While every company can and should clearly outline behaviors that have zero tolerance at work such as harassment, discrimination, hate speech, and violent behavior in their employee handbooks – many other behaviors, while more subtle, can also create a toxic and hostile environment.
 |
Show Up: On Time, Every Time, Prepared to Work.Dependable employees don’t merely show up, and they certainly don’t regularly saunter in late carrying drive through take out. Dependable employees arrive on time (or even early) prepared to begin working at the agree |
 |
Consistently Commit to Quality WorkTaking pride in your work, paying close attention to detail, and being committed to quality is a core trait of dependable employees. While quantity also matters in many instances, quality will always trump quantity – it is up to you to strike a healthy balance between the two. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
 |
Follow Through on CommitmentsWhether you are assigned a project with a deadline, signed up to volunteer for a committee, or offered to cover someone else’s shift – once you make a commitment it is vital that you follow through. This also means knowing when to say no, if being asked to help out and you aren’t confident you will be able to follow through it is important that you recognize it and be transparent. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
 |
Be Someone People Can Count OnBeing someone that people can count on, means that you act with consistency. Naturally there will come a time when you have an ‘off’ day, but that is not the norm. When you work with people or rely on someone else you want to be able to count on them – its up to you to offer that same level of dependability. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
Click on the links below to access other tips we have shared throughout this series.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Can you be counted on? No, really… how confident are you that your employer or other members of your team would describe you as dependable? And what does that even mean? Dependability is the quality that lets people know that you will do what you said you would do, when you said you will do it, and you will do it to the best of your ability – each and every time. If you are dependable sometimes, then the real truth is that you are not fully dependable, because consistency is a vital component of dependability.
This is not to say that the idea of being dependable is an all or nothing trait. There can be areas of your work in which you can clearly be relied upon, and then other areas where you fall a little short – at the end of the day aren’t we all works in progress? When you look at all the professional areas where dependability matters, are you checking off more boxes than not? If so, you are sitting pretty. If not, and your goal is to succeed professionally, you have some work to do.
Here are a few areas in which dependability is measured; what boxes are you checking off?
The schedule that you were given wasn’t merely a suggestion, it is an expectation of the hours you will be committing to work that was set based upon business needs. When you regularly call out of work at the last minute, or casually stroll in late carrying your Dunkin coffee and breakfast sandwich, you are sending a clear message that you can not be relied on to manage your time. The same can be said for arriving in the parking lot at your scheduled time, and then sauntering around the office for the first 30 minutes of your day making breakfast and catching up on last night’s primetime line-up with your co-workers.
Time management is a core skill that all employers are looking for – so to be considered dependable in relation to your time management, you show up on time, every time, and ready to work.
You have been hired to do a job, and with that comes the understanding that the employer (and the rest of your team) is counting on you to consistently meet deadlines and any other performance expectations. The business’ success depends on each employee’s commitment to carry out their job to the best of their ability. No one is at a hundred percent all the time, but the difference lies in your drive and determination to deliver.
A dependable employee is someone who does not look at deadlines and performance expectations as “nice-to-haves”, they view them as a mission. That means they work diligently to meet the goals and if they have concerns about falling short, they communicate their concerns in a timely manner, look for support and/or training, and are prone to taking forward-thinking positive action versus hiding behind excuses.
Companies put a lot of time and energy into establishing policies and procedures that keep everyone in the organization moving in the same direction, following the same rules, and create a level playing field for all team members. Policies are developed to protect both the company and their employees by setting defined expectations in a range of areas. Part of the onboarding process for the vast majority of organizations includes providing a copy of (or access to) an employee handbook where all policies and procedures are outlined.
If you want to demonstrate that you are dependable, instead of filing the handbook in the back of your cabinet or stuffing it into the bookcase at home never to be seen again, you will take the time to familiarize yourself with the official company policies and follow them – regardless of what common practice may be.
Just doing a “good enough” job is not enough. You are also being counted on to produce quality work. It doesn’t matter if you are assembling widgets on a line, crafting a highly publicized press release, or crunching endless numbers on a spreadsheet – people are relying on you for accuracy. When you neglect the details or sloppily go about your work, it will negatively impact the company, your reputation, and likely will lead you to the unemployment line.
