Rumors and the grapevine are a common part of the workplace. But they can be a very negative part of the workplace too.
Not only are rumors and gossip a distraction to worker productivity, but they can also be hurtful to person or persons who are the target of stories and rumors. As one article points out, rumors in the workplace are on the rise due to uncertainty about jobs and the financial health of companies.
Although some, and I do emphasize "some", gossip can be healthy and an outlet for venting, constant gossip can be detrimental to your credibility as an employee. Some severe cases can include dismissal because of a no tolerance policy about gossip in the workplace.
With layoffs and job losses at an all time high, the office rumor mill can churn out innuendoes and tall tales based on fear and anxiety. Some rumors may be true, but others could just be fear and uncertainty talking.
Office gossip can be quite enticing to listen to and even participate in spreading around to close friends and colleagues. But it isn't advisable to be a part of the rumor mill and gossip circle. If you become known as a gossip monger, you could lose credibility among your managers and co-workers - especially if the rumors turn out to be false.
It would probably be worth it to stay "in the know", but you have to learn how to filter out what is and isn't true, and don't let it interfere with your work productivity or quality.
Many employees are terrified of making mistakes. Either their managers make them feel afraid of making a mistake, or workers put pressure on themselves not to make mistakes for fear that they could get fired or be looked over for raises and promotions.
It's true that some mistakes at work can be detrimental to your career, but sometimes even the biggest regrets don't have to spell doom for your career. Take it from some of the hottest rising stars in business. This article shows that even the most successful professionals can recover from making mistakes at work.
Often times, the smartest person in the room is one who has made mistakes. It may not seem that way at the time, but "screw ups" are the best ways to learn lessons, and trust me, those are lessons that you will never forget.
There will be times that workplace mess ups will result in loss of trust from colleagues or managers. However, if you establish your reputation as someone who is typically making the right decisions and solid in their work ethic, your mistake recovery time will probably be shorter than those who are error prone.
Blunders that are grounds for dismissal could include losing your temper and using profane language, making errors that result in the loss of a client or major account, saying something inappropriate to co-workers or lying to your boss, just to name a few.
The bottom line is that if you take your job seriously and are conscientious about your work product, you can make a mistake and have time to make up for it and save your reputation. If you do make an error, own up to it and take responsibility for correcting it.
The new norm for many workers is looking for jobs where they can transfer skills, or having to retrain to learn new skills and earn new certifications to land a job in a different line of work.
Beware of this strategy - not because learning new skills is a bad idea, but because you have new qualifications, doesn't mean that you will find a job in a different field right away, as one article points out. The key is to stay patient, and not become discouraged.
Check out a few other stories of workers' experiences with retraining programs. How about some of our readers? Do any of you have retraining stories to tell? Was it a positive or negative experience? Did retraining help you find a new job?
Have you ever been in a team brainstorming meeting, and another co-worker has used your idea to present to the manager?
As frustrating as this can be, it is an unfortunate team dynamic that happens. One article that I read illustrates how you can turn a situation like this around to you advantage.
If this does happen to you, try not to get angry. Approach the perpetrator in a manner that does not accuse them specifically. Say something like, "Let's talk after the meeting about the details, I have plenty of ideas to compliment this one since we previously discussed this matter brainstorming."
Be subtle about how you approach a colleague, but let them know that you remember the idea they gave was yours. These days, workers are concerned about showing value to their employer, and are willing to do anything to show it.
Try not to think about it as stealing ideas. Some experts believe that ideas are meant to be shared for the brain trust of the team to explore and expand upon. This is for the betterment of the team and ultimately the bottom line of the company.
If it truly bothers you to have someone stealing your ideas and using them as their own, then hold back some of the big details to share with the team when the manager is around. That way, you can share your idea, and provide some of the "wow" details.
Karen Valentine has more than 16 years of experience in human resources and outsourcing. As Director of Solutions for SourceRight Solutions, she devises and implements coherent HR strategies while improving internal processes and procedures. Karen has a bachelor of business in HR from Deakin University in Australia and has lived and worked in North America for more than11 years.
1. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search? Recruiters can connect you to job opportunities that you otherwise wouldn't know about. They can also assist in 'selling' you to the hiring manager. They offer guidance on how to present yourself and advice on how to win the job.
2. Is it OK to use more than one staffing/recruiting agency at a time? Yes. However, you have to be respectful and honest with your recruiter to make sure that they are kept in the loop on other opportunities that you have been presented for. You don't want a war of which agency was the first to refer you.
3. What trends have you been seeing in the job market? I am seeing a lot of consolidation. Merger and acquisition activity is currently underway, affecting the availability of jobs in this economy. However, there are some promising growth areas due to government policies, consumer demand and economic conditions that are making way for job creation. These new and/or expanding opportunities lie with companies that are involved with: Biotechnology; Construction and Engineering Services for Infrastructure and Government Projects; Health Products [including Health / Organic Foods]; Health Services; Energy Conservation / Renewable Energies; and Cosmetics Manufacturers.
4. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously with hiring decisions? All job offers need a certain level of consideration to ensure that you can commit to the role. However, don't hesitate for too long or someone else will move in. Also remember that the early stage of your career is the best time to explore career paths and take chances.
5.What is the one thing you recommend candidates steer clear of during an interview? During the initial interview it is great to ask questions about the business based on your research in order to showcase your interest. But asking questions about where you will sit, what sort of a computer you will be getting, etc. sounds like you are under the assumption that you will get the job. Also avoid asking questions about vacation time or other company perks; it can leave a bad impression about your level of commitment. It's important to remember you are on a interview and trying to impress your prospective employer.
6. What types of things can candidates do to distinguish themselves from the pack? Structure your approach like a marketing campaign. Research opportunities before they become publicly advertised. Do your homework on the company that you are applying for; personalize your approach in letters and conversations using your research. Most importantly, do homework on yourself. It is important to make sure that you are prepared to answer questions and demonstrate your capabilities. For example, it is a good idea to name your strengths and be prepared with examples of how you have put them to use.
7. What do you enjoy most about your job? Problem solving. I really enjoy working with our clients to understand their needs and deliver creative and achievable solutions to meet their business requirements. The process is always a great learning experience. Plus, I get to meet interesting and diverse people along the way!
I was surprised to read an article about the graying of the workforce, and how few companies provide for the needs of this important sector or the workforce. In the past 10 years, the major concern for employers was how to shore up knowledge gaps due to the impending retirement of the baby boomers. Now that the boomers and older members of the workforce have continued to work, employers seem to be forgetting they have needs too.
There is much emphasis on recruiting younger members of the workforce, and what employers need to do to attract these tech-savvy, philanthropic-minded, emergent workers. But older workers, who still possess the knowledge and experience that their younger counterparts don't have, are looking for opportunities for training and flexibility as well.
When you consider the boomer generation and the responsibilities they may have at home, such as taking care of elderly parents, flexibility would be a key benefit for them.
And what about training? The attitude of some companies is - "why spend money to train employees who may not be with the company for the long haul?" In reality, most workers over 50 are preparing to work well into the 70's and even into their 80's. So instead of having them lag behind, why not give them the tools they will need to be productive?
Each year, AARP publishes its list of the Best Employers for Workers Over 50. The companies listed are all representative of those that are doing their part in maintaining a healthy, happy mature workforce. So managers and executives take heed, and stay tuned into ALL of your employees' needs.
Still believe that doctors and lawyers are making the most money? Think again.
According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, those who major in areas with a strong focus in math can look forward to having the most lucrative careers.
One article lists the top 15 earning degrees, which include engineering, science and technology degrees.
So if you want to earn a top salary, sharpen those math skills and look in to pursuing one of those top degrees.
A recently released CareerBuilder survey reveals that more workers are arriving late to work - at least once week - more often this year than last.
The most cited reason why workers show up late is heavy traffic, followed by a lack of sleep. The bottom line is that it's workers' responsibility to get to work on time. It is as much part of the job as meeting deadlines.
Every once in a while, showing up late to work is unavoidable, but when it becomes a habit, that is unacceptable and behavioral changes need to occur. If your employer's policy on tardiness is a strict one, you could be in danger of being overlooked for promotions, or worse, even lose your job.
If you are habitually tardy, own up to it and be prepared to make changes to your routine. Traffic an issue? Then wake up 15-20 minutes earlier to beat the rush. Oversleep? Monitor your caffeine in take and don't have any too late at night. Need to iron your clothes? Do so the night before.
These are small changes that can be made to your daily routine, but the biggest change may nee to be your mindset. Once you get away with being late, it's easier to be late again and again. If you set your mind to being at work on time, then you have a better chance of turning your tardiness into punctuality.
I was watching the news the other day and saw two stories in one broadcast about the economy. One story was about how the job market is struggling and many employees are still in danger of losing their jobs. The other story was about a rebounding economy and job growth being just around the corner. Huh?
With all of these conflicting stories, what are we supposed to think? It can be down right mind-boggling, and cause anxiety.
So here are my quick tips to beat recession talk burn out:
1. Take in the news, but do not hang you hat on any one story. Bottom line - it's been bad, but there are positive signs that it's getting better.
2. Keep your nose to the grindstone. Don't worry about what could happen, focus on what is happening right now and do your part to stay productive at work.
3. Go a head, have a coffee break. Stressing yourself out and staying stuck to the cubicle is going to make you less productive. Take a break by going on a walk or getting a cup of coffee.
4. Avoid the office hen house. You know, the colleagues who spend a good part of lunch or break time hashing out the rumor mill about layoffs and office closings.
5. Stay positive. Easier said than done, but having a positive attitude is sometimes all it takes to have good things come your way.
There are many reasons people sometimes take leaves of absences from work--having a child, illness, taking care of a family member, or continuing education are just a few. Whatever your reason for taking a break, there are several ways you can make sure that your transition back into the working world is a smooth one. Here are some pointers on how to reenter the workforce without feeling like you've missed a beat.
Try to stay in the loop.
Ask your boss or coworkers to start copying you on emails and meeting minutes a few weeks before you return. Knowing what's going on, even if it's just a part of the big picture, will keep you from feeling clueless on your first day back.
Stay sharp while you're out of the office.
While you are on leave, keep up with current trends and developments in your industry and profession. Subscribe to e-newsletters or trade magazines and check out online news sites. Consider taking a professional development class or two, which will boost your resume and your skill set.
Keep up with colleagues.
Stay active on professional networking sites, and keep going to professional organization meetings. Attend alumni events and other company social functions. The more you stay in touch with people, the easier the transition back to work will be.
Be confident.
There are many reasons people need to take leaves of absence from work. Whatever your reason for absence, remember to be confident in yourself and your abilities when you return to work. Don't feel the need to apologize for your absence. You want the spotlight to be on your good work and skill set, not on the reason you left.
Work-related stress is part of having a job, and during tougher economic conditions, that stress may be magnified. Not only is the workplace itself stressful, but colleagues (including yourself), could be dealing with personal stress as well.
So how can you handle the stress without losing your mind? Here are a couple of tips:
Take time off - Getting away from the office and having a little "me time" is the best way to beat the stress blues. Some workers are concerned about taking time off during a tough economy, but taking a day or two for a long weekend may help relieve stress.
Make lists and check them twice - Keeping organized and staying on top of your tasks can help keep stress at bay. Feeling organized can help compartmentalize your responsibilities, relieving anxiety about what's on your plate at work.
Confide in someone - "Venting" frustrations can be a great stress reliever. Most people do not want to be seen as a complainer, but confiding in a close friend or relative can unburden your mental state of mind and is healthier than keeping it to yourself.
Decompress or indulge a hobby - All employees could use a little down time. When times are tough and stress becomes overwhelming, remember to take time to unwind. Work in the garden, read a book, meditate or just take a hot soak in the bath to help you decompress from a hard day at the office.
Work-related stress can happen during economic ups and downs. Letting the stress get to you can result in losing your focus, your temper, and in most extreme cases, your job. It's important to learn how to manage your stress levels so you can maintain a harmonious work and personal life.
Technological advancements seem to be at an all time high. New tools, new Web sites, new lingo. It can make your head spin, especially if you didn't grow up in the technology age.
As one news report from NPR explains, new technology is creating a divide between the multiple generations in the workplace, especially between Gen Y and Baby Boomers, leaving Gen X to bridge the gap.
