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Five Career Strategies to Maximize your Potential and Performance on your Job

Five Career Strategies to Maximize your Potential and Performance on your Job

by | Oct 12, 2015 | Career, Leadership, Life, Management, Managing Yourself, Motivation, Office Etiquette, Performance, Productivity, World of Work

Do you believe that the Performance Appraisal systems in your workplace actually work for you? Chances are that you don’t and you are in “good” company here. A study done by Sibson’s Consulting found that Only 30 percent of the study respondents (750 individuals, primarily senior-level human resources (HR) professionals) reported that their employees trust the performance-management system. Given that formal performance appraisals don’t seem to be working as well as they should to give employees their due, one needs to take charge of his/her career and have a self performance management system in place to ensure career growth and commensurate rewards.  Just being good at your work, efficient and cooperative is not enough – it takes more than that to grow and be successful at the workplace today no matter what your job role or level is.

So how does one take charge of their own performance management and hence the rewards arising out of it? What practical steps and behaviors are needed at the work place to ensure a positive outcome at the job? Here are five career strategies drawn out from my experience and analysis with my team and peers of what works:

Career Strategy #1: Work Hard AND Smart – Yup, there is no escaping working hard if you want to be successful. People on the outer edges of the performance bell curve are usually workaholics. But you also need to be smart here – learn to say no to work or assignments that do not fit into your goals early on. Else you are sucked into the vortex of work alcoholism with no real benefit to yourself – doing work that you do not enjoy doing helps no one in the long run. If your heart is not in it, you will not be performing at your best levels. So choose wisely and then be 100 % dedicated to your work.

Career Strategy #2: Promote yourself – This was a hard-earned lesson for me. I had always believed that my work will speak for itself and rewards may be delayed but will never be denied. But then, who has time to wait? You cannot afford to be shy if you want your work to be recognized.  Be aware of your worth and don’t settle for less. You have to be your own marketing manager and actively market the value that you bring in to your manager, department and organization. Make sure people know who you are and what you do. Make your achievements and contributions visible as and when they happen and not just list them at appraisal time. A good way to keeps track of your achievements is also to make your resume a work in progress document that you keep updated as when you achieve a milestone.

Career Strategy #3: Get a mentor or two or three – The advantage of having a mentor at your work (or outside) is multifold. A mentor can help you see a situation differently, identify your key skills and where you need to develop yourself and be someone in your corner when you need some additional support. Look around you to find people who you admire and are role models for where you want to be. Don’t limit yourself to one mentor. You might look to one for  domain expertise, to another for industry expertise, and yet another for personal scenarios when you need practical and helpful advice or brainstorming. And if you are lucky to find a great mentor, invest in that relationship and make sure that you too provide support when your mentor needs it.

Career Strategy #4: Build a network early on – “No man/woman is an island” as they say and in the work scenario, this is amplified. Build a strong and trusted support system of peers at your work place. Draw upon each other’s strengths to get ahead and for back up when you need it. Stay close and vent, strategize and have plain and simple fun within your group. I have also found this to be a good antidote to fight against any negativity (read office politics) in the environment. As you move up in your company or switch jobs or roles, be proactive in building your contact base and staying in touch. You never know who may be of help in boosting your career (and this works both ways) and serendipity often strikes when you are prepared for it. Social media makes this easy nowadays and LinkedIn is a great place to achieve this. There is rich content on the web on maximizing your returns from LinkedIn and here is one from an expert to get you started (http://dngraham.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/five-points-to-consider-before-participating-on-linkedin/).

Career Strategy #5: Keep Learning and Stay Positive – Being a lifelong learner is essential for your career success when skills, technologies and market requirements are changing so rapidly. Not only do you need to be open to new experiences and keep learning to convert your weaknesses to strengths but also to be current and relevant in today’s job market. Set your own training goals for the year and make sure that you keeping adding new skills and knowledge to your repertoire. Limit your exposure to negative environments and people – these are energy suckers and if you are not careful, you would soon be working on fulfilling someone else’s agenda instead of your own. Remain positive and true to your own performance plan and keep moving forward on the goals that you have set for yourself – so much more productive than being distracted by negative office politics or complaint-sessions.

