Have you ever been in a team brainstorming meeting, and another co-worker has used your idea to present to the manager? As frustrating as this can be, it is an unfortunate team dynamic that happens. One article that I read illustrates how you can turn a situation like this around to you advantage.
If this does happen to you, try not to get angry. Approach the perpetrator in a manner that does not accuse them specifically. Say something like, “Let’s talk after the meeting about the details, I have plenty of ideas to compliment this one since we previously discussed this matter brainstorming.”
Be subtle about how you approach a colleague, but let them know that you remember the idea they gave was yours. These days, workers are concerned about showing value to their employer, and are willing to do anything to show it.
Try not to think about it as stealing ideas. Some experts believe that ideas are meant to be shared for the brain trust of the team to explore and expand upon. This is for the betterment of the team and ultimately the bottom line of the company.
If it truly bothers you to have someone stealing your ideas and using them as their own, then hold back some of the big details to share with the team when the manager is around. That way, you can share your idea, and provide some of the “wow” details.
To blog or not to blog….a commonly pondered thought with today’s increasingly online world. But just like everything else, there is a right way and a wrong way to get attention from a potential employer in cyberspace.
Many young professionals, especially those who have recently graduated, believe that having their own blog may boost their resume profile and help separate them from the crowd. But as one article points out, there is a fine line between being showing true experience as a blogger and just having a rambling forum with no strategic plan or goal behind it.
True, social networks and online communities are becoming more and more mainstream parts of the everyday business world. But just like establishing a blog on Facebook page for a company, personal blogs must be intelligent with a specific goal in mind. Remember that blogs are a great way to make connections, and to add experience to your resume, but only if the blog is a valid “conversation” maker.
Does this mean that it had to be business-oriented? Not necessarily. But you have to think about whether or not the content is thoughtful and solicits the appropriate attention. A good friend mine has a college football blog about her favorite team. It is well-read and receives a significant amount of traffic. Although it has nothing to do with her profession (a technical writer), it is still valid forum that shows her as an experienced blogger.
Also, blogs that are thought-provoking and have a good following, as well as follow online best practices, could potentially get you noticed by a perspective employer. So if you do plan on creating your own blog, remember these easy rules to start:
- carefully plan out the goal or topic
- keep it updated regularly
- follow the best practice rules for blogging
Good cyber-seekers!
So many people think about what their clothes says about them, but what about their work space? Everyone works differently, and oftentimes a desk can reveal more about you than you think.
Take a moment and look at your desk. What’s on it? Is it littered with papers and files, or is it neat and tidy? Are the walls as plastered with photos as a street corner is with concert advertisements, or are they bare?
No matter what type of worker you are, your desk says as much about you as your clothes and personal style. If your space looks like a paper swamp, coworkers will assume you’re sloppy and disorganized. If it’s tidy or has more of a controlled chaos feel, you’re more likely to be trusted with important assignments.
Personal objects within a space also say a lot. While it’s good to have some photos and perhaps a funny toy or two, don’t go overboard. You want to project an image of someone who is at work, not at play. Take time to choose just the right things to put at your desk, ones that will give you an emotional boost whenever you see them. Don’t let your space feel too cluttered with personality or it may appear as if you are not focused enough on the job.
On the other hand, having no personal items may work against you. If your desk is indistinguishable from the empty one beside you, people may have trouble locating your space. If you never “move in,” it may seem like you’re transitional and don’t plan on staying with the company. If you’re not into decoration, throw in a photo or two and call it a day, or install a white board to write work notes on.
Another fun way to add personality without going overboard is with a cool lamp. Lamps can be cheap to pick up, make a space feel more comfortable, and add extra light. It can make you feel more at home without over personalizing.
If you want to take a fun quiz to test your desk personality and see what your space may say about you, check out this link from TestQ.
Group work can be challenging. You never know what sort of leader you might have, whether your colleagues will pull their weight, and you want to be noticed without being labeled as a bad team player. Team dynamics can be foggy to navigate, but there are ways to stand out without making colleagues feel put out.
Don’t be negative. When it comes to attitude, positive is the only way to go. If you’re feeling down or doubtful, keep it to yourself. You don’t want to drag the group down, and having an upbeat attitude can change the whole group’s dynamic for the better. You may not be the leader, but your attitude can change the course of the project.
Be reliable. When working with any group, you want to be the person that everyone can count on to keep your promises. Be consistent and dependable. If something goes wrong, don’t try to blame someone or something else; take responsibility. You’ll become a team member that everyone respects.
Listen, listen, listen. Lots of people think that good communication is about how well you can speak. But the best communicators are actually outstanding listeners. Before you try to communicate your own ideas, listen to your leader and team members. They’ll value this quality, and it will make you that much more credible when you do speak up.