Because most upper management in a company are from the Boomer generation, it may take longer for them to understand the value of social networking and hi-tech gadgets that can keep you connected 24/7.
On the other hand, younger generations seem to be programmed to stay connected whether they are in the workplace or not.
The older generation believes this casual connecting at the work contributes to decreased workplace etiquette. The younger generation believes that their senior colleagues just don't understand.
Bottom line is that technology and social networking are not going away. So it's important for companies to create some barriers to maintain a balance, such as creating social media policies and guidelines, developing technology training so that all employees can keep up.
"A recent American Staffing Association study found that nearly half (43%) of workers surveyed had turned their temporary job into a permanent one. There's no question that taking a temporary job can lead to full-time work, but you must make your intentions known! Don't be shy about sharing your goals of a permanent position with your coworkers and supervisors."
I was at dinner with friends this weekend when one of my friends, who works in art education, was discussing how she handles some of her volunteers. I told her how good she would have been as an HR professional and she agreed, then lamented a bit about if she knew then what she knows now.
This conversation had me thinking about how many people continue to work jobs that they may enjoy, but could be much better in other positions that they have discovered along the way.
So here's some advice - it's never too late to consider a career switch. Some employees probably never indulge their hidden or newly-found talents in the workplace because they may need different degrees or levels of training. But you can try to make a switch without it being too painful or too involved with new degrees and certifications.
First of all, check out if your company or organization offers internal internships that would allow you to job shadow colleagues in the department or position of your choice. This will provide a "real life" preview of how the job function operates, and what the responsibilities entail.
You can also speak with managers and human resources to see if there is room for you in another department. If you are willing to take a pay cut, you might be able to take an entry-level position that would give you some training, and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement to take course work that will help set your new career in motion.
In some cases, companies may pay for a new degree or certification if you give an employer a commitment to work for them for a set amount of years after you receive your degree.
So don't be afraid to discover a new career, even if it's not what you intended to do. It just might set course for you to do what you love, and love what you do.
This year, many workers are choosing not to go on vacation because of the economy. But the stress and pressure of worrying about personal financial situations and job loss, can be a lot to handle.
Even if you don't want to spend money going out of town, it is very important that you take your vacation time to relax and get away from the office.
Take the time off to do those things around the house, or around town, that you wouldn't normally have time to do while you are at work. Visit a local museum or art gallery, or go to the movies in the middle of the day.
Use the time off to try a new hobby or rearrange the furniture in your house. Think about planting a garden, or learning how to cook a new meal.
The point is, in spite of economic conditions, don't neglect your vacation time. Be sure to take advantage of the time that you have coming to you. It is important to take time away from the office and relax...just also make sure to turn off the cell phone and laptop while you take your time off.
Listen up, managers. According to one article, this year companies are cutting back on deploying employee satisfaction surveys to save money and because the poor economic environment have left companies fearful of what their employees might say about them.
If your company is not issuing satisfaction surveys, beware. In many cases these are the only outlets for employees' voices to be heard and the loss of them could be a cause for depleted morale.
You can help your team express their opinions and frustrations, without the use of a survey. If your company has suspended surveys or other opinion gathering methods, allow your team to vent frustrations or provide suggestions for improvement in staff meetings. That way, everyone on the team can be involved feel as though they have a hand in making change.
If you prefer a more intimate approach, create an employee suggestion box where workers can provide feedback and opinions anonymously and without the fear of backlash from coworkers and colleagues.
Without an official survey, workers may feel isolated from top management. So encourage your team to make regular one-on-one appointments that would allow them to speak directly with you as their manager. This will ensure that they are in a position to privately communicate any concerns or ask questions about the company, its performance and their own job status.
Employee satisfaction surveys can help shed light on how a company is performing in the eyes of workers, but it also serves as an outlet for workers to express their concerns and provide feedback in the hopes of effecting changes within a company. Without them, workers could feel that their opinions do not matter and quite possibly contribute to morale issues and eventually problems with retention.
President Barack Obama's stimulus plan has allocated $40 billion to invest in the development of green jobs. That is, career opportunities tapping into companies' commitment to "go green."
Interested in a change of pace? Your skills may just fit into the green jobs movement. Check out some career options here.
What's really neat about a green job? Not only will you be doing something that is helping the environment, but many experts predict that this is an area that will continue to grow.
In Recruiter Q &A, experienced Spherion recruiters discuss the latest trends in the job market and provide advice on making the most of your job search. This month's recruiter, Andrea Dickinson was recently promoted to client service manager for Spherion. Andrea has been in the staffing industry for six years and enjoys NHRA drag racing, camping, cooking and gardening in her free time.
1. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search?
When you use a recruiter in your job search, you have someone that works with you from start to finish. A good recruiter will work to develop rapport and trust with you. It is also likely that the recruiter may have worked or done business with client companies that you would like to work with. Recruiters can also give great advice on resume writing and interview tips to job seekers. One of the biggest advantages in working with a recruiter is the added assurance that you are going to be a good fit with the client company once you are placed.
2. What skills are most in demand today?
The skills that are most in demand today are trade skills, management skills, computer skills and communication skills. Also, being versatile and having transferrable skills is a key selling point in today's job market.
3. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously with hiring decisions?
It is important to understand it is a tough and competitive job market. Before interviewing with a company, practice your responses to questions and act out possible scenarios. Do your research and learn as much about the history of the company so that you will be prepared to ask and answer key questions about the company's culture and objectives. Share examples with the interviewer of your experience and contributions while working for a previous employer.
This will help to distinguish you from other job seekers by showing that you have a vested interest in the position and can illustrate how your skills can contribute to the company. It is also always a good idea to attend as many networking events as possible and join social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
4. Looking back over the many resumes that have fallen on your desk, which resume faux pas stands out the most that you would urge candidates to avoid?
Under no circumstances should you ever include a photo or detailed personal information on your resume. It is unecessary and irrelevent!
5. What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the satisfaction and gratitude I receive by finding someone not only employment, but the next step in their career path.
The past couple of days have produced some positive news regarding the recession and the economic recovery. Now the talk of job recovery has crept into the media. This is really good news, especially those who have been out of work for weeks and months.
If the news is true and the job recovery has begun, here is a check list of must dos in preparing for the search:
- Make sure your resume is up to date and in order, listing your most recent experience and skills.
- Start making connections by networking and meeting professionals and peers in your line of work.
- Stay in touch with those from your last place of employment - they may be able to hire you back.
- Practice your interview skills and consider taking a couple of course to refresh or learn new skills.
- Get your interview clothes in order.
- Pound the pavement. Don't just rely on job boards and web sites, make personal visits to companies and visit job fairs that will surely become more and more frequent if the job market is turning around.
Also, take a minute to make a plan of action. Outline the type of job you want and narrow in on industries or employers that most interest you.
Q: Dear Seymour, My company is about to go through a merger and my coworkers and I are fearful of this change. Any advice on how to best cope?
- Submitted by Tom Blaine, Lexington, Kentucky
A: Dear Tom,
Mergers seem to be on the rise, and many people are experiencing those same feelings. Fear is a natural initial reaction to merger news. However, there are some ways you can ease your angst by better preparing yourself for whatever the future brings.
Research as much as possible.
Many times, the sole source of fear is a lack of understanding, and a lack of understanding stems from a lack of information. Take some time to research the company you will merge with. What does it do? How does that compare with what your company does? Learn about the markets each is involved in, and stay sharp on related business news. This could help you understand what is really going on in your business and help you see what lies ahead.
Do a self evaluation.
Think long and hard about your current role in your company. What is it that you really do? Make a list of these things and why they are important. While you may not encounter a direct evaluation from someone in your company or in the merger company, these evaluations will happen eventually and it will be better if you are prepared with solid answers and a substantial, relevant task list. Think about what you offer that no one else does, and make a list of accomplishments so you can easily answer to how you contribute to the team.
Make some new friends.
One difficult aspect of mergers is the influx of new people. They might not understand "how things are done" at your business, and you might not understand how things are done in theirs. In some ways, this feels just like being a new kid at a new school and there might be a lot to learn. When training sessions for new systems are offered, go in with a good attitude and be engaged. Not everyone will be able to approach change this way, and it will set you apart as a great worker.
Above all, stay calm! Don't let fear get the best of you. Educate yourself and maintain a good attitude, and everything will turn out fine.
Q: Dear Seymour, I was recently asked to take a pay cut with reduced hours, which I gladly accepted because others in my department were laid off completely. However, my boss still expects me to stay after hours and work more than my part time schedule is allowed. What can I do? Should I keep working as they want me to?
- Submitted by Anonymous
A: Dear Anonymous,
Many companies are asking staff to take a pay cut and reduce their hours in order to cut costs and keep from having to lay off employees. However, if you have been asked to take a cut in pay and hours, while others are still working full time, you should not be expected or asked, to work more hours for less pay.
So that there is no misunderstanding, work with your manager or managers to design a schedule that is agreed upon by everyone. Focus on details, for example, make it clear that if you are asked to work a couple hours longer than scheduled, you will work a couple hours less the following day to make up for it.
It will take a few weeks for everyone to get used to the new schedule, including yourself, so you may want to ease in to it at first, or create a schedule where you are in the office everyday, but cutting back on hours at the beginning or end of the day.
If you feel that you are being taken advantage of, approach your manager and remind that you had to take a pay cut in order to stay on. You may have also found part time work to help make up for income lost, so let them know that you are still a team player, but need to supplement your income.
When all else fails, you may need to seek the advice of your HR representative. This would be a last resort, but if you have tried working with it out with your manager and they are still expecting you to work a full time schedule with less pay, you may need to let human resources know.
The recession has been tough on many workers, but new studies show that men were hit the hardest by layoffs and downsizing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women may soon, for the first time ever, be the majority in the workforce, which means there will be a role reversal not only in the workplace, but at home too.
Not only will women be expected to take on more responsibility at the office, but their role as wife and mother may change as well. One article points out how the family dynamic may forever be changed due in part to this recession.
For years, women in the workforce have worked to achieve more status and made strides in breaking the glass ceiling, leading to a demand for more work/life balance. Now that their male counterparts have been hit hardest by unemployment, they might also be faced with taking on roles that are traditionally thought of as female.
Some experts believe that this role reversal has a silver lining. There have been other times in history when women have taken on being the dominant members of the workforce. But unlike those times, this trend might be one that continues.
What do some of our readers think? Has anyone experienced this trend first hand? Let us know your thoughts.
Q: Dear Seymour, What's the Best Way to Move on After a Layoff?
- Submitted by Don Jackson, Commerce, GA
A: Dear Don,
While a layoff may seem like a completely negative event, blessings can often come in unpredictable disguises. There are lots of ways to handle a layoff so it won't seem like the end of your world.
Leave gracefully.
If your time to leave the office comes, make sure you do so graciously. You don't want to be remembered for making a scene or doing something worthy of office gossip that will survive long after the current economic downturn. Write a polite email to coworkers wishing them well, make sure they have your personal contact information, and ask them to stay in touch.
Don't drop off the map.
Keep in touch with your former coworkers. Send them updates on how you are doing, and ask how they are doing. Remaining on friendly terms with people is a great way to maintain relationships, but it is also a great way to foster valuable networking relationships. A friend of a friend could be your next best job lead. Send out regular e-mails, mail holiday cards, and remember birthdays. Just staying in touch could land you your next job.
Reevaluate.
It's possible that being let go could be what you've actually been hoping for whether you have realized it or not. Have you dreamed of starting another career or business venture, but just never had the time? Want to go back to school? Now is your chance. Embrace the opportunity to not just move on, but to begin something new.
Use your time well.
After a layoff, people tend to have a lot of time on their hands. Use this time not to feel sorry about yourself, but to be productive. Don't just spend your days just cruising job postings online--hunt for jobs out in the real world with real people. Join a professional association and attend meetings. Volunteer for a local charitable organization. Attend alumni events from your school. These tasks could contribute to your job search in a big way because they all involve networking, which is the best way to find a job.
Take a break.
Don't let yourself get obsessed with job hunting. Take a break every so often and do something fun or something that renews you. Go for a walk, get some exercise, cook something new, or visit with friends. Celebrate the great things in your life instead of dwelling on what's over. Move forward with your head held high.
