A reader of this blog emailed me the following article about conduct at the office.
7
Smart Ways to Get Ahead at the Office
Do you always feel behind at work?
Is there always something that gets left undone? Are you the one that’s always
behind schedule? Do you marvel at those that are always on top of their game?
Why do you keep getting passed over for a promotion? Change your fate today!
We’ve got seven smart, simple ways to get ahead at the office.
Don’t
listen to the multitasking hype — doing one thing at a time ensures that at
least one thing will get done. Minimize browsers, close extra tabs, and log out
of Facebook. If you can turn off all the noise, you will get your tasks
complete. Word to the wise: Those who say they do more when multitasking are
usually incorrect.
It might
not be what you want to hear, but muscling through is one way to ensure that
things get done at the office. Afraid you’re going to be behind? Feeling
overwhelmed? Come early. Stay late. Hit up the office on a weekend. Work smart,
but don’t forget that working hard will get you there, too. And convince
yourself that you care enough to do so. You won’t get points for being at the
office the longest, but if you work harder and smarter than everyone around
you, you’re sure to be a shining star.
Life isn’t
fair. Work isn’t fair. And don’t expect it to be otherwise. Even if you don’t
work in a cutthroat industry, you’re definitely not doing yourself any favors
if you expect people to notice and recognize your work. Go above and beyond
because that’s what you want to do, not because you’ll be recognized for it.
You won’t be rewarded for doing what you’re told — in the end, you’re only
rewarded for doing what you do best.
If you do
something great, highlight it. Don’t be a braggart, but do make it clear that
you enjoy your work and intend to get ahead because you want to. Speak up in
meetings. Speak up when you do something well. And don’t be afraid to ask for a
pay raise if and when you deserve one.
One of the
best ways that you can be sure to get ahead at the office is to listen. If you
have the capacity to listen to those around you while still completing your
work, you’re sure to get ahead in your job and professional relationships. It’s
a great benefit to know what’s going on around the office, but don’t get overly
involved nor allow it to affect your work. That’s about as much job security as
you can be guaranteed these days.
It might
sound elementary, and maybe even trivial, but it’s a fact: Offices are bad for
you, and bad for your health. Human bodies and minds weren’t meant to sit in
awkward ergonomic chairs for years on end, and our eyes weren’t meant to stare
at glowing rectangles under the filter of greenish fluorescent overhead light.
Sure, it looks professional but it’s not natural. And you have to fight it. If
you are aware that your work life is killing you, you can make better decisions
about the ideal way to get your work done. Lose the crappy attitude, and work
with your company to create an environment that’s life-giving for you.
Always be
present, presentable, and make active professional decisions. Get ahead the
right way — with a good attitude, an open mind, accurate work, and a team
mindset. Making active decisions ensures that you are in control of what
happens to you and that you’re not a passive agent. Anyone can complain, but it
takes a leader to fix problems.
Please comment in this blog or email me at
glynjordan@gmail.com if find these suggestions helpful to you.
Thanks,
Glyn
