Though workplace success is not necessarily “rock science”, I'm amazed at how many folks fail to realize that job performance is not the only thing that keeps them on the payroll. Word!As someone who's sat on both sides of the fence---as a worker bee and the “B” that folks worked for, I can attest that it's not that cut and dry.(By the way, that previously referenced “B” can stand for “boss”,” beauty”, “Black person”, or any other number of nouns or adjectives). :-)Think of it this way...you know how reality TV competition shows like American Idol and Dancing With the Stars often render winners that are not necessarily the most talented? How their popularity, charm, and rapport with the judges can factor in to the ultimate decision too?Well similar dynamics are at work in the world of work as well! Trust me when I say that I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to employee retention and … [Read more...] about 4 Reasons “Talented” Employees Get Fired
Career Advice
Ways to Save Money While Looking for a Job
If you're unemployed, you'll know just how difficult the time spent looking for a new job can be. Some people go from living comfortably to struggling get to by in a very short space of time - so taking care of your money is very important. Here are a few ways you can reduce your outgoings and make your money stretch further while you're looking for work. Use 'free' transport Even people who have a job often complain that their car costs a fortune to own. In fact, a car is easily one of the biggest drains on our finances. It's not just the cost of gas - insurance and maintenance also add to the overall cost. If you're unemployed and looking to keep on top of things, it just doesn't make a lot of sense to keep paying so much for a luxury like a car. Yes, depending on where you live, a car is often a luxury - even though many people treat it like a necessity. And if you're really struggling for money, you probably don't need it. For most purposes, getting around by bicycle or even by … [Read more...] about Ways to Save Money While Looking for a Job
5 Ways to Stop Feeling Angry at Work
Everybody gets angry. Feeling frustrated by an annoying coworker or stressed over a missed deadline is a natural emotion. What's important is how we deal with those negative feelings. No matter what the situation, it’s critical not to water the seed of anger, but to extinguish it as soon as possible.Here are five fail-proof ways to reduce office anger and keep desk rage in check:Practice ZazenThe backbone of Zen Buddhism, zazen is a form of seated meditation. It’s easy to practice a modified version at work because you don’t need any equipment. All you need is your butt in a chair.First, loosen anything on your body that feels tight, like your watch, collar, or belt. Next, sit up straight, making sure your spine is erect. With your eyes half open, take a deep breath, filling your belly with air. When you exhale, feel your belly return to its normal position. Concentrate on your mind or your breath–and nothing else.Modified work zazen is easy to hide from your … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Stop Feeling Angry at Work
Going to College and Working Full Time
Can you actually hold a full-time job while taking an online degree program? Yes, you can! You'll probably have to cut back on playing video games, watching silly YouTube videos, responding to unnecessary text messages and watching television. Don't pout! You may actually enjoy spending time taking online classes. Online education programs allow students to attend classes at their convenience. People who can work independently with little assistance are best suited for online education programs. Acquiring more education can help you get a promotion. Here are some helpful tips which will make it easier to hold a job while taking an online education program: Set a schedule: Set aside a number of hours per week and try to be consistent with the time schedule. It's easier to get the work done if you have to be studying at a specific time.Family members: If you're living with family members or roommates let them know they should not enter your room during your school hours unless it's … [Read more...] about Going to College and Working Full Time
5 Tips to Effectively Handle Office Politics
Office politics are present in every industry in one form or another - and it is not going to go away anytime soon. Usually, the main intention of people who engage in office politics, is for personal gain. But what makes office politics a serious issue is the fact that employees who participate in petty politics contribute very little to the organization and its presence at all levels. Since it is impossible for anyone in an organization to stay untouched from office politics, it is always better to play it safe and position yourself in a way that you don’t get harmed. In honor of Election Day, we will cover few tips that will be handy for anyone dealing with office politics. And when it coes to talking about politics at work, avoid the subject altogether! Be a good observer – Do not get so involved in your work that you don’t know about the things going on in your workplace. If you want to keep your job safe, you should keep yourself updated with the latest happenings at your … [Read more...] about 5 Tips to Effectively Handle Office Politics