Pitch in. If you’re eager to get ahead, chances are that you’re good at what you do. If you finish your project assignments early, offer to help your colleagues. Ask your leader where help is most needed, then get set to lend a hand. Your colleagues in need will appreciate your help, and so will the project leader.
Most of all, think about what you most value in a team member. Then do your best to be the kind of person you would love to work with.
Kermit the frog likes to sing that “it’s not that easy being green,” and the same goes for being the leader of a group. When you’re the person in charge, you have a lot to manage. There are deadlines, group dynamics, and a variety of ideas to handle. How do you stay on top and keep the respect of your peers?
Be open to new ideas. Every group project should begin with a brainstorm. No matter how streamlined your processes may seem, there is always room for improvement. A good brainstorm where every idea is written on a board is a great way to begin your project.
Value the ideas of the group. Not every idea is going to be perfect, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good ones rolling around in the room. Let the group know that their thoughts are important, and you might be surprised what people share.
Be flexible. Almost every great idea is difficult to accept in the beginning. After all, change is difficult, whereas sticking to conventions is simple. Have the courage to think outside the box, and you might just discover a better way of doing things.
Allocate tasks and manage timelines. As a leader, it’s your job to make sure deadlines are met and that everyone pulls their weight. Set up a task like so that every group member’s role is defined, then create an illustrated timeline that will help everyone stay on track.
Be disciplined, but have fun. You want to project an attitude of authority, but you don’t want to be a dictator. Be the kind of leader you would want to work with, and let yourself have a little fun as you meet goals alongside your colleagues. Being relaxed and enjoying the work will make you much more fun to work with, and it will also help people respect you.
When your project goes smoothly and deadlines are met, organize everyone for a special lunch or drink after work. You deserve it, and everyone will appreciate the celebration.
While you may think that surviving the first day or week of a new job means you’re out of the woods, the first month is really the toughest. There’s a new culture to learn, new faces to learn, a new position to learn… And all that learning can become stressful fast.
The same rule that applies to your first day still stands: Smile! Make an effort to show your pearly whites even if you feel stressed or overwhelmed. People’s first impressions of you at work go beyond the first day, and showing your positive personality will be a big part of how well you do at the job in the long term. So stand up straight, be confident, and smile. Also, check out this helpful video that features quick tips for appearing more confident.
Don’t be afraid to branch out. While you may be tempted to hang at your cubicle for lunch or visit old coworkers, make an effort to get to know your new ones. Ask a group out to lunch so you can get to know them better. While this will make working with people easier, you’re also likely to pick up important information in a more casual setting where people are comfortable.
Don’t complain, no matter how stressed you might feel on a given day. Stay positive and don’t give up—stick with it. Keep arriving early and staying until quitting time to prove your dedication and commitment.
Finally, it’s okay to ask questions; in fact, it’s expected. Try to learn as much as you can independently, but when you need help, ask for it. You’re new, and people expect that you have to overcome the learning curve. Everyone will understand, and they’re probably happy to help.
Your first day at a new job can feel like your first day of junior high. You’ve 
moved on to bigger and better things, but the territory is unfamiliar (and so is the dress code). The good news is that everyone feels the same jitters on their first day, and the better news is that there’s a survival guide to help you through.
“Do your homework.” This is a phrase that’s often repeated when job hunting, but not often used once you actually land the job. However, now it’s more important than ever because your first impressions count big toward your success. Ask for a list of coworkers so you can already have names in mind when you meet people for the first time so you will remember more easily. Also ask for the typical dress code so you aren’t over or under dressed.
Dress the part. Once you know the dress code, spend a little time planning your first day outfit. Put everything together and try it on before the day of so you can look and feel confident. Hang everything together, including accessories and your shoes, so you don’t waste time getting dressed and searching for a lost earring. Stash a sewing kit in your bag in case of any mishaps, and if you want to, throw in an extra pair of shoes that are more dressy or casual than the ones you’re wearing. This allows you some flexibility once you arrive.
Smile. Your teachers told you a thousand times on picture day, and the rule still applies. Stand up straight, throw your shoulders back, look people in the eye, and smile. People like confidence, and if you smile, you’ll be able to cover up a bundle of nerves and appear friendly and ready to work.
For some funny tips on the surviving the first day of work, check out this middle schooler’s take on surviving the first day of middle school. Many tips overlap into work, but besides that, it’s pretty funny and the music will have you pumped up in no time.