Maximizing your performance and potential on your job needs you to take control of your own career plan – be the CEO of YOU Inc. Be fiercely intentional about where you want to be, know your worth and be BODACIOUS (one of my favourite words – meaning a combination of Remarkable, Courageous, Audacious, Spirited) at work.

I leave you with these words from Abraham Lincoln: Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.

What would you add to the list above as necessary strategies to Thrive and not just Survive at work? What has worked or not worked for you? I would love to hear back and learn from you.

Office Etiquette: What No one Tells You About – Everything Feminism Isn’t

Office Etiquette: What No one Tells You About – Everything Feminism Isn’t

by | Oct 6, 2015 | Managing Yourself, Office Etiquette, World of Work

The word “feminist” is used, or rather, misused, ever so frequently. Most of our misconceptions stem from ignorance of the term. Feminism, is not about those misconceptions (which we will get to, in a bit), it is a political stance, and ideology one subscribes to because it believes in equality of the sexes – social, political and economic equality. Eons of patriarchal society have made it essential that some extra effort be made towards bridging the gaps between the two sexes. Feminism, as a movement and revolution came about in ‘waves’ and each one of us is connected to it in one way or the other. Unfortunately, mostly people understand feminism through the stereotypes constructed around it and not what it actually stands for. A little learning is dangerous, and if your understanding of women and women’s rights is (mis)informed through a warped understanding of feminism, apart from affecting your personal life, it can play a crucial role in defining the work-place dynamics for you as well, and not in a positive way. So we chose to write about this touchy topic for our Office Etiquette series. Read on to find out if this is what you thought feminism was about, and stand corrected!

  1. It isn’t about hating men – The most popular misconception. If you are a feminist, you must hate men. Absolutely not, in fact, as stressed earlier, feminism is about “equality of both sexes” and not about the female sex superseding the male sex to reverse the politics of domination. If anything, it is about creating equal opportunities, so that both men and women have equal access towards fulfilling their aspirations.
  1. Yes, a man can be a feminist too – Just because the word “feminism” or “feminist” is derived from “female”, it doesn’t mean only a woman can be a feminist. This is also another ridiculous misconception stemming from ignorance. A man can be a feminist too, if he believes in equal rights for men and women and believes that it is time the world made efforts to make way for the ladies who have been intentionally pushed back so far.
  1. Feminism isn’t about making noise and rallies – Does the word conjure violent images of bra-burning and extreme incidents of male bashing? Well, we won’t say it is in your imagination, it really did happen. However, the very cause of this post is to say that it shouldn’t have happened because that isn’t what feminism is about. Some actions are symbolic, however, one shouldn’t be led to believe that is all that feminism is. It goes beyond symbolism, it is an ideology, a way of life, a habit where being “fair” precedes everything else.

 

  1. All feminists don’t believe in marriage: It is a myth – Marriage is a personal choice and has got nothing to do with being a feminist. This stereotype is closely related to the first one, about feminism being about hating men. Therefore, they do not believe in the institution of marriage. What feminists do not believe in is the ‘unfair’ institution of marriage, in which the woman is relegated to doing the household chores simply by virtue of being a woman, while the man takes on the world. Marriage in a feminist perspective is an equal partnership.
  1. All feminists are lesbians (of course it is a myth!) – Yes, because they hate men they are all lesbians. Well, thankfully there are people who do find this ridiculous, and thus there is some hope that there will be balance in the world. Of course all feminists aren’t lesbians! You choose what ideology you want to subscribe to, however your sexual orientation is definitely not a matter of choice. It is who you are. Being a feminist does not automatically make you a lesbian, or for that matter, vice versa. Both are quite independent of each other. And we’ve got to admit, shedding clarity on this fact has been especially embarrassing – to think people actually would believe this!