When you pay attention to detail, leave time for a second set of eyes for editing, stay focused, and avoid careless mistakes, you will demonstrate that you can be consistently relied on to produce quality work.
There will be times in your career that you may be called on to step up, help out, or take on a new bold initiative – can you be counted on to rise to the challenge and deliver? Naturally, most people are eager to help – but before you raise your hand and jump in blindly, ask yourself “am I able?” If you sign up to take on a new challenge but are not able to fully commit or lack the skills necessary to really tackle the task, you won’t be doing yourself or anyone else any favors. Also, if you spend all your time helping others and neglecting your own responsibilities, you are ultimately putting yourself and the company in a bad position.
Being dependable doesn’t mean always saying yes and jumping at the word go – it means that you have the ability to offer meaningful support outside of your traditional role while balancing your other responsibilities. It also means that you can be counted on to make a quick and thoughtful decision on your ability to deliver, and gracefully saying no if you can’t.
 |
 |
Since so many of your waking hours are spent at work, it is natural that the workplace can start to resemble one giant family. When everyone adheres to set standards of appropriate workplace behavior and respectable social etiquette, your workplace family will feel like a Norman Rockwell painting. However, when team members engage in toxic behaviors – well, you will have a one-way ticket for arrival at dysfunction junction, and no one wants that.
How people behave at work can have a major influence on the overall company culture, reputation, and business results – and a lasting impact on the personal brand of the individuals themselves. While most organizations work to set consistent standards of workplace behavior and outline those expectations in their employee manuals, the actual management and enforcement of those standards can be a little more complicated. This is due to many situations having blurred lines requiring case-by-case flexibility, which often can lead to confusion and inconsistency. The key for any employee is to focus their attention on their own behaviors versus the behavior of others.
Here are some simple ways that you can demonstrate you are an active participant in modeling appropriate workplace behavior.
To be inclusive means to embrace diversity and to be respectful of the differences of others. At the end of the day we all share more commonalities than we do differences – so focusing on what you have in common with each of your team members is a great place to start. Workplaces that are filled with people holding different views, life experiences, and personalities are generally far more successful than those that do not. Individuals that have increased exposure to people that are different than them typically tend to be more well-rounded both professionally and personally.
It does not take much to demonstrate inclusivity in the workplace – simply be civil, respectful, open, and inviting. You know, just treat people how you would like to be treated – how easy is that?
Sometimes what we share in common with our fellow employees is a frustration within the organization, an annoyance with another team member, or some scandalous water cooler chatter – and that can make it easy to validate negative feelings through commiserating or spreading gossip. Here is the thing though; any positive release you may experience when taking a jaunt down whisper alley is brief, but the negative impacts can be far-reaching. The truth is when you engage in gossip it says far more about your character than is does about the original issue that got under your skin, and chances are that whomever you are gossiping with is likely to be gossiping about you down the road too.
When faced with an annoyance, ask yourself – what does this have to do with me? Will it matter in 5 minutes, 5 weeks, or 5 years? By putting a reality check on your frustrations, you are allowing yourself to remove the emotional component and stay grounded.
Chances are you have forged strong relationships at work, and that is a good thing – but in order to protect your personal life from becoming workplace fodder, and to avoid making people around you uncomfortable, it is important to avoid oversharing. Naturally, you may have a workplace confidante that you share more private details of your life with, but those types of conversations are best handled outside of the workplace. Oversharing can be completely unintended as well; sometimes you have to make a call to the doctors, pay a bill, or take a call from a family member and if at all possible, it is best that those moments be handled on break, in a private room, or outside.
Not only should you refrain from oversharing, it is also critically important that you don’t engage in asking or pushing for personal details from others you work with. Not only can asking deeply personal questions create an uncomfortable situation, it could also put both you and the company in legal jeopardy.
Welcome to 2019. Controversy seems to be pretty abundant in today’s society – so telling you to refrain from it may seem like an impossible task, but it really isn’t. There is a time and a place for all kinds of conversations and open dialogue about controversial issues – the workplace is not it though. If you think about it, isn’t the idea of a controversy-free space a rather refreshing idea? Sharing opinions on hot-button subjects, political views, and subjects of morality should be avoided in the traditional workplace. There are times when it may not be avoided, for instance a new law may have a direct impact on your work – when faced with a situation like that, the key is to focus solely on discussing the law and what impact it has on the job or the company and nothing more.