Most of all, remember that a layoff isn't the end of the world. You will survive, you will move on, you will find something new. Everything is going to work out if you keep a clear head, a positive attitude, and an optimistic spirit.
Friendships in the workplace are valuable. They provide you with the socialization that is sometimes necessary to break up the day and make the work environment more pleasurable. Workplace friendships can be life long, or they can be fleeting. Check out this article I found about workplace friendships for more insight into the subject.
Friendships can be very important, but be aware of the positives and the pitfalls.
Pros of workplace friendships:
- Offers confidants for advice or to "vent" when you need it
- Provides each other with an ally you can rely on when you are out of the office
- A friend in need is a friend in deed - in case of emergencies, you have someone who can cover for you
Pitfalls of workplace friendships:
- Competition with raises and promotions could cause hard feelings
- Don't let friendships become a distraction by neglecting work tasks at hand
- Be discreet about sharing personal information in the workplace - save those conversations for weekend excursions
Becoming friends with co-workers and colleagues can be rewarding and during these more challenging times at work, friends at the office can be a welcome relief. Just be careful that your relationship doesn't cloud your judgment as to what your main priority is at work.
With all of the news about layoffs and lost job opportunities, there are still industries that are hiring. A recent Big Time post pointed out some of the top employers in the country that are currently hiring. They include health care systems and hospitals, technology and accounting. But how can you go from a career in manufacturing to a job as a nurse?
With the economy down, now tends to be the time when workers consider going back to school to earn a different degree. The main concern is how to afford schooling, not only financially, but personally.
No doubt your lifestyle with change drastically. If you have children and household responsibilities, you will need to have help from a spouse or family member. You will also need to have a quiet, comfortable space where you can study and complete homework.
Financially, there are many opportunities for student aid. Many people believe that financial aid is for high school students, but the reality is that there is no age limit on student aid. You could also be eligible for scholarships through professional organizations.
Remember, if you are interested in pursuing a new career be sure that you are mentally ready for it. Returning to college is a huge investment personally and financially. Unless you are 100% committed, you could be wasting your time and money.
As a manager, one of the first tasks I had to learn was how to delegate assignments to other team members. This wasn't always easy for me. I tend to be a "take charge, I'll just do it myself" type of employee. But as my role continued to expand, I realized that I had no other choice but to delegate some responsibilities to others.
I came across this article that provides ten tips for delegating. These are all helpful and certainly should be taken into account when assigning duties, but here are a couple of my own that I have picked up along the way.
First, don't delegate tasks to just anyone. Some employees will be more astute and responsible than others. Whether it's attention to detail, or negotiation skills that are needed, choose the right employee for the right task.
Delegate the most important assignments to employees who are ready to "level" up. This will put them in the position of thinking at a higher level and give them the experience they need to get to the next skills set.
Don't delegate and then assume the assignment was taken care of. Yes, you want to trust that your employees have fulfilled their work responsibilities, but ultimately you are still accountable for the project's completion. So follow up, not as a micromanager, but just to ensure they didn't have any questions, or needed any additional instructions.
Finally, be sure to spread the wealth around. It will be natural to have one or two employees who you continuously rely upon to get things done, and get them done right. But you don't want them to feel that you are taking advantage them, or have other team members feel that you favor them over the others.
For many employees, the title they receive means more than the salary they make. It is a sign of stature and significance within an organization. Some employees will even accept a title change or "increase" if salary bumps are not feasible.
Some may ask why a title is that important, but I can tell from experience, for some employees a title can be the difference between feeling stuck in the same old job, and infusing a little enthusiasm into the mundane.
Even something as simple as a "dressed up" title can motivate employees to feel better about their current job responsibilities. Although "executive office manager" is still the same job as "receptionist", it can be a morale boost to that employee.
However, some titles today are silly and can be down right confusing. "Chief Education Officer" is still probably in charge of employee training and development, and one article even mentions a "vice president of cool"...whatever that is.
The key is to not be over the top when assigning new titles. Yes, they can bring a sense of pride and stature, but be careful not to make a mockery of the job, or the person, attached to them.
The latest edition of Fortune magazine features its annual Top Companies to Work For. This year's edition is timely with its content about the struggling economy and job market.
One of the features includes tips for keeping your job, a list of do's and don'ts advice for employees who fear being laid off.
Do's include: taking credit for a job well done, staying late and arriving early, and volunteering for more work.
Don'ts include: asking for a raise or promotion, being too high maintenance, and not fitting it to the workplace.
Also, consider these tips:
- Do be productive and use your time wisely.
- Don't multi-task to the point of making mistakes.
- Do be a conduit for good information.
- Don't assume you know the right answers. Your assumptions could be wrong.
- Do find new solutions to old problems.
- Don't keep status quo.
Keeping your job is never a guarantee, especially when times are tough, but you can put your best foot forward and give your boss a reason to throw away your pink slip.
I recently read an article about junior employees as change agents within their company. But what exactly is a change agent? When I think about employees I would consider change agents, those who come to mind are employees who offer well-thought out ideas and solutions, as well as those who show follow through. But what about junior employees who are just getting their feet wet in the workplace?
Junior employees have a couple of hurdles to jump over if they want to be considered change agents in their company. To begin with, some more mature workers will view junior employees as inexperienced, leading to trust issues. This may or may not be a fair assessment, but it could be reality. So you will have to gain trust in order to be viewed as any more than an entry-level or junior employee.
You should show enthusiasm for your ideas, but don't be too quick to jump the gun on your ideas. Temper your enthusiasm before moving ahead with suggesting your ideas. If your enthusiasm and excitement cloud your judgment, you could be setting yourself up for failure if your plan is not well-thought out.
As hard as it may sound at first, don't be afraid to disagree with colleagues. It is intimidating at first, but don't underestimate your ideas or ability to contribute to a conversation or meeting. You may have thought of something that no one else has. So don't be afraid to show your "know how" and offer alternative ideas.
Without asserting yourself and expressing your ideas, as well as developing a level of trust among your colleagues, it will be difficult to move up the ranks and be viewed as more than a junior employee. And remember, you always want to be viewed as an employee who is a level higher than you are.
For newly graduated employees working at their first job, there are plenty of learning opportunities. Learning how to conduct yourself in meetings, when to contribute and what to contribute; learning how to interact with your boss; learning more and more about your career through experience, the list can go on and on.
But, one the most surprising learning curves may be how to get along with and work with colleagues from differenet generations. Entry-level employees will have colleagues ranging from 25 to over 60 years of age. If you are an entry-level employee, you will probably have more in common with those who have one or two years of experience, but you cannot expect to only work with those you have something in common.
So how do you bridge the gap between yourself and a colleague who may be in their 40's, 50's or 60's?
First of all, you have to remember that when you enter the workforce for your first professional job, there is a "pecking order". More than likely, your manager is going to be 20 and possibly 30 years your senior. So you will need to master the manager-employee relationship off the bat. This is a situation where you can feel comfortable asking more mature colleagues their advice. Life and work experience are a tremendous value that more mature employees can offer entry-level workers.
Secondly, take a cue from workers who have tenure at your company. Pay attention to how they interact with other colleagues and clients. Don't mimic their mannerisms completely, but do take time to understand their tone of voice, how they dress and the manner in which they conduct themselves throughout the work day.
Be sure to take their advice and not be offended if someone pulls you aside and points out behavior you could improve upon or stop altogether. If it's your first job, you are not going to know everything from the get-go. Much of the workplace is about learning as you go. Thank them for their support and appreciate the fact they are telling you before the wrong behavior can result in a big problem with your manager.
Don't forget to give something back in return. As an entry-level, younger worker, you probably have more technological skills than your more experienced counterparts. Offer to help them understand some of the newer technological advancements, and pitch in where you can, especially if you have colleagues with children who look like they could be burning the midnight oil.
"Asking for a raise during a recession is not out of the question for deserving workers. What should be out of the question is asking for a raise without the backup or proof that you deserve one. If you don't ask, you won't receive. Just be sure to do your homework in determining your market value and contributions to your employer before you "raise" the idea."
Q: Dear Seymour, how do I ask for a raise during a recession?
- Submitted by Bill Green, Nashville, North Carolina
A: Dear Bill,
Economic recessions are tough, and they make asking for (and getting) a raise even tougher. Most companies are tightening belts and watching spending much more closely. However, there are a few strategies you can use to make a convincing argument for the pay increase you feel you deserve.
Most of all, remember to be confident.
It's important to be willing to market yourself. You are your best advocate, so don't be timid. Being respectful and unpretentious is key, but it's okay to openly discuss your accomplishments, talents, and work ethic. Sell yourself as a vital member of your team and the company.
Have some supporting statistics.
When your boss asks why you deserve a raise, be ready to answer. Prepare to have proof of why you're a head above the rest. How have you helped the business develop? How have you improved the bottom line? What ways have you contributed that set you apart?
Set a formal meeting.
Don't ambush your boss with a sudden request for a bigger salary. You boss won't be able to give you his or her full attention unless you request a set meeting time where you can discuss the matter directly in privacy.
Be realistic.
Think about what you are worth as well as what your job is worth to you. Be reasonable when you decide what salary to ask for. If possible, research your company's negotiation process and procedures.
Consider job hunting.
A job search could help you in several ways. You never know--you might find a wonderful opportunity that you didn't know about before. Another job offer could also give you the leverage you might need to swing a pay increase. But beware, because this tactic could backfire if you are not prepared to leave your current job.
We have all been there. The feeling of exhaustion and tiredness at work has crept into everyone's cubicle or office now and then. But you never want to show the outward signs of being too tired to perform your job.
Your reputation is on the line every day at the office. Whether it's the quality of your projects or the manner in which you conduct yourself in meetings, you always want to make a good impression.
But if you are dragging into the office and unable to stay focused because you feel tired, you may be giving your manager a reason to call your ability into question. And that can lead to being passed up for promotions and even termination. So what can you do to inject some life back into your work day?
A blog post I recently read specifically points out what to do when you feel too tired at work. But I think it's important to find out why you are so tired in the first place.
First, you may not be getting enough sleep or have interrupted sleep, which is common for adults. If it's more often than the occasional night when you toss and turn, you may need to consult with your doctor in case you have a sleep disorder, or need assistance with falling and staying asleep.
You should also monitor your diet. Are you drinking too much caffeine during the day or too close to bedtime? This could be the culprit to having "crashes" throughout the day, or having interrupted sleep at night.
When you feel that you are getting tired at work, take a break and go for a walk. Not only will the exercise give you an endorphin rush, but the fresh air and sunshine help pep you up as well.
Also consider the type of work you are doing. Are you stimulated and engaged, or do you find your workload boring and mundane? Talk to your manager about taking on more responsibility or tweaking some of your tasks so that you can learn additional skills. Your boss will certainly be impressed by your willingness to learn and do more, and you can be energized by new and exciting work.
Given the state of our current economy and a not-so bright outlook being predicted for 2009, more and more workers are finding themselves unemployed and trying to keep their heads above water in one of the toughest job markets in history.
In light of this situation, many employers are scaling back on their employees' salaries in an effort to help conserve jobs and avoid layoffs in quick reaction to this economic slowdown.
If your employer is considering or has already decided to make salary cuts, here are some things to consider during this transition:
- Timeline. Ask your employer to explain where cuts will take place, how often they will be made and how long they will last so that you have a clear idea of what to expect.
- Benefits. It's important to find out if the reductions will impact just your salary or your benefits package as well. For many families, living without benefits is non-negotiable.
- Room for Growth. Take this opportunity to evaluate your future with your current employer. If your stuck in a dead-end job or just feel that your priorities don't align with your company's, now may be the time to consider making a job transition.
- Rebound. Will your company be positioned for growth once the health of the economy improves? When the economy does turn around, it's important to know when and if you can expect your salary to return to it's pre-existing level.
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to accept a pay cut. While each worker will likely have a unique set of circumstances to consider when making this decision, it is important to review all aspects of the salary reduction and the impact that will be made on your personal situation.
The New Year is always a good time to take an "out with the old and in with the new" attitude. A recent Big Time post focused on New Year's resolutions that were work oriented. But one article I came across discussed chronic work bad habits and how to break them.
Some of the worst work bad habits are due to complacency or lack of oversight, and can be anything from being late in the morning to conducting too much personal business on company time.
