Rules for work success

No more office gossip if you want to get ahead .....

We have all heard that ‘it is more important to be respected than liked', but is this right? What about the person who says, "I respect ‘so and so' but I could never work for him or her because I just don't like them"?
 

Every day in the workplace, we are being judged whether we like it or not; it's not sufficient just to do a great job; it's better also to be liked to succeed.

Here's some workplace rules or protocols to think about whether you are a manager or employee.

1.  Be nice; don't gossip

If you can't say anything nice, say nothing. Remember it is easy to say 'please' or ‘thank you' and not to become involved in gossip.  When you need help you will find others are more willing to assist if they know, like and trust you.

2.  Show empathy

See things from the other person's point of view.  When you are empathetic and make others feel good, then they tend to gravitate to you.

3.  Have goals

Set goals and frequently evaluate where you are with them.  Be prepared to alter course because it is a fact things sometimes never work out as you think they will.  Put them in writing, have an action plan.

4.  Failure

You will fail from time to time and when you do, admit it.  Remember - be aware of people who do not make mistakes because they are probably not stretching themselves or may be coasting.  From failure we learn and become more successful.

5.  Be audience focused

Review what and how you communicate with different people.  Be prepared to repeat for clarity when receiving and delivering a communication.

6.  Walk the talk

You are great at your job, but so what if no one knows?  You need to stand apart from the others.  Expand your knowledge and be good at as many things as possible and make sure that people who count, know.

7.  Recruitment

If recruiting, treat all applicants with courtesy and respect.  You want them to say good things about their experience and the business even if they didn't get the job.  Your paths may cross at some other stage when they hold the balance of power.

8.  Diplomacy

To be successful you need to handle conflict well. Be prepared to ask lots of questions, keep calm and many times you may need to keep your opinions to yourself.

9.  Be diligent

Put in the hard yards at work as though your work life depends on it. One day it might.

10.  Food for thought

"Nothing is quite as embarrassing as watching your boss do something you assured him or her, couldn't be done".



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