When talking to employers, I often hear them say that their workers need to be more proactive.
They don’t want to have to tell their employees what to do next. Instead, they value workers who take the initiative and ask, “What else can I do?”
Choosing to be proactive helps move your career forward. You can be a person who makes things happen rather than one who waits for something to happen..
Last week I talked to some businesspeople about “little” annoyances that can create a negative impression. One member mentioned using a smart phone during a meeting, which can cause others to conclude that the person is either bored, not paying attention, too busy to be there, or doesn’t want to participate. Another is audible sighs, which can signal disinterest.
Perhaps the meeting is boring and the person feels there is no harm in checking for messages, finding something on the Internet, or sighing so loud that everyone can hear it. However, it is hard to get around the impression those actions create.
In appreciation for their hard work, an employer told her staff that she was taking them out to dinner to a very nice restaurant.
Here is the response from one employee, “Is it only dinner?”
This four-word question tagged this person as a complainer, and did not help her reputation. To be perceived as appreciative, the employee could have said something like, “Thank you. I’ll look forward to it.”
Complaining is a deadly habit to possess. It is important to leave it out of the workplace.
An employer told me of a situation she encountered at work. She invited her staff to a company dinner and one employee asked, “What’s on the menu?” After this person heard what was being served, she said, “Yeah, I think I’ll go.” This employee had no dietary restrictions and based her decision totally on the food that would be available. It was clear to the employer that this staff member would not have attended if she didn’t like what was offered.
What was the employer’s impression of this person? It was that she was ungrateful and lacked common sense. Asking such a question certainly did not move her career forward.
Last week I talked to a friend who told me of a workplace situation that happened to her. She manages a group of employees and decided to take them out to dinner to celebrate their recent successes.
This was held at a fancy and rather pricey restaurant, and the meals were pre-selected. My friend was surprised when one of her employees asked if she could order a larger ounce steak. This would add more than was expected to the cost of the meals, but my friend felt she had to say yes.
It turned out that this employee did not intend to eat the extra portion. Instead she walked out of the restaurant with three boxes of food!
What kind of impression did this employee make? How has the likelihood that she will be promoted been affected?
I came across a post by Donald Trump in 2007 on the Trump University blog called, “Build Your Reputation.” He said, “Actions matter…If you are serious about what you’re doing, taking responsibility for yourself starts now.”
(http://www.trumpuniversity.com/blog/index.cfm)
I couldn’t agree more and wrote a comment on the blog as did several other people. Every day I hear from employers who want to see core behaviors exhibited in their workers and job candidates, characteristics such as honesty, perseverance, being respectful and professional.
The employers say, “We can’t coach you on these traits. It’s a waste of time. We don’t want to deal with you if you don’t have them.”
Your behavior will determine your reputation – and your success.
This weekend I looked through survey results conducted by CareerBuilder.com. I particularly enjoy reading statistics about how employers and workers view being late to work.
The surveys in 2007 and 2008 cited many reasons employees used for not getting to work on time, but one of the employer statistics in the 2007 survey really caught my attention:
“One-in-five managers say they might fire an employee who is late three times in a year.”
While you may believe it doesn’t matter if you’re late as long as you get your work done, people do wonder if they can count on you. That negative perception becomes your reputation.
Consistently being punctual is a simple way to show people they can depend on you.
“How do I know how to act during the first few days or weeks when I’m unfamiliar with the particular social dynamics of the office?”
To answer this question, I thought back to the best advice I ever heard when starting a new job. It is to simply listen and observe your surroundings before opening your mouth. You may have great ideas that could fix problems, but until you know “how they do things around here,” it is best to wait to share them.
Next, you need to be friendly and positive. You look around and see what co-worker’s wear so you dress appropriately. You watch to see what “roles” certain employees play, such as the people others go to for advice, and who understands the office culture. Ask for advice but not for things you can easily figure out yourself.
Do what you say you will do so people know they can count on you. Don’t act as if you are entitled to special treatment or that any job is beneath you. Be considerate of others in common spaces, such as leaving the kitchen area the way you found it. Make sure your desk doesn’t have too much clutter.
When you listen and watch first, you’ll learn all sorts of things and see what to do as well as what to avoid.
When starting a new job, how do I make sure that I will get along with everyone and make my co-workers like me and be happy that I joined their team?
I was asked this question recently and believe it is great that this person is thinking about what steps she can take to be a good addition to the team.
Here is my advice:
1. Observe and listen first. There is nothing more annoying than a new employee saying, “I can fix the problem” without knowing the workplace culture or considering what has already been done. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan made an observation that I heard quoted at a college commencement. He said, “Never walk into an environment and assume that you understand it better than the people who live there.” If you fail to stop and listen first, you may come across as naïve or a know-it-all. That is not a good way to begin a new job.
2. Pull your own weight. That means do what you say you will do, when you say you’ll do it. Meet all deadlines and don’t offer excuses. Your co-workers need to know they can count on you and that you’ll keep your word. Trusting you takes time to develop.
3. Be positive. Smile at colleagues when you talk with them. Be friendly. Make sure you leave personal problems at home. Don’t complain if you are given something to do that you feel is below your job title. Instead, say, “Sure I’d be happy to help.”
The first few months are critically important as they create an impression about you. Do you have a good work ethic? Do you show respect to others? Are you a friendly and positive person? That is what your new co-workers and boss want to see. Demonstrating these attributes will help you get along and fit in.