In order to correct bad habits, you have to identify what they are and be honest with yourself about being guilty of them. Keep track of everything you do throughout the day and make a mental check list of how often you do it.
Breaking bad habits can be tough, but once you get into the good habit it will be as easy to keep up as the bad one. If you always seem to be 10 minutes late, set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier. Are you moved to balance your checkbook at 11 am or 3 pm? Instead use those times to catch up on email.
Starting off the New Year on the right foot can mean great success for you in the long run. Not only can you focus on breaking bad work habits, but now may be the time to start skipping out on mid-morning cigarette breaks, or the late-afternoon snack run.
Each year, everyone makes the same New Year's resolutions: lose weight, exercise, clean the house more often. The list can go on and on.
If you are tired of making the same old tried and true resolutions, take a new approach this year and try to make your resolutions apply to work. Here are my top New Year's resolutions for the workplace:
- Be more organized. Start small and then grow into a well-organized machine. Maybe now is the time to create folders for old emails, or develop a filing system.
- Conduct better meetings. Find one pet peeve that makes meetings inefficient, and work on correcting it.
- Be a better colleague. This is an easy one that everyone could use some room for improvement. - Take your vacation. It's becoming harder and harder, but this year plan ahead and make time for yourself away from the office. - Turn off the cell phone, blackberry and lap top. This one goes hand and hand with vacation. Technology is great, but you have to shut down so you don't burn out.
Getting ready for the holiday shopping crunch? You aren't the only one. Have you added your boss to your list of gift recipients? If so, here are a couple of tips for holiday shopping etiquette.
Buying a gift for your boss may be more stressful than buying for the aunt who has everything, or the brother who had an interest in nothing. When it comes to your boss, remember these three rules:
- Don't over spend
- Don't get too personal
- Don't assume you know what they like
Instead of guessing, think back to some of the casual conversations you have had with your boss. I am sure in passing they have mentioned hobbies, or interests that would be appropriate gift ideas.
If you can't think of something specific, stick with items that are generic, but useful. Nice picture frames or a pen set would be thoughtful and can be used at home or in the office. Smaller offices may also want to consider a large gift from the entire office - perhaps a gift certificate to a nice restaurant, or for their favorite store.
So as you embark on the trip to shopping malls and are making your list, go ahead and add your boss. Just check your choice twice to make sure it's the right item to give from employee to boss.
As a manager, one of the first tasks I had to learn was how to delegate assignments to other team members. This wasn't always easy for me. I tend to be a "take charge, I'll just do it myself" type of employee. But as my role continued to expand, I realized that I had no other choice but to delegate some responsibilities to others.
I came across this article that provides ten tips for delegating. These are all helpful and certainly should be taken into account when assigning duties, but here are a couple of my own that I have picked up along the way.
First, don't delegate tasks to just anyone. Some employees will be more astute and responsible than others. Whether it's attention to detail, or negotiation skills that are needed, choose the right employee for the right task.
Delegate the most important assignments to employees who are ready to "level" up. This will put them in the position of thinking at a higher level and give them the experience they need to get to the next skills set.
Don't delegate and then assume the assignment was taken care of. Yes, you want to trust that your employees have fulfilled their work responsibilities, but ultimately you are still accountable for the project's completion. So follow up, not as a micromanager, but just to ensure they didn't have any questions, or needed any additional instructions.
Finally, be sure to spread the wealth around. It will be natural to have one or two employees who you continuously rely upon to get things done, and get them done right. But you don't want them to feel that you are taking advantage them, or have other team members feel that you favor them over the others.
Q: Dear Seymour, I am having trouble obtaining suitable employment because I have a felony from 1990. Even though I have a BA degree in Marketing from an accredited business school and 8 years supervisory experience in this field with an excellent record of achievement, doors are constantly being slammed in my face. Please advise.
- Submitted by Don
A: Dear Don,
It sounds like you have the experience needed to get your foot in the door with other employers, but something isn't quite working. This is a question that has been asked before, so you are not alone in combating this issue.
Since it sounds as though you have been employed elsewhere, it may not be your criminal record that is keeping you from finding a job. To be sure, you may want to contact someone you have interviewed with in the past, and ask them point blank. If it's not the record that's holding you back, it may be something else that you can correct and make you a more qualified candidate.
If the record is the issue, you may want to consider having your record sealed or expunged. If this is something you haven't tried to do, I would first try to take that route. Another is that you have to accept any job, even if it's outside of your expertise. Building a successful track record on the job may be what you need to move past your record.
Furthermore, try contacting your local or state employment office, and ask if there are any programs that may help ex-offenders re-enter the workforce.
Hope this helps, and let us know how the job search goes.
Many workers will take time off for holiday shopping. Some companies are closed the day after Thanksgiving, which gives employees time to indulge in the annual shopping tradition known as Black Friday.
But this year, retail studies predict that online shopping on the Monday after Black Friday will increase due to merchandise and shipping discounts. Many people avoid the malls and crowds the Friday after Thanksgiving, but now more than ever with a down economy, people are looking for the best deals on holiday items.
This brings us to the topic of online shopping during the workday - should you, or shouldn't you? The anticipated deals that are offered through online shopping on Cyber Monday, may be too good to be true for some, but employers will be losing money on productivity if too much shopping takes place on company time. However, if employers put their foot down it could cause an already jittering workforce to become hostile.
Company equipment and time are almost never allowed for personal use, but check your employers' policy about computer and Internet usage. Typically, managers and employers will turn a blind eye, but if your company is strict, you could be shopping at your own risk.
However, workers are allowed breaks and lunch hours that can be used for whatever you choose. If you do plan to take advantage of those online deals do so on your time during the work day.
So happy shopping everyone, but do so responsibly.
When employees quit a job, they are typically ready to finish their last day and get out. After all, there are reasons why workers quit and when the time comes many just want to leave the experience behind.
But if the company requests you provide an exit interview, I encourage workers to participate. Exit interviews provide HR departments the important feedback needed to address management or process issues that may be the cause of hostility for other employees as well.
The following article offers a couple of tips to help guide workers through the exit interview process. But the most important tip I can offer is to remember to be constructive when providing feedback.
If workers are angry, they will not be giving constructive feedback on their work experience. But what employees do not realize is that the exit interview is their opportunity to have the last world.
Exit interviews are the time for workers to purge themselves of the positive and negative experiences of their work environment. Whether it's a management style or department structure, letting HR know why you are leaving without bad-mouthing anyone or anything will make workers part of the solutions instead of adding to the problems.
It probably won't come as a surprise that many employers are canceling holiday celebrations this year due to the current state of the economy. In many workplaces, once-upon-a-time luxuries such as open bars and elaborate entertainment acts are now a thing of the past.
While it is not unreasonable for companies to become a bit more conservative this year, it is still important that workplace morale still exist.
In many situations, perception is just as important as reality. The same goes for a company's year-end celebrations. As a member of the working world, you likely aren't living in a bubble, immune to the realities of our uncertain economic times. I encourage you all celebrate the holidays this year in a more modest fashion.
While the holiday party decisions made by your employer aren't in your control, here are a few things you can do as an employee to ensure this holiday season is just as festive as ever:
- Substitute sit-down dinners with your colleagues for lunch or light appetizers
- Instead of hiring outside caterers, prepare the food internally
- Stick to beer and wine versus an open bar
- Distribute hand-made cards and small gifts
- Instead of giving out individual gifts, participate in a White Elephant gift exchange
- Pool the office together to do an in-house talent show versus hiring outside entertainment
The last installment of our series on "Recession Proofing Your Career" is here. Our last tip is to make yourself transferable. The current labor and economic environment has helped to slowly erode the traditional "vertical" career path, where workers often feel stuck in or required to begin and end in the same industry or profession. Now, workers are free to pursue a more acceptable zig-zag approach to building their career.
At the same time, employers are looking for workers who can make the greatest impact on the job. That means, can they deliver value to a wide range of initiatives or departments? Do they have skills that can be transferred across the organization? If you desire more job security, building your transferable skills will help accomplish that goal.
Here are four broad areas of transferable skills you should develop:
Communicating. Take writing or speech classes, or join a debate club. The better you are at communicating with people, the more valuable you'll become.
Evaluating and planning. Improve your ability to identify and solve problems, through research, allocating appropriate resources, creating innovative solutions, etc.
Interpersonal Skills. This is different than communicating with others. Honing your interpersonal skills means you've mastered the art of conflict resolution, motivating others, and generally knowing how to listen and support people around you.
Leadership. Effective managers are hard to find. The ability to supervise and mentor others is extremely valuable. Work on building your delegation, coaching and management skills.
Check out Employee Factor for additional advice on building transferable skills.
During this time of economic and job uncertainty, workers are not necessarily feeling confident in their personal situations. But today, I came across a rare article about workers who are genuinely happy with their careers, even during rough times.
So which professions do these content employees work for? The article I found mentioned a top 10 list of the following:
Talk about running the gamut of industries! But what I find most interesting is the that a couple of the professions listed may be perceived as difficult (special ed teacher) or dangerous (firefighters). With this article, however, is proof that these careers are not only viable options, but the reality is that those who work in these fields are satisfied with their job choices.
I am curious to know how our Big Time readers feel about their career field (not necessarily employer....there's a big difference), but their career field. Let us know if your industry isn't listed above, and whether you consider yourself happy. And, for those considering a new career, check out some of the suggestions above, you might just find your calling, and find contentment at the same time.
This latest tip in our series on "Recession Proofing Your Career" is all about how to become a thought leader. What exactly do we mean by that? Well, a thought leader is someone who infuses new ideas into old processes or old beliefs. He or she is known for applying new or innovative approaches whenever possible. And, these forward-thinking workers are highly valued and sought after by today's employers. So how can you begin to establish yourself as a thought leader? Read our tips below, and visit Employee Factor for even more sage advice...
Be patient. The basis for thought leadership comes from experience, so be aware that for some workers, it can take some time to establish yourself. Try focusing on your ability to speed up the learning curve.
Change the company you keep. Establish new friendships and professional relationships with other thought leaders. Find people who enjoy brainstorming, discussing developing trends, pursuing innovation.
Read and Write. Begin by reading materials about becoming a thought leader. Then, start reading as much as you can on your subject of interest or profession. Make sure you write down your thoughts, reactions and insights about what you've read. Try blogging, submitting byline articles to media outlets, or starting a book. Capturing your ideas by writing is the foundation for becoming a thought leader.
Try your hand at speaking. Seek out opportunities to speak at trade shows, conferences, professional association events, or at your local chamber. When you learn to effectively share your point of views or philosophies, you will start to establish yourself as a thought leader.
Building a reputation as a thought leader or visionary within your organization, may be the most effective way to recession-proof your career.
The third in our series on "Recession Proofing Your Career" is an often overlooked and undervalued strategy - managing your boss. Unless you hold a CEO position at a private company or you are your own boss, you're likely being managed by somebody. And if you are like most workers, you probably think this is a one-way street... they are the boss and therefore, they manage you. However, it is possible to effectively manage your boss and increase job success. Here are some valuable tips on "managing up"...
Manage your boss' time. If you consistently require a lot of time from your boss, he or she will be more inclined to view you as a detriment, rather than an asset. Make sure your time is largely dedicated to supporting them, not the other way around.
Point out solutions, not problems. There is nothing more refreshing for a boss than an employee who knows when to alert them to an issue and in the same breath offers several solutions. Putting thought into how to solve a problem before addressing it with your boss demonstrates that you look at things from their perspective and makes you highly valuable in their eyes.
Become trustworthy by avoiding surprises. Trust develops when a person's behavior and results are consistent and predictable. Make sure your boss views you as trustworthy by regularly delivering on promises you've made and not surprising them with bad news. If you feel you can't deliver on a project, discuss it with your boss as soon as possible to reprioritize or set a new achievable timeline.
Remember, bosses need to be managed too. Doing so can have tremendous results in not only protecting, but ensuring, your career success.
With companies asking workers to "do more with less," these days, chances are you already work hard. But are you working smarter? Our blog partner on this series, The Employee Factor, has weighed in on just how to do this, so check it out. We too have outlined several strategies and skills you can put to work to boost your productivity. All of which will go a long way in protecting your job.
