My Campus Chronicles
Our college blog dedicated to helping students prepare for life outside of college.
Success on the Job archive
Talking politics at work has always seemed taboo. I know my mother always said that there were two subjects she would never discuss in mixed company: religion and politics.
However, one column points out that politics is no longer an
off limits" topic at work.
This can still be a difficult subject, so keep in mind a few pointers when talking politics:
- Stay objective and keep a level head
- Be willing to listen to others' points of view
- Be respectful
- Keep the conversation light
- When all else fails, steer clear of the conversation all together
All in all, as in any conversation, make sure it is a two-way exchange where both sides have equal opportunity to express their views.
I wonder how many of our readers wear ties to work on a regular basis? What about pantyhose for women? No doubt that the everyday work environment has become more relaxed, but are dress codes still necessary parts of today's workplace?
An article in the Wall Street Journal explored how different generations view work place dress. Not surprising, more mature workers have a more traditional take on dressing for work than their younger counterparts.
Take for example the subject of pantyhose. The article noted that some female Gen X and Y workers admitted that they have never even owned a pair of pantyhose, much less worn them.
True, workplace casual seems to be implied now. But do some workers take advantage of the "perk"? I say yes. Casual is one thing, but slovenly or unkempt is quite different.
To make sure you understand the limits of your workplace dress code, pay attention to your co-workers and try to emulate their style and how they dress at work. If there are varieties of dress, clarify with your manager or supervisor before being too bold in your attire.
I am interested in knowing about the types of work dress codes our readers' have. Do you work in a traditional work environment with more conservative dress requirements, or does your company fully embrace business casual or less? Also, how many managers have had to discuss inappropriate dress with employees? Are dress codes for work still necessary?
I am looking forward to hearing your take on this subject!
The saying goes that it is better to give than to receive. But when it comes to giving constructive criticism, a good manager always needs to know the best way to deliver their comments without hurting others' feelings or self-esteem.
I think that one of the most difficult jobs of a manager is to give employees a critique that is helpful and can be used to improve daily work habits. I recently read a really good article that offers a few tips about how to deliver constructive criticism to an employee. After reading the article, I thought this would be a good place to add to the list and share some insights.
For starters, if your criticism isn't something pressing that effects the day to day, make a note to bring it up during the employee's review. This is always a good time to bring up areas of improvement. Not only does an employee expect it, but it will be during a meeting where both manager and employee are standing on neutral ground.
Second, try to make it a two-way conversation by asking questions. For example, you might want to consider addressing an issue by saying "I noticed you are struggling with XXX, is there anything a can help you with or giving you advice on?" This shows that you not only are you paying attention to your workers' on a daily basis, but by proactively offering support you build trust for workers to approach you when they may need assistance with their work.
Last but not least, ask your own employees where YOU could improve. By asking their opinions, you show that you are not above taking criticism yourself, and it creates a more cohesive team that is better equipped to not only work together, but improve together.
We've all had 'em...the coworker who is angry with the world, never satisfied and does their best to be a pain in everyone's neck.
Some articles refer to these "team members" as toxic. I like to refer to them as bottlenecks. The reason? Usually, productivity is delayed or stopped all together because their attitude causes an inability to work as a team member or contribute to projects in a useful manner. Not to mention their actions can contribute to depleting morale.
So what do you to counter these co-workers?
Start by realizing that some people are just unhappy and will do anything to bring others down with them. It's hard to do, but don't let their poor disposition and attitude bog you down with them.
There is also the possibility of avoiding contact all together, but this could prove difficult if you are placed on the same team as the offending co-worker. If this is the case, remember to tread lightly and don't antagonize the situation.
If all else fails, and this colleague continues to intrude on your work environment and morale, then consider speaking with a supervisor or HR. It's hard when you feel like you are reporting or "tattling" on a co-worker, but more than likely this person is affecting others too.
In the end, stay positive and try "killing them with kindness".
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.
Q: Dear Seymour, I recently became a manager for the first time, and now find myself facing my first big presentation! Any advice on how to prepare?