Talking tiny can be tricky. There are so many pitfalls to watch out for: uncomfortable pauses, forgetting names, the fear of introducing yourself. The good news is that while some people may be more naturally gifted with small talking, for most people it’s an acquired skill. That means with a little discipline and an ounce of courage, you can be a solid small talker in no time.
Come prepared. Before you hit your next networking event, come prepared with a few specific questions that will get people gabbing. Bolster your list by thinking of a few general topics that would be good to bring up. Try to remember what the host’s interests are, or guess what the other attendees interests might be, and have topics that relate to their likes and hobbies.
Beat them to the punch. Don’t stand around waiting for someone to talk to you. Go up to people and be the first to say hello. Smile, introduce yourself, and make solid eye contact as you converse. Repeat the person’s name often to help remember it. If you know you have met the person before, feel free to remind them of your name.
Take it nice and slow. It’s easy to speed up when you feel nervous, so make a point of slowing down and going easy. The more you slow down, the more relaxed and natural you will feel. Make good eye contact, and listen more than you speak. If you feel stuck or your mind draws a blank, don’t panic. Rely on one of your trusty questions and get the other person gabbing instead.
Have a partner. If there is someone you’re dying to meet, find out if you know anyone in common. It’s better to have someone they already know and respect introduce you to them. Knowing someone else at the event can also help you meet new people as you branch out to meet their connections and they get to know yours.
T o stop reading and start getting your listening skills going, give this quirky video a view. It even involves a puppet, and while it’s fun, it also gives some good tips on small talk. The hints about discussing the weather and how to hand out a business card are especially good.
We’ve all done it. It’s not quite lunch time, but your stomach is growling and your mind is wandering. If you look at that spreadsheet for even one more second, you may implode. The answer? A little quality time on Facebook, or your favorite news site, or your personal email, or…
And then—wham—your boss walks up behind you and you’re busted. Now that the hunger in your tummy has turned to butterflies, what should you do?
Don’t freak out. If you get caught red handed shopping online, stay calm. Most bosses understand that focusing on a single task for hours on end is next to impossible. After all, it’s unlikely that even your boss is a powerhouse of absolute productivity all day, every day. If your boss catches you goofing off, don’t act guilty—it will only make them think you are goofing off a lot more than you are.
Check HR policy; breaks might be built in. People need to take breaks or their work is actually likely to lower in quality. Keeping the brain from burning out by giving it some breathers makes it healthier, happier, and more able to output quality work. Most companies have a policy built in that allows workers to visit certain sites to take short breaks. If such a policy exists, enjoy it but don’t abuse it.
Be productive enough to justify the break. If you’re going to take breaks, make sure you produce enough good work to show that you can handle the responsibility. Justifying a little online shopping becomes a lot harder when it looks like all you’re doing is goofing off. Work hard and deliver assignments on time, and your boss is less likely to care if you relax a little now and then.
Justify your browsing. Sometimes, a little online fun does have a real business application. For example, if you are in sales and are trying to close a deal with a big client who is a huge sports fan, reading the day’s sports news online may help you get to know them better. In situations like that, your online goofing may actually have a business application that benefits the company. However, if you’re going to use that excuse, be ready to back it up legitimately.
Every office seems to be filled with people who have habits that are distracting, irritating, or just plain annoying. If you’re looking to improve your career and your day to day work relations, what are the easiest ways to make sure you’re not one of those people?
Listen up. One of the worst habits to wreak havoc in offices is lack of communication. Since most of communication can be all about listening well, take the time to really listen to people. Listening rather than interrupting can save time and stress for everyone.
Manage the noise. You may not think you’re loud, but chances are good that your coworkers might. If you schedule a meeting, reserve a conference room and close the door. If you have a conference call, use a head set instead of the speaker phone. Don’t let your phone ring off the hook while you’re away from your desk; instead, set it go to voicemail or forward to your cell phone. Your coworkers will thank you!
No smelly business. You may love your spicy curry shrimp leftovers, and we’re sure they’re delicious, but strong smells bother many people at the office. If you heat it up, eat it in the break room, not at your desk. The same goes for perfume or scented lotions, which can give some people searing headaches or other allergy issues. Keep smells and scents at home.
Respect boundaries. While cubicles may not seem private, personal space is important to everyone. Before you enter a coworker’s space, knock and ask to come in. Don’t stare at people’s computer screens or comment on phone calls you’ve overhead. While privacy is often more of an illusion in an office than a reality, it’s an illusion that people treasure, and it’s important to help maintain it.
Be considerate. When in doubt, this is the golden rule of office life. If you’re not sure how to behave, then think about how you would prefer to be treated. Start asking yourself a few times a day whether you might be doing anything to distract a coworker. Do your best to acknowledge boundaries and being respectful, and you’ll be a dream coworker in no time.