There is likely going to be a time when someone brings up a local or national controversial subject that may strike a chord with you, or ask your opinion on it – never be afraid to politely say “I understand you are interested in that subject, but I choose not to engage in such discussions at work.” A graceful exit from the conversation will send a clear message that you are not interested in discussing the topic, while also not putting the person who brought it up on the defensive.
It is said that “rising tides raise all ships” – are you a rising tide, or are you a falling one? The idea is that when people around you are successful, you will be more successful as well. This makes it even more fascinating that so many in the workplace have this ‘dog-eat-dog’ attitude, which can create a conflict filled, self-serving, and overall hostile work environment. Check your ego, hostility, aggression, misery, and judgmental tendencies at the door and just watch the increased performance of everyone around you. This isn’t bingo; if your co-worker celebrates a win – you should celebrate with them. If they are working hard and getting hung up on something – offer a helping hand. If you accomplished a goal, give a nod to those that helped you be successful. Don’t sabotage others for your own gain, because face it – you are all in it together and need to be able to rely on each other.
|
|
While every company can and should clearly outline behaviors that have zero tolerance at work such as harrassment, discrimination, hate speech, and violent behavior in their employee handbooks – many other behaviors, while more subtle, can also create a toxic and hostile environment.
 |
Be Inclusive.Being inclusive doesn’t mean that you have to be best buddies with everyone you work with, it simply means that you are civil, respectful, open, and inviting. Simply treat others how you would like to be treated, be welcoming, and avoid getting caught up in petty, members-only style cliques in the workplace. Check your ego and judgmental tendencies at the door. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
 |
Avoid Controversial Hot Button TopicsThere are enough places for you to engage in debates on hot button subjects like politics, religion, and discussions of morality – the workplace is not one of them. If you crave some idle chatter while you work, that’s fine – but topics that are bound to lead to controversy or heated debate should be saved for when you are not at work. If you think about it, isn’t the idea of a controversy-free space rather refreshing? #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
 |
Gossiping Doesn’t Suit YouYou will get annoyed with people, you will get frustrated by something that happens at work, you may even overhear some information that wasn’t intended to be shared – it happens. No matter what, keep it to yourself. Any immediate relief you may get from gossiping is sure to be short-lived, but the ramifications of it could be far-reaching. And the truth is, gossiping says far more about you than it does about the subject. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
 |
Respect Personal BoundariesNo one wants their personal life to become workplace fodder. It is no fun for the individual and it could make it awkward for those you work with. To avoid this uncomfortable situation it is important to refrain from oversharing intimate details of your life – both intentionally through talking openly with a co-worker, or unintentionally by talking a little loudly on a personal call. Not only should you not be oversharing details about your life, you should not be asking for overly personal details from others either. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
Click on the links below to access other tips we have shared throughout this series.
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
| |
|
|
Each of us are unique individuals filled with strengths, abilities, weaknesses, and flaws, all stitched together like a quirky quilt. It is that uniqueness that makes us all special, that differentiates us from others, and keeps the world interesting. With that being said, when working with other humans there are times that those quirky traits and differences can create conflict and pose challenges, which is why having a healthy amount of self-awareness is critical to professional success.
Being self-aware does not mean that you can’t be your authentic self; it simply means that you take the time to be consciously aware of what makes you tick, triggers that you may have, and how you may be perceived by others – and being able to make adjustments when appropriate. Having this deeper insight about yourself with help propel you to greater success by strengthening your emotional intelligence and guiding your interactions with others to drive positive outcomes.
One of the hardest but most enlightening questions you can ask yourself is, “what is my motive?” We all have reasons and deeper motivations behind the things we do, and the first step to growth is taking the time to identify your motives. Motives, while we most often hear them in conjunction with crimes, aren’t negative to the core – they are very simply the “why” behind your personal choice, and that motivation could be different for everyone.