- Work on highly visible assignments. Volunteer to work on assignments that are attracting attention from those who count at your organization.
- Be an efficiency champion. Suggest changes to improve efficiency and help figure out how to make those changes happen. Essentially, be an agent of change, not an obstacle to it.
- Improve your multi-tasking skills. The key to effective multi-tasking is organization. Try prioritizing your to-do lists. Before leaving work at the end of the day, list all the tasks that need to be accomplished the next day so you can hit the ground running in the morning. Use tools such as a desk organizer to keep track of deadlines. Use a speakerphone or phone headset to free your hands to do other things while you talk.
- Work on time management. Net surfing, reading emails, co-workers who pop in to chat or making personal calls are time bandits. Save net surfing for after hours. For emails, set blocks of time specifically to manage email messages. Let co-workers know that unless their needs are an emergency, you'll speak with them later during a break in the day. Reduce distractions that absorb your time.
- Know the time of day you are at your best. Use those better periods of the day to spend on the toughest tasks you need to accomplish. Leave the easier ones for the times when you are less energetic. For example, if you are a morning person, try to knock of your most challenging items on your to do list.
Q: Dear Seymour, I have a new boss; how do we start off on the right foot?
- Submitted by Jackie Merrier, Asheville, North Carolina
A: Dear Jackie,
New beginnings can be very exciting, but they can also cause some anxiety. It's good that you're looking ahead and already thinking about how to begin in the best way possible. Here are some tips to help you start out right.
Give your boss a chance. Remember to keep an open mind when you meet your new boss and when you start to work with him or her. You might get along right away, but if you don't, try to be patient and focus on the positive.
Remember that everyone loves encouragement (even your boss). Your boss might feel just as strange about the transition as you do, and a kind word can go a long way. After you have worked with your boss for a few weeks, it's a good idea to give them a hand-written note and perhaps a small token to say that you've enjoyed getting to know them and working for them. You can even point out a particular situation that you thought they handled well or something they did that you appreciated.
Forget the past, move to the future. New ways of doing things are usually difficult to adjust to, and it might be easy for you to look back to the way your former boss did business. However, it's important to keep an open mind. You might be surprised at what you'll learn.
Be constructive, not critical. If there are things your old boss used to do that you just can't let go of, you could schedule a meeting to politely suggest the positive aspects of how certain things used to be done. Remember to be constructive, not critical.
Focus on doing a great job no matter who you work for. No matter who your supervisor is, make sure you always do your best. Having the right attitude and knowing you are doing a great job is its own reward, and even if you and your new boss don't see eye to eye on everything, great work rarely goes unnoticed.
Remember that the boss is the boss. Even if you don't love everything about your boss, it's important to remember to always be professional and respectful. They are in a position of authority, and they also do your performance reviews. Being disrespectful could ruin your career.
I'm sure you and your new supervisor will get started on the right foot. Just remember to keep an open mind!
It's no surprise that in today's competitive workplace rampant with layoffs and restructurings, hard work or keeping your nose to the grindstone is no longer enough to remain recession-proof. You have to make sure your employer knows you are working hard.
The people who breathe a little easier now-a-days are the ones who find ways to be seen and heard. They don't wait to be noticed. Here are some tips on how you can become visible at work, for all the right reasons. And when you're done here, check out Employee Factor for more expert advice...
1. Decide the image you'd like to portray. Ask yourself how you want to be perceived by your colleagues and boss. Don't be noticed for negative reasons. There is a difference between people who become visible for the right reasons and those who do anything to draw attention to them. How do you want to be perceived come promotion or restructuring time?
2. Speak Up! Communicate clearly and directly. When in meetings, contribute to the conversation. If you have a good idea, share it, and make sure you get the credit for it. Just by asking smart, meaningful questions you can improve visibility.
3. Build Connections. Become a person people want to work with - both within and outside your current organization. Network, volunteer, attend industry functions and trade association meetings. Enter the world of social networking such as Facebook, LinkedIn and the like.
Remember, the more visible you are, the more valuable you are to the company.
We're doing something new here on the Spherion Career Blog this month. In our own version of a "blog swap" - call it a blog swap with a twist - we've partnered with a compelling and respected blog, The Employee Factor, to address a timely and important topic for today's workers.
Together, we've compiled a list of five key tactics to "Recession-Proof Your Career." Over the next two weeks, each blog will post its own advice and guidance for each of the five strategies:
1. Make Your Value Visible
2. Work Smarter
3. Learn to Manage Your Boss
4. Become a Thought Leader
5. Make Yourself/Your Skills Transferable
Readers will benefit from two varying perspectives, and the expert insight from two of the industry's thought leaders. Stay tuned for the first in this series of exciting and valuable posts...
Q: Dear Seymour, I've gotten a job offer, but haven't met with my potential boss or co-workers. Is it reasonable to ask to meet them before I accept?
- Submitted by Charlie Gibbens, Plano, Texas
A: Dear Charlie,
Congratulations on your job offer! It's good that you're thinking ahead about what it will be like to work in a new environment with new people. Since a bad boss is a top reason people end up leaving jobs, it's important that you be able to meet with your future superior. This is an uncommon situation, which means it probably deserves some investigation.
Find out why you haven't met your boss yet. Since you had to be interviewed to get the job, ask your interviewer or human resources contact why your boss wasn't there as well. If your boss was out of town or otherwise indisposed, ask when you can meet him or her. If answers are vague, try to figure out why.
Remember that people are important. For the most part, a company is just a company, but the people you work with and for will be the thing that will make or break your experience there.
Think back to your interview. It may not be necessary to meet your coworkers. You probably walked by some of them if you had your interview in the office. Think back about how they seemed--were they happy or wilting at their desks? Did anyone greet or acknowledge you? Were workspaces relatively clean and organized, or was the office in disarray? These are the little clues that can tell you if your potential coworkers are happy at work (and if you will be as well).
Don't be afraid to insist on a meeting. Your boss is a key factor in your new position. This is the person who will give you assignments and advice and, don't forget, review your job performance. It's important that you meet this person to see if you get along and make sure it's someone you could work for. Especially if it seems like the company is hiding them, it's vital that you make sure there's not a hidden reason (such as seriously lacking social skills or basic manners).
Go with your gut. If something seems out of place to you and a requested meeting is denied, listen to your instincts. If something doesn't seem right or above board, it probably isn't. Requesting a meeting with a future boss or coworkers isn't out of bounds, but refusing to let you meet them is. If things just don't feel right, don't be afraid to walk away.
I hope you get to meet your boss and coworkers and that you all hit it off. However, if that doesn't happen, it's generally better to wait until another opportunity comes along than to get stuck in a bad situation.
It's no surprise that many of us end up developing friendships with our co-workers. After all, we do spend 8+ hours a day with these people! While there is nothing wrong with making friends in the workplace, it is important to choose these friendships wisely and manage them properly. The friends you choose can be a direct reflection of you and can send a strong signal to your other co-workers about your attitude, work ethic and values.
Professional friendships can benefit everyone in the organization by promoting productivity and creating a supportive work environment. However, the same can't be said when workplace friendships go bad.
When workplace friends turn into enemies, a company loses much more than camaraderie. Broken friendships often lead to fighting, bickering, and tattling, all of which divert attention away from the job. On a small scale, broken friendships can destroy teams that need solid interpersonal relationships to function effectively. On a large scale, the lack of trust among employees can seriously damage organizational goals.
Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind when considering your workplace friendships:
Practice the Golden Rule: By treating those in your office the way that you would want to be treated, you will communicate your willingness to be a team-player. In short, use your manners.
Set clear boundaries: There should be a clear line drawn between friendships in and out of the office. It is your responsibility to make sure interactions during work time are professional and focused. Make sure that work is not secondary to being part of the office community.
Play fair: Be sure to equally support the strengths and weaknesses of your entire team in relation to how to best complete a task. Showing favoritism in the workplace can only foster negative feelings, which ultimately impact workplace morale and distract from the overall bottom line.
If you don't have anything nice to say, keep quiet: Spreading office gossip can not only deteriorate the quality of the workplace, but it can threaten to negatively impact your career. Be discreet about your friend's confidences, and think carefully about the type of information you choose to divulge.
While there are many pros and cons to fostering friendships with your co-workers, it is important to keep these relationships in the proper perspective. If you think your office friendship puts you or your friend in a compromising position on the job, talk about it. If necessary, withdraw yourself from situations that might be conflicts of interest.
I read an article the other day about humor in the workplace, and my first thought was "what's so funny?" The economy is suffering, unemployment is going up and stress levels are at an all time high. Then I realized the point of the article - now is the BEST time to inject a little laughter in the workplace.
Going to work during stressful times usually doesn't result in high productivity and enjoyment in the workplace. So why not lighten the emotional load by keeping the workplace relaxed and fun?
It helps when managers and higher ups are involved in keeping things light and humorous. That way, other employees can take a cue from superiors about what is and isn't appropriate at work.
Humor is welcomed, but can go too far. Being cruel or making fun of people is no way to inject humor into the workplace. So make sure that laughter comes at the expense of events or situations, not co-workers.
The office doesn't have to be a laugh a minute comedy show, but it doesn't have to be solemn and serious either. Keeping your sense humor about you at work not only makes going to the office a little easier, but it can be healthy. Just remember that old saying...laughter is the best medicine.
Inevitably, there will come a time in every employee's career when you hand in your two weeks notice. No matter what your motivation for making a job transition is, you are likely to be quite busy while facing your impending life change. However, it is extremely important that you do not forget a critical component of your exit- your workplace legacy.
I am sure that we all can recollect the departure of a former colleague. After the formalities subside and the employee has made their final appearance, the whispers begin. Despite all of the positive workplace attributes that your former co-worker contributed to the success of the company, it is a safe bet to assume that their name will come up in conversation.
While many people will simply respond to this by saying, "Who cares?" You're long gone and have moved on to the greener pastures on the other side of the fence. Wrong. Each person you leave behind is a potential future gateway to a new opportunity. Even people hired after you leave might form an opinion about you. And you'll most likely never get a chance to defend yourself.
In an effort to ensure your own lifelong employability and survive a career transition with your reputation in-tact, it is important that you protect your workplace legacy. Every job moves on without you, no matter how good you are at what you do or how involved you are in the organization.
However, there are ways that you can safeguard your workplace legacy:
- Don't burn bridges
- Complete all assigned projects thoroughly and on-time
- Maintain professionalism at all times
- Never speak negatively about co-workers and supervisors
- Keep criticism constructive
- Communicate workplace needs, goals, status updates, etc. often
- Deal with workplace issues immediately
- Show others what you did and how you did it
- Get involved in company initiatives and community events
- Contribute to creating a positive, productive workplace environment
The bottom line is that you cannot control what others say about you when you are not around. You will likely get blamed when things go wrong after you're gone. However, you will ultimately win the respect of your work associates by dictating your own workplace legacy.
The cold and flu season is not quite here yet, but it is quickly approaching. I can tell you that my family's cold and flu season starts at the beginning of the school year, when all of the tykes are sneezing, coughing and sniffling in the classroom.
What's interesting, is that the office isn't too different from the classroom when it comes to fighting colds. Workers show up with tissues and cough drops in hand, trying their best not to take sick time for the common cold. But what they don't realize is they are exposing everyone to their germs, jeopardizing office attendance, and morale, for a least three to four days per colleague.
You can do your best to avoid catching, and spreading colds by following a couple of tips to stay healthy. One Forbes article that I read recommends frequently washing your hands, keeping alcohol-based gel cleansers handy, and boosting your immunity.
These are all tried and true methods, and here are a couple of more to consider. First and foremost, if you have the sick time to take a day and rest, do it. Not only will you heal faster, but you won't spread germs. Also, never go to the office while running a fever. It can be dangerous, and could be the sign of a very serious illness.
You can catch a cold at any time, but especially during cold and flu season. Be sure to take your vitamins and eat healthier to boost your defenses against sickness. Consider picking up homeopathic methods of defense, which may help you from getting a full blown cold.
Bottom line is that no matter what you do, you may still find yourself fighting a cough and cold at least once this year. The key is to stay as healthy as possible throughout the year, and either limit the severity or avoid catching it all together.
Q: Dear Seymour, I am passionate about the election and my candidate. Is there a downside to sharing this at work?
