers? This could be a detriment when it comes to raises, promotions and reviews. Your productivity may also be called into question more so than when you are working from home.
As with most things, I think this practice is one best suited to moderation. Every now again, opting for a hot cup of Joe and a nice warm coffee shop instead of a cold commute into the office certainly isn't going to impact your career significantly. Unless of course, you're a financial planner or a lawyer conducting business that should be confidential in a crowded venue. That's a no-no.
What about some of our telecommuting readers? Have you ever stopped into an Internet café and spent your "work at home" day there instead?
Last year, Apple Co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs presented the commencement speech at Stamford University. His inspiring address to the students focused on taking risks in life, and embracing the failures and triumphs that go along with it.
After viewing his speech on YouTube, I began to think about the risks, failures and triumphs with my career, and I thought about that one defining moment when I experienced all three.
I was just out of college, learning the ropes and not all that comfortable yet with making a decision on my own. Then the day came when my manager was out of the office, and wouldn't you know, a client called needing assistance with filling an open position immediately.
The idea of making a decision about the terms of this engagement, without someone telling me what to do paralyzed me, but I had seen seasoned recruiters flawlessly handle their clients, and I desperately wanted to develop that type of insight. So, I went for it and handled this staffing engagement on my own, second guessing myself, but feeling as though I had finally earned my place and would gain the respect of my co-workers and manager.
The only problem, I had a missed a crucial part in negotiating the terms with the client. I felt terrible, and not only did I fear what my manager and colleagues thought about my abilities, but I was afraid I had lost credibility with the client.
But, at the end of the day and after beating myself up about the situation, my manager walked up to me and said how proud she was that I took the initiative and tried to handle the client on my own. It showed her that I had the confidence to try something out, even if it didn't turn out 100% correct. Now I knew what to do the next time.
It was a learning experience that I will never forget, and as a result of taking the risk, failing, but learning from my mistakes, I feel that I am not only a better employee, but a better mentor and m