Every choice you make, whether it is applying for that team leader position or whether or not you friend your co-workers on social media, has a reason behind it. Acknowledging your motives (positive, negative, or fear-driven) is the first step of self-awareness and will help you make the best possible choices that are geared to your personal goals. One other key to professional success and personal happiness is refraining from jumping to conclusions and assigning motives to others. Again, motives are deeply personal, therefore no matter the observations you have made or interactions you have had – you do not have all the information needed to make such a judgement call.
How you communicate with others is directly tied to your own personality and preferences, so unless you only work with people that share your same style of communication, it is important that you recognize that many different styles, and change your approach depending on your audience. Also, make a concerted effort to recognize your individual style and how it can come across to others – and whether or not it helps or hinders results and relationships.
From how you speak, to the phrasing you choose, to the body language you display – your communication style has a significant impact on how your message is received. The more effort you put into adjusting or mirroring the style of the recipient of the message, the more apt you are to achieve the intended result. If you experience a communication breakdown, stop. Take a moment to breathe, step back, read your audience’s reaction, and adjust. It is a sign of strength to be able to take a moment to acknowledge the disconnect and re-engage with a different approach. You will find this strategy is effective in both in-person and digital communication.
Triggers. Ticks. Pet-Peeves. You have them, just like everyone else – and the guttural annoyance they create within you can sometimes manifest into a full-blown emotional response. Emotional responses, while natural, can create a professional challenge for you – so proactively taking steps to identify what sets you off, developing strategies to prevent any potential emotional outbursts that may display as anger, anxiety, crying, or inappropriate laughter, and recognizing how to address ongoing issues in a more formal way, will serve you well. What are situations that have a history of setting you off – last minute deadlines, getting interrupted, or excessive noise? When in a situation like that and you are nearing an emotional response, what warning signs is your body giving you (flushed cheeks, heart racing, nervousness, lip biting)?
By making note of the situations that trigger you and your body’s signals, you can strategize ways to preempt an emotional response – such as a quick walk outside, putting on headphones when it is noisy, or creating a to-do list to keep you focused on the things you can control. Of course, if you are experiencing an issue that goes beyond an annoyance and is resulting in a hostile or troubled working environment, take the time to make note of the facts and bring it to the attention of leadership in a professional way.
Unless you are a sole proprietor, you are likely an inhabitant of a delicate worksite eco-system. And, as a member of a shared workspace, it is important to be a positive contributor to your work environment. Be mindful about the cleanliness of your work area, the noise you emit from your space, your personal work habits, the smells you bring into the space – and how these things can impact others, so you can do your part to make things comfortable for all.
Being able to set boundaries for shared work environments is key to building successful relationships, eliminating petty squabbles, and driving productivity for all. Before you walk away from the running microwave and fill the office with the unrelenting smell of burnt popcorn, leave that half-full cup o’ java at your desk over the weekend, or get the urge to angrily type that email reply while incessantly clicking your pen – pause and consider if you are contributing to a comfortable work environment.
Are you checked-in or have you checked-out and just keep showing up every day? It is important, not only to your professional success but to your happiness as well, to ask yourself this question regularly. How engaged you are at work is a choice that you make. While there could be issues that lead to your being disengaged or checked-out, if you stay in that state of mind – you have made that choice. If you are checked-in, it doesn’t mean that you blindly agree to everything that happens in the organization – it means that you care enough to succeed anyway, and actively look for opportunities to positively impact results. Being checked-in doesn’t mean you don’t have a bad day, it means that you are committed enough to put a bad day behind you. If you are checked-in, you make a personal choice to perform to the best of your ability – and that is key to long-term success.