- Submitted by Lyla Sulian, Oakbrook, IL 
A: Dear Lyla,
For some, preparing for a presentation is a process that is easy and painless, while for others, it's just painful torture. Most of us fall somewhere in between. It's inevitable that one day you would have to make a presentation at work. There are certain tools, tips and techniques you can use to deliver a memorable and effective presentation - the key is learning how to use them to your maximum advantage. Here are a few tips to ensure you deliver a stellar first presentation:
- Effective visuals. Whatever your visuals are - posters, charts, PowerPoint, slides - keep them simple and don't put too many words on them. The audience is there to listen to you present, not to read your visuals.
- Good eye contact. Look at your audience. Don't single out one person, but instead try to make eye contact with numerous people. This allows you to engage the audience.
- Delivery. Pace yourself - try not to speed up when you speak. Keep your points as short and simple as possible. Speak to the audience, not at them and not at your visual aids. Speak clearly and loudly enough for all to hear. Use inflection, not a monotone voice. Do not use "uhms or ahs." Show some gestures when speaking. People are more engaged with an animated speaker.
- Practice, practice, practice. After you've gotten your written materials and visuals ready, practice in front of a willing audience (friends, family), a mirror, or video yourself. However, don't over prepare. If you rehearse your presentation too much, it will sound like it. You want to sound natural, not as if it's memorized.
- Just breathe. The simple act of breathing properly before you start and during your presentation can give you a better sense of clarity and focus. Get a good night's rest, drink enough water, and stretching beforehand may help ensure you're feeling your best when you present.
Allow for extra time at the end of your presentation for questions and discussion. Prepare in advance answers to some possible questions. Most importantly, don't be too hard on yourself if you didn't meet every expectation. If you believe you gave it your best shot, pat yourself on the back. Look for ways you can improve for the next time you make a presentation. With each one you do, you will improve and the easier presentations will become.
Good luck!
Seymour
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?
Somewhere deep within my subconscious mind, I think that I truly believed that my child would miraculously arrive into this world with little thought (or effort) on my part. Throughout my seemingly endless pregnancy, I dreamt of a beautiful doll-like "mini-me" that never cried or pooped. She wore gorgeous baby couture and never had the predisposition to drool like a bulldog. More importantly, she'd come complete with a "how-to" manual firmly affixed to her rear-end. No one dared to shatter my fantasy so you can imagine my surprise... and utter horror!
Flash forward: post-pregnancy... Suddenly, I was working two full time jobs! My daily struggle of trying to maintain my job and my household responsibilities felt overwhelming and seemingly impossible. It was as if I had gone from working in the mail room to becoming the CEO of a global company overnight. Worse yet, no one had bothered to inform me how I to run the company! Short of auctioning my child on eBay; I was fresh out of quick-fix solutions. It was time to call for outside help. Knowing that I wasn't the first or the last woman to be faced with the age-old dilemma, the question remained... How do you do it all? More importantly, how do you do it all successfully?
I started by joining a local working mom support group. I know what you're thinking... because I thought the same thing! However, I quickly realized that there was a reason that these women gathered together each week and it wasn't to make me feel like a bad mother. Each woman had a need or a desire to improve herself and her work/life balance. The camaraderie I found became my lifeline, granting me the permission to explore who I wanted to be in the various roles of my life. In addition to the self-exploration, I also found an abundance of helpful information like how to find the right preschool to the best approach for working a flex-schedule. I felt that I had tapped into a secret society and the information that I gathered was powerful.
My daughter turns four this year and I marvel at the learning curve that we have both endured through her years. Truthfully, there are times that I forget to ask her to brush her teeth; days that the laundry piles up and sometimes I even miss a work deadline. Yet through it all I have learned that success is only about getting what you want... happiness is found by wanting what you get.
To find an existing mommy support group, check your local bulletin boards and newspapers or contact national organizations, which may have a local chapter in your area. Your local librarian, pediatrician, or social services office may know about an existing group of moms with children in similar age ranges. There are also great online support groups that provide a broad range of communication and are accessible on your time schedule.
Mothers & More is a non-profit membership organization provides a nationwide network of local chapters for mothers who are (by choice or circumstance) altering their participation in the paid workplace over the course of their active parenting years.
Workitmom.com is another online community where working moms can share their experiences, advice, and support can make that daily juggle a bit more manageable.
Mom Junction allows members to immediately access the groups of moms in your local town or find moms outside of your area, but who are still within reach.
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.
