If you’re reading this, congratulations! All of your hard work has paid off, and although you’ll still have to work hard, now, you’ll actually get paid for it. You’re at the official start of your career and ready to take the work world by storm, as are millions of your peers worldwide.
I was just like you, confident, prepared and ready to learn more; however, there are areas I wish I knew how to handle better, small things that can have a big impact, and as a result, I’m sharing them with you.
When you come across complex situations at work, an experience that is almost inevitable, I want you to have this as your toolkit for informed decision-making and interactions.
Here goes!
1. Pay attention and observe.
Don’t be afraid to scope out the scene. As humorously pointed out on social media, when new employees join a company or organization, people for some reason feel the need to paint their workplace as a pristine utopia, showering you with smiles and “you’ll love it here’s.”
While that may be true, wherever there are people, there is imperfection. I am not trying to bring down your mood, but to be realistic. Look for the pain points, the troublemakers and the soft spots. You can actually turn this around for good!
After taking note of these elements, you can use your knowledge and what may start off as a light workload to begin providing solutions to these problems. As for the trouble-makers, I’m not saying for you to go and try to be a life-changing intervention, but take note of their interaction style so you’ll know how to work with them when the time comes. That leads me to my next point.
2. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions.
While there may be some who are a bit intimidated by newcomers (again, another cringe-worthy truth), most will be excited for a fresh perspective and set of ideas. People want what you have to offer, and that’s why you were hired.
Don’t be afraid to chime in during appropriate moments at meetings or speak with your supervisor afterward about possibly presenting your new ideas in the next one. People both want and need what your unique perspective brings.
3. Stay teachable.
With that being said, don’t get big-headed. You know a lot, but not everything. Remember you (in many cases, but not all) will sometimes will be surround by decades-long career veterans who know the industry and know it well.
While they may not be up-to-speed on the latest trends, they have a strong understanding developed over several years of what works and what doesn’t. Don’t just respect them, learn from them and add their approach, as appropriate, to your toolbox as well.
4. Be yourself.
You will spend a third of your day at work if you have a traditional schedule. That’s a lot of your life spent with co-workers. Now, I am by no means encouraging you to be a kiss-up or fall into the trap of people pleasing. I am not even saying you have to be best-buddies with your coworkers, but you do want to have some type of relationship.
At least be on good terms. Say hello, ask them how they’re doing, give them updates on how you’re doing, and just be yourself. Attend a few after-hours office events and holiday parties to build on your in-office chemistry.
Don’t expect or try to get everyone to like you, but make an effort to be professionally cordial to improve the enjoyability of your at-work experience.
5. Be generous.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that those who are the most successful, both in and out of the office are the most giving. When I say giving, I am not taking about money, I’m referring to grace, kindness, favors and time.
Now, don’t become that person who clearly does stuff for others just to get ahead, another type of kiss-up, but be genuine, be authentic. Do it because that’s who you want to be as a person and the lifestyle you want to live.
What may help is listening to your intuition to determine just the right moment to do so. Send someone an email telling them they did great during a presentations, bring in donuts for the office or offer to help someone (only if you can) who has an extra heavy workload for the week.
You’ll know when its time.
I believe in you and your power to make an impact in your everyday work life. Keep an encouraging message on your desk everyday to remind you of your true potential and power!
Here’s to a Successful Career!
The Post Graduate
ourpostgraduatelife.com 