- Submitted by Wanda Arden, New York, NY
A: Dear Wanda,
It's great that you are so involved in politics! The right to vote is one of the greatest privileges we have as Americans, and it's wonderful that you are so passionate about participation. However, since not everyone agrees on candidates or issues and it's often easy to offend, here are some ideas on how to display your enthusiasm without stepping on toes.
Channel your passion.
Just because you need to be professional doesn't mean you can't be patriotic. You can get excited about the election without being specific about a candidate or issue. At the office, convert your excitement for your candidate into passion for the right to vote. Encourage coworkers to vote, and approach your boss with an idea or two about how to remind your department about Election Day, registering to vote, or key debate dates.
Be sensitive.
People are often very responsive to political discussions, but not always in a way that's appropriate for the office. Even if you can keep your emotions in check during a political discussion, it's possible that others can't and their outburst may make other coworkers uncomfortable. Be considerate of everyone's feelings.
Keep everything professional.
Even though the workplace is a community in many ways, it's important to remember that an office should be a professional environment. When your coworkers think of you, you want them to remember the quality of work you do and not your political affiliation. Even though you're free to believe what you please, discussing beliefs in the office could put the spotlight on you in the wrong way. You don't want to jeopardize your reputation.
Remember that you never know who may be listening.
Even if you think you know the opinions of someone you're talking to, it's not always possible to know everything they believe or even who may be listening in on the conversation. You don't want to offend anyone accidentally.
If someone else is talking about politics, try to avoid the conversation.
If a coworker insists on bringing up specific issues or candidates, politely steer the conversation to other topics. If they insist on pressing you for your opinions or are aggressive about their own, say that you have an important deadline approaching and really need to get back to work.
Keep it extracurricular.
If you know someone else in the office loves politics and likes to discuss it, it's okay to talk to them about it--just make sure it's outside the office. Invite them to lunch and once you're off campus, let the debate begin.
As long as you're respectful of your coworkers, you should be able to enjoy a great election and keep your workplace reputation intact.
We have all heard the expression that time is money. When it comes to conducting meetings at the office, time can be precious and meetings can be tedious without accomplishing much.
Everyone needs to learn how to use their time wisely, so meetings should be conducted with respect for everyone's schedule and time constraints. One article offers several tips and advice for conducting efficient meetings in the office. I find this list helpful, and have a couple more to add.
First, make sure that a meeting is necessary. Sometimes, tasks can be accomplished just by asking a few pertinent questions of key members of your team instead of gathering everyone together to go over the information.
Learn how to take efficient notes. Multiple meetings are often held because in subsequent get togethers, all information wasn't captured or retained. Learning how to take notes and get as much information at the beginning of a project will help cut back on the number of meetings that need to be attended.
My favorite meeting tip, establish rules. Parameters such as time constraints on how long each person has to present, and keeping questions until the end will help cut meeting times in half.
As with most tips in regards to getting along in the workplace, open and often communications is key. Make sure you let your new boss how you tend to operate, and in return, learn their expectations and how they typically run their departments.
Make sure that you maintain your professionalism at all times, and be prepared to learn from your new boss. You should also make sure that you stay informed, not only about your industry in particular, but current events and other business news as well.
Show your abilities as a team player, and remember some of the above tips, and you will be head of the class in your new boss' eyes in no time.
Q: Dear Seymour, I have an associates degree in computers but am currently pursuing a bachelors in business management, specifically an analysis position. I was wondering if I should obtain a job in the business field since I would like to go more that direction instead of the computers. I have two years before getting my bachelor degree and would not want to waste those two years in the computer industry if it will not benefit me. On the same note I do not want to be known as a job hopper either. I am confused as to which way to go wither to stay where I am at or change positions to gain the knowledge?????
- Submitted by Future Business Professional
A: Dear Future Business Professional,
You ask a very good question, and the answer is simple.
If you are currently employer as a computer analyst and you will not receive your Bachelor's degree for another two years, I would recommend you keep your current job and here's why.
First, don't be concerned about being a job hopper. Most workers today only stay with a company two-five years. So you will not be viewed as a habitual job changer in the eyes of a new employer because that is the norm.
Also, since you are working on your degree in another area, no one will hold it against you that you have chosen a different field of study for another career path. You may actually find down the road that both degrees and work experience will come in handy if you are applying for a business management position at a computer company.
Furthermore, unless you find a company that will allow you to work an internship with a guaranteed entry level position upon completion of your degree, you may find that the real-life work experience with the same employer for two years is worth more than an internship where you may not be involved in everyday decision making or the pertinent details that come with a full-time job.
Being part of office politics and learning how to work with different personalities on a team are also just as important the daily workload itself.
I hope this helps you sort out your dilemma, and if you still feel confused, you may want to ask the opinion of a trusted professor or career counselor at your school.
Q: Dear Seymour, I am weeks away from beginning my maternity leave from work. I have growing anxiety about the long absence from work and worry that I will return to a mess. Do you have any advice on how to prepare for my maternity leave?
- Submitted by Avery Stimey, Morganton, North Carolina
A: Dear Avery,
Maternity leave should be a time for you to focus and enjoy life with your newborn baby, not stressing about how your office will fare while you are out. The key to ensuring an anxiety-free leave is to be as prepared as possible in advance of your absence. Here are a few tips on how to prepare:
- Agree on a back-up plan. Talk with your boss about how your job duties will be covered while you are away. Many employers will supply a temporary employee to serve as your backup while you are away, or a colleague who will be picking up your duties. Discuss which of your ongoing responsibilities will absolutely need to be handled while on leave, and keep a list of these duties.
- Leave Instructions. Once you have agreed with your boss on a list of responsibilities that will be handled by your stand in, develop detailed instructions for each. Err on the side of too much detail, rather than too little. You may even try a "run through" with someone non-related to your job just to be sure your instructions are clear and easy to understand.
- Maintain open communication with your boss. Remain as open as possible with your boss about doctors' appointments, return plans, etc. For example, if you plan on breastfeeding your baby and will require time at work to pump, make your boss aware and make arrangements to do so ahead of time. Simply avoid springing surprises on your boss or coworkers.
- Get square with Human Resources. Most companies require you to fill out certain forms or paperwork related to your impending birth, such as life and health insurance changes, tax data, and leave-related information. You don't want to leave these to the last minute. Visit with your HR department as early as you can and complete the required forms. This will be one less item you'll need to worry about.
- Breathe. You've covered all the bases and you've prepared as best you can for your maternity leave. Now it's time to reap the benefits of all your early planning. So relax, breathe easy and enjoy this amazing time in your life.
Q: Dear Seymour, I have employed every tactic I can think of trying to find a job in my specialty, with no luck. Do you have any advice on how I can open up new opportunities for my career?
- Submitted by Sandra Welch, Park City, UT
A: Dear Sandra,
This is an all-too-familiar scenario for many workers given our current labor market conditions. Many job seekers have done all the right things from networking to crafting a perfect resume and still come up empty.
Now is the time to reevaluate your approach and expectations, keeping in mind that despite a change in plans, you don't have to abandon your dreams permanently. On the contrary, chasing a more realistic goal provides an opportunity to secure skills and abilities that you can transfer over to your first-choice profession when the time comes.
In the meantime, try these tactics to broaden your job choices:
- Become a student again. In some professions and industries, attaining a graduate degree may give you a leg up on the competition and help land the job you desire. Before making the expensive and time-consuming leap, thoroughly investigate the positions you want to ensure a graduate degree will provide a good return on investment.
- Train. Consider training opportunities to build additional, and perhaps more marketable, skills. Some training courses are offered for reasonable cost and in a short timeframe.
- Re-evaluate your job search. Use this time to comprehensively identify what it is you love to do. Go back and reconsider your interests, passions, and abilities. Go back to the drawing board and research industries or professions that you may have missed the first time around, but that match your personal and professional goals.
- Follow the jobs. It may be time to consider broadening the geographic scope of your job search. Go online, tap into your network, and research which cities are hiring at a faster pace than the national average or that may be experiencing significant growth.
Just remember, this is a backup plan that will sustain your career growth during this tenuous labor market and certainly doesn't mean your dreams of building a long and prosperous career in your specialty are over.
Labor Day is just around the corner, and we tend to think of it as an excuse for a day off from work. But as one article points out, Labor Day is a time to celebrate one of the country's biggest assets: the American Worker.
Labor Day is a time to remember how valuable workers are to this country. It's a time to reflect on the hard work and determination that laborers in the 1800's spent fighting for the labor laws and worker protections that we all enjoy today.
So this year, when you are relaxing by the pool or partaking in a bar-b-q with friends and family, take time to remember those who came before you, and enjoy your time off that they fought for.
I had an employee come to me the other day, and she mentioned that one of her co-workers was falling down on the job. Unfortunately, I have noticed this employee's lack of interest and ability to take their work to the next level too, but since I have not heard any complaints, until now, I assumed that maybe my expectation were too high.
It was very helpful that the first employee had the courage to discuss another co-worker's misgivings with me and bring it to my attention. I understand that it is difficult to do this, but sometimes managers need this validation that an employee isn't carrying his/her load.
Approach your manager is a non-confrontational manner, and make sure that you are reporting a co-worker for the betterment of the company or team. You may consider doing this in a neutral setting such as over lunch or in the car on the way to a meeting.
Offer solutions or recommendations as to hoe this worker might improve, or need some help with their workload.
Take this as an opportunity to get better acquainted with your manager and use this as a relationship building opportunity.
I appreciated it, and I am sure other managers will too.
Seek additional educational opportunities - Opportunities are everywhere. For example, the AARP Foundation established the Women's Scholarship Program in 2007 to help women 40 and older overcome financial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could not otherwise afford. The Women's Scholarship Program helps women who are raising the children of another family member, those in dead-end jobs and those who have been out of the paid workforce for five or more years.
Align yourself with your work - Whether you need to work, or want to work, and whether your work for a fee (or for free), work can give your life new meaning when you align who you are and why you are here with the work you choose to do. If the changing marketplace does not support your current career, maturity is an excellent time to explore long-held dreams. Do you want to start your own business? More and more women (proportionately more than men) are doing just this. Do the work. A meaningful work life matters.
Pay strict attention to changing marketplace needs - Once you know what is "out there" and when you know what is "in you" - align your interests and new learning opportunities with marketplace needs. How simple is this? Need help? That's why we have coaches.
If you seek traditional employment - Continually reposition yourself as a passive candidate on LinkedIn, Facebook, Zoom, Ziggs and Naymz. Up your social networking efforts. Execunet's recent market intelligence report states that networking, including social networking, accounts for 70% of senior professional and executive opportunities. Remember! It's who knows you, not simply who you know, that matters.
Learn the serious skills of negotiations - Apply this in the workplace whether you are negotiating for compensation or a project assignment. Take a class and practice until your own self-confidence soars. There is ample evidence that women stand back when it comes to speaking up effectively for their own interests.
Begin to specialize - Maturity is the "age of the Guru." It is often ONLY through specialization that you can continue to increase your income throughout your working lifetime and find success in the art of doing exceptional work.
Come out of the "aging closet" - Learn the facts about aging minds, bodies and spirits and how working contributes positively to outcomes in each of these areas of life. Work maintains a good self image, sustains social relationships and improves financial health. Work (whether full-time or part-time) is a prescription against loneliness and boredom, especially the gut-wrenching isolation that financial ill-health can bring to your life.
Leave a gift to the future - The best gift you can give your children is to live your life well and to remain as financially independent as possible. Good work is one path toward achieving this goal.
For more on the latest trends impacting mature workers, visit my website: www.AgelessinAmerica.com.
It's one of the most difficult lessons to learn, especially for younger workers - how to handle your relationship with your boss.
As one article points out, there are several behaviors to make sure you are performing up to the standards of your superiors. Some of those include improving your communications skills, anticipating your boss' needs and learning their pet peeves.
These are all important factors in entering into a healthy and productive relationship with your managers. But in order to incorporate these behaviors into how you work with your superiors, you may need to evaluate some of your personality traits that may have change while at work.
I have experienced many personalities of workers, and not all of them are easy to work with, or manage. So here are the three traits that I believe are the most detrimental to one's career. Consider this...are you:
- Rebellious against authority? You know the type. These folks have always found ways to do the opposite of what they are told, or hate taking direction from others. If you fit into the category, you come off as condescending or combative in your dealings with your boss. So swallow your pride and temper your attitude.