 

Branding women as “feminists” is quite a common thing, even for women to say they are feminists without understanding what it actually means isn’t any less common. By no means is this post targeted only at a male audience. Equal number of women believe in these stereotypes of what feminism means and would swear to live their lives by it. We are sorry if we come across as excessively caustic in this post, however, it is only from experiences on debates about feminism and what it entails, at the workplace that we seem to be a little wary. Next time, you “accuse” a co-worker of being a feminist, or say that you are a feminist and hence you dislike men, remember why you would come across simply as an ignorant person who doesn’t know the first thing about feminism! Being wrong about this concept can land you in a number of foot-in-the-mouth situations in your professional life, and God save you if your boss is a true-blue feminist!

 

Office Etiquette: 5 Guidelines for Working in a Shared Space  

Office Etiquette: 5 Guidelines for Working in a Shared Space  

by | Sep 6, 2015 | Communication, Office Etiquette, World of Work

Being “cubicled” is a professional reality, at least at some point in time in all our careers. We spend hours tapping away at our keyboards, like human woodpeckers, and it is only natural that we will, once in while want to take a break and interact with our neighbor, listen to a song, take a phone call. What we seldom realize is we may be doing things (whether we’re working or taking a break) that are coming in the way of other people’s work. Also, some of these things might also come across as rude, even though it may be unintentional. Working in shared spaces can be tricky. If you are getting cold shouldered by your coworkers and you think it is for no apparent reasons, maybe you could check if you are violating any of the guidelines we have put together for you, right here in this post!

1. No loud phone calls – It is hard enough to be holed up in a cubicle for ten hours in a day (we are sorry if it’s even longer for you!). There are enough disruptions (the constant sound of the keyboard, the humming you can’t do anything about, the occasional giggle or laughter) one has to ignore and keep working, however, the tipping point is often the loud phone calls. Even if it is just for two minutes, and even if it is your mother, it is only proper manners to take the phone call outside and not disturb your co-workers.

2. Avoid personal talk and loud conversations – Even if you and your best-friend work one cubicle apart, conquer the urge to tell her/him who puked at the party last night or who broke up with whom. If you just can’t, then keep it to texting. Be assured, not many want to be a part of these conversations, and by default become a part of it because they unfortunately share the same working space. However, if you really do need to approach someone, make sure to keep your decibel levels really low so that you don’t disturb anyone.

3. Don’t use phrases which could hurt someone’s feelings – “Nigga” – not cool. “Biatch” – not cool. “Abey”, “Kutte”, “Kaminey” – cool in Sholay, not at work. While you may think you are just being friendly, the other person might be getting offended. Extremely informal lingo like the examples above is best to avoid at your work place.

4. Respect the privacy of your co-workers – Don’t stare into their monitor screens. Don’t insist on having conversations when they seem to be really busy. Even if they aren’t busy and look like they want to be left alone, take the hint. Don’t go asking everyone about who the people in the photographs on the cubicle wall, or their desks are. Remember there is a difference between being nosey and friendly, and the line is very fine and easy to blur. Take care to not toe the line!

5. Always ask before you borrow, or use – Even if you don’t mind if someone takes your stationery, your headphones, or a bite of the chocolate you left unattended for a second, do not assume everyone else to be the same. Always ask before you borrow something, if they aren’t there, wait for them to get back or don’t take it at all. While this may seem juvenile and kindergartenly to some, it is considered bad manners if you borrow things without the owner’s knowledge. Also, avoid eating at other people’s desks, even if they are not around. No one likes to start their day by cleaning up coffee stains or dried curry from their desk!