5 Steps to Breaking Bad Work Habits
We all have our own bad habits at the office. Maybe it’s gossiping or complaining. Or binge eating or nail-biting. Or checking e-mail incessantly.Whatever the habit, we’d be happier without it. To break and replace those tendencies, follow these simple five steps:Step 1: Identify your bad office habitsRoutine makes us feel safe, but don’t hide under the umbrella of familiarity for too long. The problem with habits is that we let them control us. Our subconscious kicks in and tendencies take over—without us even thinking about them.Monitor yourself for a full week as you go through average work days. Jot down any potential habits in a job journal. Whether it's an arbitrary ritual like tapping your toe three times before you enter the building or sipping on an afternoon diet soda, include it on the list. The point here isn’t to nab every habit and routine, but to find a starting point.Read more of my blog entry at U.S. News & World Report. … [Read more...] about 5 Steps to Breaking Bad Work Habits
Sociopath at Work? 5 Ways to Deal With “Dexter”
How to Tame the Office Sociopath I’ve never watched “Dexter.” Does that make me uncool? Do I get any points for watching every season of “Sopranos?” Sounds like similar themes - lots of blood and sociopaths. I hear people throwing around the word “sociopath” a lot, but I bet not many folks know the actual definition or diagnosis. One thing is certain, if you work with one, you KNOW the behaviors. And we aren’t talking a weird co-worker like Bob, who is just a little odd and annoying, but harmless. Let’s start with the clinical stuff. We shrinks use the DSM IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose patients. Here’s an overview of the traits of sociopaths and psychopaths, which are now both categorized under “Antisocial Personality Disorder:”There is a “pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others,” such … [Read more...] about Sociopath at Work? 5 Ways to Deal With “Dexter”
Work Dress Code – Try Tailored Clothes
Work dress code is one of those imperfect sciences that will always be a bit wonky. I can't be the only one frustrated from trying to figure out the difference between business casual and semi-formal, right?You already know that I hate wearing a suit to work. So what happened when Tailor4Less, a custom tailoring company stepped in and offered to customize a shirt for me? First, let's back up a second. Years ago when I was working for VH1, I had a brief conversation with Peter Garrett, frontman of Midnight oil (You might recall the 80's at hit "Beds Are Burning"). I don't remember how the conversation came up, but I recall him telling me that the only difference between "famous" people and "regular" folks is that the stars get all of their clothing tailored. (And the frugal ones get it tailored from Asia).That's why they look so fabulous, eh?!If you visualize your own closet of clothes and identify your favorite outfit, I'm willing to bet that … [Read more...] about Work Dress Code – Try Tailored Clothes
Thinking Like Your Boss to Get a Promotion
There are quite a few articles out there on ‘interviewing technique’ that suggest you should put yourself in the employer’s shoes and think about what they want from a candidate, thus allowing you to provide much more attractive question responses. This article takes that concept one step further and looks at how to adopt the same principle when seeking a promotion at work.What employers want...SecurityIf you think about it, most of us desire security in our lives. We desire to own a home, have a stable relationship, and have a steady income. Employers are no different, and the more secure they can make their workforce, the more content they will be with the ‘work’ element of their lives. Employers will frequently look to promote those who demonstrate stability and don’t look like they up-sticks in search of a better opportunity once they have been given a better job title. Being at a company for a number of years obviously implies a level of … [Read more...] about Thinking Like Your Boss to Get a Promotion
10 Tips for Outstanding Customer Service
Your customers will reward you with more sales if you provide them with great customer service. Outstanding customer service combines the golden rule with simplicity. Give your customers the easiest route to what they want. Here are some ways to provide stellar customer service. 1. Provide solutions - Your customers are genuinely more interested in their own problems rather than your store's sales. When they come to your store, they are single minded. If you give your customers exactly the products for which they are looking, they will keep coming to your store. When you give them great information on their initial visit, you will become their first call for related items. 2. Don't take it for granted - Customers choose to come to your store and use your services. With the level of local and global competition, there are other vendors from where your customers can get widgets. Show your appreciation for your customer's business. When you thank the customers for their patronage, be … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Outstanding Customer Service