- The doormat? Some workers think that they only way to woo their boss is to be constantly available for their every whim. But this can backfire. If you are only there to perform your boss' scut work, then you will never be seen as anyone more than a "doer" or underling. So help out when your boss needs it, but make sure you balance it with stepping up to the next level.
- Flying under the radar? These are the workers who perform their job just well enough to get by. Clients don't complain about them, colleagues are indifferent to their presence in the office, and managers don't seem to be concerned about what they are up to. If you fall into this category, it can be a dangerous area to be. For one, you will probably never be considered for promotions, because your talents don't shine through. Your name may also come up if there are cuts backs or layoffs.
Now, if your personality aligns with one of the three above you need to be conscious of it and then keep it in check. Don't be afraid to ask co-workers who have a good relationship with their boss how they do it, especially if you have the same one.
Remember, the best way to get ahead is to develop a good working relationship with your boss. Not only will it make your day-to-day work life easier, but you should eventually be able to turn this rapport into a mentor-mentee relationship as well. Good luck!
Q: Dear Seymour, I just found out that my boss is leaving to take a job with another company. I really enjoy working with her and she's asked me follow her to the new organization... is that a smart thing to do?
- Submitted by Mitch Grifin, Petersburg, Virginia
A: Dear Mitch,
There is no simple answer to this question and it certainly can be a difficult choice. The best decision will likely depend on the answers to a few important questions, and your particular circumstances. For example, does your boss have a track record of success? Is your boss being asked to leave your current company? Are you willing to trade in the time off you've accumulated and established reputation for a work environment you aren't familiar with? These are all questions you will need to think long and hard about before jumping ship.
To help guide you during your decision-making process, consider these potential issues:
1) Your boss' successful track record suddenly comes to a halt. Despite the fact that your boss may be excelling in her current position, what if the new job is out of her league and she begins to bomb? You'll inevitably be linked to her and it may be difficult to disassociate yourself.
2) You'll eventually need to exit the ride on her coattails. Beginning a pattern of following your boss' every move will make it harder down the road to sever those ties. It may also stunt your career growth having never experienced different management or work styles.
3) You've become peers. On the flip side, you may have learned so much from your boss and have developed your skills to such a level that you are promoted to management. Now, you're sitting in an office next to your mentor, who may feel threatened and begin to undermine your success.
In the end, your unique situation will play a big part in whether this is the best decision for you. Just be sure to consider all the pros and cons, and potential scenarios before making the move, or not.
Several times, Spherion has conducted surveys of workers who have taken office supplies home with them for personal use, even though they felt it was wrong. But what about when you work for a retailer or manufacturer, and co-workers are stealing from your employer? You know it's wrong, they know it's wrong....do you say something?
This presents an interesting situation. On one hand, if you know co-workers are stealing from your employer and you don't report it, you might as well be stealing too, but if you do report it, you will prove to be a loyal employee looking out for the company.
My best advice is that you should absolutely report the theft, and an article I found from ehow.com lists the steps you should take to do so.
Step One: Tell a security guard or loss prevention officer if your workplace has a shoplifter, allowing a member of the security team to handle the situation.
Step Two: Report the suspected shoplifting to a supervisor. Pointing out the situation to a supervisor is another way of doing your part without getting involved in an investigation.
Step Three: Send an anonymous letter to your place of employment if you want to limit your involvement in the investigation. Detail your suspicions in the letter and mail it to your supervisor or the head of workplace security.
Step Four: Call your company's hotline, if it provides one. Many businesses, especially large chains, have a hotline you can call to report coworker theft.
Step Five: Know your rights as an employee and what you do and do not have to report. The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention is a good resource for learning about shoplifting prevention strategies in the workplace.
For some, it may be too tempting to not take from an employer, but the bottom line is that it's wrong and illegal, so make sure you aren't drawn into the habit as well. And remember, if you are aware it's going on and don't report it, you are just guilty!
When considering a career, I believe that many people choose career paths for the wrong reasons. Money, status, participation in a family business. These are all valid reasons to choose a career, but it doesn't mean that it will personally satisfy you.
I read an article from U.S. News about choosing jobs that are a fit with your personality. Now, it's not always easy to determine exactly how to describe your personality, but here are a couple of categories to think about:
These are only a few areas to consider, finding your calling based on your interests and what fits your personality might be a start in the right direction for finding the perfect career, or shed some light on why your current career may not be working for you.
Q: Dear Seymour, My supervisor suggested that I begin holding my monthly team meetings online instead on in-person. I have never held an online meeting. Have any tips to make sure it runs smoothly?
- Submitted by Laura Schmitts, Burlington, VT
A: Dear Laura,
Even if you aren't new to the world of online meetings, there are definitely some guidelines to follow to make sure an online meeting goes smoothly. As you may know, online meetings provide a central area on the Internet and an excellent way for people to share ideas and information regardless of where they are located.
Follow these tips and your first entrée into the world of online conferencing should be a successful one!
Select a provider. Check with your organization to see if they have already selected an online conferencing provider which you should use. If not, you'll need to do some research and most importantly, go through live demonstrations of every vendor solution. Identify the best fit for your needs, depending on the typical number of attendees, frequency of meetings, functionality needs, etc. This is a good time to take advantage of vendor's free trail offers to take a dry run at your meeting.
Always Arrive Well Before the Meeting. You'll want to log in at least 30 minutes before the online meeting begins to troubleshoot. Is the audio working properly? Video? Arriving early will give you time to fix any potential technical problems.
Make it Visually Stimulating. One of the benefits to holding online meetings is that this type of venue supports the use of visual aids. Use detailed Powerpoints, graphs or video to enhance your meeting. Avoid excessive text on-screen as you may lose the interest of your attendees.
Solicit the Help of a Coworker. Particularly if you plan on offering a live chat or online Q&A, having another person to facilitate will allow you to focus on running the meeting or delivering your presentation.
Have a Backup Plan. You'll want to consider a secondary plan of action if your server fails or a technical issue prevents you from continuing your online meeting.
With proper planning and these general guidelines, I'm sure your online meeting will go off without a hitch!
Happy hour is a time honored, workplace tradition of team building and bonding with co-workers. But as one recent CareerBuilder survey points out, happy hour has more often than not, turned into a pitfall for acting unprofessional.
Some of the highlights of the survey include:
- 15 percent go to hear the latest office gossip.
- 13 percent go because they feel obligated.
- 10 percent shared a secret about a colleague.
- 8 percent kissed a colleague.
- 8 percent said they drank too much and acted unprofessionally.
Ok, so the above doesn't sound like a recipe for successful team building, but it also doesn't mean that happy hours are not beneficial to the work environment.
Although some workers may over indulge in drink, make sure that you are not one of them by limiting yourself to a two drink maximum. It is also important to eat a meal or at least appetizers.
If you are in charge of organizing a happy hour, make sure to keep it short, probably two to three hours at the most. That way, those who feel obligated to attend do not feel trapped or have to be uncomfortable about leaving too early, and co-workers who are close friends can continue their night out if they choose. Also, make sure everyone is aware that a happy hour is taking place, so some workers do not feel left out.
Happy hours are meant to be fun and festive, and they can bring workers close together. Just be careful about how much "fun" you do have, and keep conversation casual...you may even want to consider taking the "work" out of happy hour!
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.
The high cost of living has forced many baby boomers to come out of retirement to once again start earning a paycheck.
Some boomers have yet to retire, choosing to work well into their 60's. For some though, this is an opportunity to work in a field where their job has more meaning than their lifelong career.
USA Today recently published an article about some of the fields that baby boomers are choosing for their second careers, or even choosing to switch to even before retiring. Those fields include health care, teaching, social work and even environmental projects.
Not only do these jobs provide a paycheck, but they also give workers a sense of giving back to the community.
This is also a time for workers who are close to retirement to consider turning a hobby into a product, such as photography or cooking.
For those who are considering a second job, this is a time to be creative...and as the saying goes: "do what you love and love what you do"!
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.
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.
It's that time of year when vacations are planned and everyone is clamoring for time off.
I came across an article that stated recent survey findings found that "21% had been denied vacation time because a co-worker had already asked for the same days off."
Vacation time off is a very important element to balancing your work schedule, and personal lives. Whether you are planning a week in the islands, or a day at the spa, make sure that you are taking advantage of the time off provided by your employer.
I find the survey referenced above very interesting because I have not heard of employees ever being denied their time off because co-workers had already requested it. However, it does not seem to be an illogical argument for not being able to take your vacation. I have, quite often, known employees who were denied time off because they did not request the time off far enough in advance.
What about our readers...has anyone ever been denied their vacation time because a co-worker or co-workers were already taking time off? If so, what was your solution, or how did it effect your vacation?
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".
Have you ever been to Disney World and taken a tour of the animation studios? If so, you'll notice that the animators have decorated this workspaces in the theme of the film that they are working on. For example, I was there when they were working on Lilo and Stitch, which took place in Hawaii.
The cubes were all decorated with hula girls, plastic coconut shells and tropical flower leis to inspire their creativity. The result: a multi-million dollar grossing film that includes a beloved character, stuffed animals, lunch boxes, Disney rides, well, you get the picture.
Now think about your work environment. It's difficult to always come up with the next bright idea when you spent half or most of your time in an office with four white walls, or worse, a cubicle in the middle of the office.
I recently read a column about how creativity also spurs productivity. As you can see with the Disney example, it can't hurt to have inspiration. So go ahead, add pictures, flowers, quotes or other elements that motivate you. Allow your personality to show through too. You could encourage your co-workers to do the same, and before you know it, your creative juices will begin to flow.
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.
Companies have been battling the Internet for worker productivity for years. But now, there's a new distraction that's taking workers' attention away from their job during the workday. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter...all are great tools for social networking and keeping in touch, but they can be a distraction.
A recent article highlights how some companies are combating the social networking beast by employing filtering software to block social networking sites.
The key to remember is that too much personal time spent on social networking can be a distraction and cuts into company time unless you are in the sales, marketing or recruiting functions, which finds social networking sites useful tools.
Whether it's social networking or online shopping, if it's not job related, you shouldn't be spending time, outside of your lunch break, on the Internet with personal business. It's unprofessional, and your managers and co-workers probably wouldn't appreciate it.
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.
Making the initial jump from college into the working world can feel overwhelming. Leaving the safe haven of a classroom and being thrust into the harsh reality of a first job might feel like more than you might want to deal with; especially if you have the option of working from home. This month's video podcast addresses the difficult question of: Should recent college graduates opt to telecommute instead of working in a conventional office?
What is telecommuting? As broadband technology becomes universal, more people have the bandwidth to link their home office to their corporate offices. Telecommuting is the replacement of a daily commute to a central workplace by telecommunication links.
Telecommuting can be especially beneficial for maintaining work/life balance for working parents. However, for recent college graduates, who lack the inter-office experience, telecommuting can pose serious drawbacks over the long term.
Check out the rest of my series of Recruiter Tips in the coming weeks. I hope that you find them useful and good luck!
Most everyone knows how to dress appropriately for a job interview, but what about preparation for a job promotion?
As one article points out, dressing for success doesn't only refer to landing a job, but getting that promotion you want as well.
A good rule of thumb for moving up the ladder is to dress as your immediate supervisor would. If you work in a casual office, stick to the strictest business casual guidelines for dress. The more professional you look, the more your superiors will view you as someone ready for a higher position.
You might want to work towards building a wardrobe with a few key pieces:
- For women - black, navy blue, or dark brown skirts no shorter than to your knee
- For men or women - black, navy blue, khaki or dark brown slacks that are neat and pressed
- Dress shirts with a collar
- Both men and women should have at least two nice suits, or even more if you are not working in a business casual environment
- Stay way from faded pants and bare-shouldered tops
- Nice dress shoes that are not scuffed are also advisable
Take a few cues from the executives and managers around the office and pay attention to what they wear to the office. Once you start dressing like an executive, you might find yourself working as one too.
Q: Dear Seymour, I have just completed the LSAT, but because of my mediocre score, among other things, I am preparing for the GMAT, with the goal of getting my masters in HR Management. I want to get hired by a larger company whom would pay for my Law School (in the relative field to the company--ie International Law, employment law etc). I am extremely money motivated and enjoy fast-paced work environment. I have a great resume for law, but no work experience in HR and little in Management. WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!?! Go to Law school NOW or later??