We hope what we shared in this post will help you take a step towards a more peaceful and productive shared working space environment. What have been the worst or best experiences you have had while working in a shared space? We would love to hear from you! Write to us or comment below. 🙂

Office Etiquette: 5 Topics Not Meant for Water Cooler Conversations

Office Etiquette: 5 Topics Not Meant for Water Cooler Conversations

by | Sep 6, 2015 | Communication, Office Etiquette, World of Work

Water Cooler Conversations (informal) : Used to refer to the type of informal conversation/chat among office workers that takes place around a water cooler/coffee dispenser or like.

We agree that at times, the informal water cooler conversations are what help us trudge through those boring days at work, which otherwise seem never-ending. However, in the interest of proper office etiquette, it is important to realize that there are certain things best not commented upon or spoken about at the water cooler. Here are 5 things to avoid for a water cooler conversation, and it is only professional to do so!

1. Gossip – It is true that gossip can prove to be chicken soup for the soul at times. However, there is a time and a place for it. And the water cooler isn’t exactly one of those places. It is extremely unprofessional to gossip about or with the people you work. If she gets the alimony or not is actually nobody’s business but hers!

2. Complaints – While you may be thinking the person you are opening up to is a dear and trusted colleague, don’t be surprised if you are proven wrong. It is always a bad idea to complain or bad mouth people who you may be having problems with at work. If you have a problem with someone who has been really affecting you, the best idea is to find a way to talk to the person directly about it.

 3. Love Life Talk – Why would you even bother? Trust us on this, the other person probably doesn’t even care that you are going through a break up. Again, extremely unprofessional, and also, you will be known as the sissy thereafter. Whether a break up or the beautiful surprise date last night, what’s personal should always be kept personal and separate from what’s professional.

 4. Religion – While this may be fodder for a lot of interesting and intellectually stimulating conversations, you will need to be extremely diplomatic while talking about religion and religious issues, lest you go the way of fundamentalism or touch an especially sensitive nerve. There are certain topics where it is virtually impossible to prove a right or wrong because of the several perspectives that exist, and religion is surely on of them.

 5. Boss Bitching – We dedicated a whole separate category for it because it doesn’t belong wholly to gossip, neither to complaints. Once again, a tempting but dodgy subject. You never know who the boss’s minion is, and should be careful especially if you are a fresher. Some people do it just for fun, without any particular cause, which again is definitely unprofessional. But let us cut you some slack on this one, we do understand that at times, you really, really need to vent and the venting cannot wait! Just be careful who you vent to and where!

Your safest bet is to keep your conversations informal but not too informal. How you manage these things define how work place dynamics play out for you. If you thought the water cooler is a place where you can literally say anything, and it won’t affect you, well, you stand corrected. Avoiding the above will help you steer clear of unnecessary controversies. It is also worthy to remember that discussing anything which involves another person, especially if that person is another colleague is a very bad idea (in short, what we said about avoiding gossip). Now that we’ve spoken about what NOT to speak at the water cooler, we would love to hear from you about some of the best water cooler conversations you have had! Feel free to write to us, or to comment here!

7 Things to Do on Your First Day at Work

7 Things to Do on Your First Day at Work

by | Feb 11, 2015 | Job Offers, Office Etiquette, World of Work

This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for and it has finally come your way. After all those weeks of grilling, from the process of perfecting your CV till the final interview, here you are, at your first day of work. The challenge now is to make your time in your new job worthwhile and live up to the expectations. While it is not necessary that the first impression is the last impression, the first impression does matter. You should always begin as you intend to go on. Or to put it simply, your first day at work pretty much sets pace for the time to follow. Here are a few pointers we have put together for you for your first day at work:

  1. A king sized breakfast:

    Make yourself your favorite breakfast. Nothing like pancakes with sausages on the side and fresh coffee to kick-start an awesome day! Eat a good, filling breakfast. We often underestimate the power of a good, happy, first meal of the day!