As a working mom, I often find myself in that harmonious state of juggling. I use the word harmonious purposefully as it's become a skilled art form. On my better days, I like to mentally refer to myself as Wonder Woman of the Working World, placed on this earth to ensure that my daughter eats her broccoli and my boss's deadlines are met with a vengeance. But it wasn't always so ...
After my daughter was born, I decided to take some time off from my career to get to know this little creature that had been kicking me non-stop during the last 3 months of my pregnancy. I'll admit upfront that I was "that" overly pro-active parent who jumped at the opportunity to sign my daughter up for Mandarin language classes at the ripe age of 6 months. I was also firmly convinced that sugar and preservatives were evil incarnations placed on this earth solely to test my parenting skills. The raising of my child became my full-time career and I was determined that it would be my crowning achievement. After all, I was a career woman and if I could negotiate a multi-million dollar advertising campaign then surely I could handle this ... right? Wrong.
Each day, I struggled to maintain a self-imposed portrait of perfection. From my glistening floors that rivaled Mr. Clean commercials to my 4-course gourmet dinners co-created by Rachel Ray. My days were tightly scheduled around my endless to-do lists and my deep-seeded need for accomplishment with each dutifully checked completion mark.
What I failed to realize or even acknowledge was the joy that I getting from doing it. I didn't realize that perfection is not what made me a great career woman or even a wife or a mother. My success was not dependent on my ability to raise the next Gandhi, Einstein and Miss USA all wrapped up into one adorable size 2T. My success was in the sheer act of trying ... and every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.
Q: Dear Seymour, As Spring is in the air, I'm feeling like it might be time to do a little "spring cleaning" of my life. I feel like I'm unorganized and not as productive as I'd like to be in all aspects of my life, including my career. How can I bring more organization to my world?
- Submitted by Gayle Kahkrin, Hickory, NC
A: Dear Gayle,
Many times we find ourselves being very busy in our personal and professional lives, but not very productive. That generally means you've overextended yourself and need to take a step back and bring some organization to the chaos. Here are some tips on doing just that:
De-Clutter. First, try to remove items that perpetuate a chaotic environment, such as clutter, disorganization, non-used or broken items, and even a busy calendar. Really evaluate your work and personal calendars and eliminate tasks or obligations that are a waste of time or that aren't in line with your priorities. Have the courage to say "no" to unproductive uses of your time. This includes decluttering your work space. If you don't need it or use it, get rid of it. Instead of wasting time looking for files on your computer, arrange a file management system so you can quickly find what you need. Eliminate clutter from your desk.
Take control of your schedule. Once you've eliminated non-important commitments or tasks, now plan and manage your time to your advantage. This means staying focused on completing those tasks that are essential to achieving your goals. Every morning, proactively identify the important tasks for the day, and then specify what must be completed, what can be delegated and even what could be deleted. Be realistic about how many you can actually accomplish in a day. Cross off items as you complete them. Most importantly, schedule in free time to unwind, regroup with family and loved ones and focus on what's really important in your life.
Control your day. 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. Create an electronic filing cabinet similar to a physical one with folders to organize them. Let coworkers know that unless their needs are an emergency, you'll speak with them later during a break in the day. Personal calls should be made only during your personal time. 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 schedule an important meeting in the morning.
Getting organized often gets put on the back burner because more pressing issues need attention first. Start now. By getting organized, you can convert the time you may be wasting into time that can be used more productively.
We've all dealt with office politics. No, not those pesky relationship crushing, ego stepping situations where you are expected to "do as I say, not as I do". I am talking about office conversations about politics.
With this year being a presidential election year, and an interesting one at that, politics and the issues are on many people's minds. But is the office the place to discuss these? Some will say no.
Today, political issues are more than just a topic of conversation for friendly banter. As one article points out, they are doctrines in which people live their lives.
By discussing politics and political beliefs, workers run the risk of causing irreparable damage to their relationships with colleagues, causing hurt feelings and damaging your own reputation if arguments turn heated.
My best advice is to steer clear or tread lightly with political conversations at work, unless they are with close friends who may already be familiar with your beliefs and feelings. Otherwise, this could be dangerous territory to enter with colleagues.
What do some of our readers think? Do discuss politics at work, or would you prefer to take a neutral stance and keep your feelings to yourself?
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!
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.
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.