- Submitted by Amanda
A: Dear Amanda,
I applaud you for your ambitious goals and for having zeroed in on what motivates you. But, I have a sneaking suspicion that you might assume that obtaining a law degree means you are set for a job in any field. But if you truly have a vested interest in the HR Management field, I would suggest opting for work experience first and a law degree later.
There is a misconception out there that the more education you have, the easier it is to find a job. However, nothing compares to work experience to give you a foundation for a solid career, and employers will be more comfortable hiring you if you can apply "real world" experience to your resume, in addition to your degrees.
Since you mentioned that you are pursuing your graduate degree in HR Management, you might consider working an internship or part-time job in the HR field while in school. If that's not feasible, or your schedule doesn't work out I would still suggest getting some work experience before working on a law degree.
Keep in mind that having well-rounded work experience is a plus, so once you do obtain your law degree, you might find that it's not for you. If that's the case, you can always go back into human resources, and you would have the experience to do so.
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!
Q: Dear Seymour, I know the importance of maintaining a balance between my personal life and my career. But, I just can't seem to stop thinking about work, no matter how hard I try. Could I be a workaholic?
- Submitted by Nathan Streets, Springfield, Mass
A: Dear Nathan,
Workaholism is a serious condition in which a person has an overriding compulsion to work, so much so that it begins to undermine their personal relationships. It should not be taken lightly. Workaholics are not just people who work hard. They generally never stop physically or mentally working, always put work at the top of their priority list, and enjoy working more than anything else. Here are a few signs to watch for that can help determine whether you work to live or live to work:
You Excessively Talk About Work. If you find that even during the most social and entertaining events outside of the office, you're still constantly bringing up subjects of work, this could indicate a problem. Furthermore, if you feel uncomfortable or bored with conversing about any other subject besides work, this too is a sign of trouble.
You find it Difficult, Near Impossible, to Delegate. Workaholics simply can't or don't delegate because of the difficulty in giving up control. If you feel strongly that the work doesn't get done correctly unless you do it yourself, and prefer to handle everything yourself, you may be a workaholic.
You have a Strained Personal Life. Often, people who are workaholics don't maintain a lot of friendships or participate in sports and hobbies. In fact, the University of North Carolina published research that found couples in a workaholic marriage tended to have twice the divorce rate as those who were in non-workaholic marriages. This may be because a workaholic will consistently choose work over family, whether it is missing a child's big sports event or working on the night of your wedding anniversary.
You Neglect or Forget Non-Work Obligations. Many workaholics spend all their time focusing on work-related tasks and appointments that they frequently forget about basic household obligations, such as laundry, dishes or mowing the lawn. Important health-related appointments like teeth cleaning or doctor visits are overlooked time and again.
If you're unsure about whether you fall into the workaholic camp, pay attention to these signs and honestly assess your own behavior. Also, take note of comments made by family or co-workers. Do they remark on how much time you spend at work or doing work? Most importantly, remember that the sooner you identify any workaholic tendencies, the faster you can manage them and begin making up for lost personal time.
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!
An interesting article about disgruntled workers cites a survey that says bored workers are more disgruntled than overloaded employees. At first glance, this might seem to be a surprising revelation, but if you are one of those "bored" employees you can understand how this makes sense.
Employees who don't feel they have accomplished anything at work have lower job satisfaction and pride in their employers, not to mention decreased morale and productivity which can affect coworkers.
If you feel yourself being bored at work, there are some steps that you can take to try and improve your work environment.
First, speak with your manager and ask if you can take on more responsibilities, or spearhead a new project.
Second, re-evaluate your own workload. Perhaps you are missing opportunities to do more or be more creative with your current assignments.
Third, consider continuing education classes or training opportunities at work. Not only will this provide you with more stimulation and get your brain working, but it may provide you with additional skills that will help you stand out for job promotions.
If these suggestions don't rid you of never-ending boredom, it's likely time to start looking for a new job.
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.
Have you ever had a job interview, and were asked questions that seemed out of left field? For example, if you could be a household appliance, what would you be and why?
This type of question would throw nearly everyone a curveball, and might make you question the point of being asked these types of questions. The way to handle this situation is to stop and think about the hidden meanings behind these questions. In the interviewer's mind, a household appliance may symbolize the type of culture or work style the company possesses. Perhaps it's how the interviewer gains insight into your personality.
Whatever the reason, take time to carefully answer the question knowing that the interviewer has his/her own reasons for asking it.
But what about questions that make you feel uncomfortable? Interviewers delving into your personal life can clearly cross the line. One article even discusses the illegalities of interviewers asking these types of personal questions.
Should you encounter this in an interview, don't be afraid to tell the interviewer that you feel that information is personal and you are not comfortable providing the information during an interview, or to your employer.
Try to stay polite with your answer, but be firm. If the interviewer continues to ask inappropriate questions and continues to make you feel uncomfortable, you might consider telling the interviewer that as a result of the line of questions, you are uncomfortable and believe that this company is not the right fit for you. Thank the interviewer, and then excuse yourself from the situation.
Don't worry about burning a bridge by not completing the interview. More than likely, this is not a company you want to work for anyway.
What about our readers? What was the strangest or most offensive question you have ever been asked during an interview?
From the holiday party to the going-away party, the office is often a place for fun, social gatherings. While this can be enjoyable for the person of honor, it often can be expensive for other employees. Instead of chipping in money or going out to eat, what are some unique ways to celebrate?
For example, if the entire office must put in money towards someone's birthday cake, why not have the person with the most recent birthday buy the cake for the upcoming birthday? Or, encourage everyone to design a homemade card to give to the special person.
Instead of going out for lunch to celebrate a new employee, why not try pot luck? Every employee can make a dish, which is certainly less expensive then dining out. It also encourages camaraderie!
Readers, what are some other cost-saving yet fun-filled ways to celebrate around the office?
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!
It's great to make friends at work. The work environment and enjoying who you work with are many times the reasons why workers stay at their job.
However, I recently read an article about 13 topics that should not be discussed with co-workers. They include intimate details about your life and career, such as wild weekends, divorce proceedings and salary information. Not to mention how annoying Peggy, who sits in the cubicle next to you, is on a daily basis.
Although you may forge friendships with your co-workers, it is true that certain information and topics of conversations should be kept to yourself, or at the very least be selective about whom you share your thoughts and feelings with.
So here are a couple of topics that you should share with co-workers:
- The new computer class that you took at the community college. Not only is it helpful information, but if your managers hear about it they will be impressed with your desire for continuing education.
- Your favorite volunteer or community activity. Monday morning cooler talk always starts with your weekend. Although part of your weekend may have included a rowdy club, choose to mention the beach clean-up or hiking trip you took instead.
- Information about competitors or industry news. Not only will you position yourself as a leader in the office, but you really are helping the company by keeping others informed.
- Good news that you know to be true. Congratulate and praise to others about the co-worker who just received a promotion or accolade from management. You will be spreading goodwill throughout the office, and your team support will shine through.
Let's face it. Everyone can have difficult times at work that force you to show your emotion. Whether it's personal issues that spill into the work environment, or frustration as a result of work, emotions can emerge at the worst time during the work day.
I recently read an article about anger in the workplace, and I wasn't surprised about how easily the person in the article allowed their emotion to boil over in such dramatic fashion.
It can be difficult to contain how you are feeling, especially at work where you may be experiencing criticism or questions about your abilities. Sometimes, your emotions may not stem from work at all, but something happens and that's where you will express them.
Anger is probably one of the most common emotions overly expressed at work. Co-workers, managers and supervisors may provoke you, but you still need to keep your cool as best as possible.
If you begin to feel yourself becoming angry, take a break and regroup instead of staying in a situation that may escalate. Just as in your personal life, take the higher road and diffuse angry moments before they get out of hand.
Also, find an activity outside of the workplace that might help you relieve stress and calm any work-related anger issues that you might have. Exercising, meditation and yoga, or perhaps finding a hobby like painting, can all help relieve stress and allow you to decompress from work.
Bottom line is that it's ok to show emotion at work, as long as your reactions do not go over the line.
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.
Workers' commutes are getting longer and longer. Some workers are traveling two hours, one-way, to get to their jobs. This might be extreme to some, but the norm for others. I think that most people would agree this is asking a lot for any job. Not only is driving stressful, but it can be dangerous if you are too tired to be on the road.
Still, this trend of long commutes is worth it for workers who feel that they cannot pass up the salaries they are receiving. According to a recent blog post, this is the case for many.
However, long commutes can be detrimental to your career. Not only can in cut into your work/life balance, but your production can suffer because of exhaustion or stress, which can lead to anger and frustration that might be detected by your manager or colleagues. Furthermore, your pocketbook could suffer from the wear and tear on your car and the price of fuel.
So what's a worker to do if this is the situation that they are facing? For one, you might want to ask your manager about flexible scheduling or work at home options. This would relieve the need and stress of being in the office everyday.
You could also check into park and ride or carpooling options. Again, you would save money, and sanity, while sharing the load of the commute, or leaving the driving up to others.
A last option that might not be so easy, is to just find another job option closer to home. If the other solutions mentioned are not viable and the commute proves to be too much, then you might be better off finding a closer career opportunity.
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.
Q: Dear Seymour, as I prepare to take time off for the holidays, I can't help but get anxious thinking about the piles of work that will await me when I return to the office. Do you have any advice to make leaving less stressful?
- Submitted by June Girst, Franklin, KY
A: Dear June,
Yes, its holiday season, a time when many workers exit the office to take a vacation or spend time with family. But along with flutters of excitement, many workers get stressed thinking about leaving projects behind or the pile of work sure to await their return. Here are five tips to take the worry out of leaving:
• Plan Ahead.
The best scenario is to schedule your holiday time off well in advance. This will provide you ample time to prepare both at work and at home.
• Prepare colleagues and coworkers.
Alert key contacts both within your organization and any outside clients you may work with on a regular basis. Make sure to give them ample notice of your vacation plans so they may tie up any loose ends or finish any important projects before you jump ship. Also, set up out-of-office alerts and change your voicemail to reflect your absence.
• Recruit a back-up.
If possible, designate someone in your department to be your backup while you are away for any emergencies or to maintain key aspects of your job. You should also ask this person to act as your contact person, giving them exact instructions as to how and when it is best to contact you (ideally, only for true emergencies). You might consider including your back-up's contact information on your voicemail and email messages.
• Complete unfinished projects.
There is nothing worse than leaving for holiday break with an unfinished project waiting in the wings. Chances are you'll think about it while you are away, and dread finishing it when you return. If you have projects or initiatives that are near completion and could be finished prior to your time off - then do it.
• Prepare for your return before you even leave.
Write down a list of projects or priorities for when you get back to the office. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed after your time off. Clean and organize your office - you don't want to arrive back to a cluttered office.
Taking time to prepare for your holiday break and your return to the office can go a long way in making your retreat an enjoyable one. And it should go without saying but we'll say it anyway - don't regularly check your email or call into the office unless you absolutely have to. Instead, relax and refuel.
The holiday season is a fast-paced, stressful time of the year, too active to concentrate on the job hunt, right? But, just because the holiday season is here doesn't mean that you have to abandon the job search until the New Year.
Here are a couple of tips for networking during the holiday season. For example, the number one place to network is holiday parties. Professional organizations as well as friends and family will be hosting parties to celebrate the season. These events will allow you to meet new people and potentially find a new employer.
Friends and family will more than likely be inviting people from their offices to share in their celebrations. What better way to find a new employer than close friends and family? You might also want to mention to those close to you that you are looking for a new job, that way they can make sure to introduce you to their colleagues during these social occasions.
Professional and industry organizations will also be celebrating the holidays. Do a little homework and find out which ones will be the best fit for you as an employee. It might also help to become a member while you are there, if you are not one already. Becoming a new member at the holiday party will certainly make an impression, and it will give you an opportunity to go back and network some more with those members who may have been unable to attend the party.
The job search doesn't have to be a burden or put on hold until the first of year. As a matter of fact, go ahead and have a little holiday fun while you are at it.
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.
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.
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 perceive