  2. On time, every time!

    Yes, if you’ve been following our posts, you would know how much stress we lay on the importance of being punctual. It is crucial to show up on time, in fact, before time, on your first day of work. Make sure you have checked and re-checked the address and know exactly how long it takes to get there, and what the best mode of transport is (keeping in mind the traffic at the given time).

  3. Confidence:

    Most people feel extremely pressurized to give it their best on their first day. Remember that you have the job because they like you. Don’t ruin your confidence by going overboard in trying to please everybody.

  4. What you wear matters :

    Give some thought to what you are going to wear for your first day at work and make sure your outfit is ready. It is best to go for a semi-formal pick, in case you are not sure about the dress code and don’t want to over or under-dress.

  5. But most importantly, wear a smile!

    You can get away with almost everything (including excess baggage while checking in) if you know how to smile and it comes naturally to you. If you are positive and cheerful, it comes through and is infectious. So remember to wear your smile the moment you step in!

  6. Remembering Names:

    It’s tough if you aren’t exactly “the socialite” but it’s important. Try extra hard to remember the names of the people you meet, not just your managers, even the cafeteria guys (remember they are your source for food, and extras!). It will take some time, but don’t let it take forever. Nothing more annoying than being asked one’s name over and over again by the same person. Being a fresher won’t help your case either!   

  7. Be your AWESOME self! 🙂

    Here is some recommended reading for you on Business Insider, for more tips on getting your first day right: http://www.businessinsider.in/19-Things-You-Should-Do-On-Your-First-Day-Of-Work/articleshow/31121232.cms

5 Things to Do Before Your First Day at Work

5 Things to Do Before Your First Day at Work

by | Feb 11, 2015 | Job Offers, Office Etiquette, World of Work

The first day of work is important. You are excited to start this new phase of your career and at the same time anxious to leave a good first impression. A little preparation can help you fight the anxiety and start your first day  with confidence. Here are some tips for the days before your first day at work:

  1. Documents:

    Have all the documents the HR might ask for verification in place. Your birth certificate, bona-fide certificates of past experience, id proof, et al. What would be even more efficient is to send the HR an email beforehand asking them what documents you would be required to produce on your first day. This way you will have a written record and will also be able to organize them well before time.

  2. Prepare well:

    You know what your profile is, which means you know what kind of work you would be expected to do. Research and read up about your role thoroughly.  Go through any material that the company might have sent you. Read up about the organization and its ethics as well, to familiarize yourself with them. This will ensure you settle down sooner than later!

  3. Prepare some Conversation Starters for yourself:

    It being your very first day at your new work place, having some conversation starters handy might prove useful. If you don’t really have the gift of the gab, you would be at the mercy of making awkward small talk. Think about questions you can ask to hold a conversation and answers you would have, to the usual questions of “what was your previous work like?”, “what are your hobbies”, etc.

  4. Get to know the dress code:

    Over-dressing, or being under-dressed can be disastrous for your confidence. You don’t want to be out-of-place on your first day. Talk to someone from your new workplace about the dress code. Get in touch with someone you might know in the organization or you can talk to the HR asking them about any guidelines or rules about what to wear or what do people usually wear. People will  be willing to help you on this. If talking to someone is not possible, just remember what people were wearing during your interview. If all else fails, formals are your safest bet. Prepare your clothes beforehand and be ready for the big day.

  5. Remember why you took the job in the first place:

    Here is something very nice we read on The Muse : “Before you go to bed the night before your first day, take a few minutes to remember why you accepted this new job. Maybe it’s your dream job, and you couldn’t be more excited to get going. Maybe it’s your first job, and you’re doing it for the experience. Whatever the motivation, write it down somewhere you’ll remember. Then, when things get overwhelming, everything isn’t what you expected it to be, or you feel like you’ll never make it up the steep learning curve ahead of you, you can return to that reason and remind yourself why you’re doing this.”

So remember that you are awesome and remember that you have to make most of the opportunity that has come your way. Shine on (you crazy diamond)! 🙂