Now if you have found that you are simply checked-out, but still keep showing up anyway – you are not doing yourself any favors. Chances are your work days are dragging on like “The Long Night” episode of Game of Thrones – you were there, it felt really dark, things happened, but you aren’t quite sure what those things were. If that is where you are professionally – it is time to make a change.
|
|
In order to thrive in the world of work and contribute to the delicate workforce ecosystem, we all must commit to being self-aware. This doesn’t mean you can’t be your authentic-self or embrace the diversity that your individual style and quirks offer – it means you are willing to reflect on how you may be perceived by others.
 |
Be Aware of What Makes You TickWe all have things that fuel us and things that drive us a little crazy. Knowing what makes you tick can help you find inspiration in times of defeat, and can help you strategize ways to overcome common annoyances that could trigger your frustration. |
 |
Consider How Others Perceive YouYou have probably heard the expression, “you catch more flies with honey.” Ultimately, what this means is that to achieve favorable results and build solid relationships, you need to be aware of how you come across to others, and be willing to adjust your approach when necessary. |
 |
Keep Your Motives In CheckWe all have personal reasons behind the choices we make. Being aware of the motives behind your choices and keeping them in check can help you make the best possible decisions to propel you forward in your career, and you will be more likely to have the ability to sustain that momentum. |
 |
Check-in or Check-OutHow engaged you are at work is a personal choice. If you truly want to thrive at work, you must be committed to being checked-in and doing your very best each day. If you are at the point where you are just showing up and not caring about the quality of your work, then it is time to make some important professional decisions about your future. |
 |
Temper Your Emotional ResponsesHaving intense emotional responses at work can hurt you professionally and damage your credibility. You are human and will naturally experience different emotions in the workplace – what is important is knowing how to manage those emotions in the most productive way, and paying attention to warning signs that you could be nearing an outburst. |
Click on the links below to access other tips we have shared throughout this series.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Most of the time, when you hear someone use the phrase ‘self-awareness’, it’s in connection with personal growth, and about how understanding yourself can help you improve. That’s true; but have you ever thought about how self-awareness can be a valuable job search tool as well? Think about it: there are lots of different jobs out there, but not all of them are going to be the right fit for you. Where do you start, and what is the best way to utilize your valuable job-seeking time and energy to ensure the best results? Understanding yourself, your skills, your work preferences, and your expectations is an important part of putting that puzzle together. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help increase self-awareness in your job search and improve long-term results:
Understanding the skills and experience you have to offer sets the tone for a productive job search in a number of ways. In addition to giving you a good idea of where to start your search and what kinds of jobs you are most likely to secure, having this information will help you better ‘sell’ yourself to potential employers on your resume and in interviews. Employers know that there is a big difference between saying you have certain skills and being able to put them into action, so when you can speak confidently and intelligently about your specific skills and abilities, it helps you stand out, and helps employers understand the valuable contributions you could make as part of the team.
The goal is not just to get hired; even more importantly, it is also to be successful wherever you go. So, it is imperative to think about the types of jobs and work environments that you are best suited for. Do you love customer service, but cringe at the thought of working in a call center environment again? Do you prefer working independently, or do you need the energy of a team environment to help you stay motivated throughout your workday? Often, knowing what you don’t want or what doesn’t work for you is just as important as knowing what does. Why? Because it helps you avoid unsatisfying jobs, prevent excessive job-hopping, and increases the likelihood that you will land somewhere you will thrive!
While it’s not productive to obsess over what other people think of you, it is important to be mindful of how you might come across to others in professional situations such as job interviews or networking events. This will help you modify your approach so you can keep things appropriate for the environment. For instance, if you are going to a networking event and you know that you are naturally a very close talker, keep in mind that physical boundaries vary from person to person, and standing too close to someone may make them feel uncomfortable. You can still be your authentic self – just recognize that some situations may require tempering certain tendencies back a little bit. Body language, word choice, personal presentation, and hygiene are some important factors to keep in mind when reflecting on how others may perceive you.
What are your expectations about job duties, schedules, and requirements? Are they realistic based on what you bring to the table and what is available in your location? Recognize that you may need to manage your expectations if there is a discrepancy between what you’re looking for, the experience and skills you can offer, and what is available within a reasonable travel distance. Otherwise, you may have a hard time securing employment. Distinguishing your must-haves from the nice-to-haves is a good place to start, as it will help you identify areas that you could potentially be more flexible in. For instance, if making more per hour is your number one non-negotiable, but a short commute doesn’t rank highly on your job search criteria, then it makes sense to extend your search radius (within reason) if local employers don’t offer what you’re looking for. Most jobs probably won’t check off ALL the items on your wish list – so you must prioritize your needs and compromise accordingly.
|
|
Locally owned.
Globally connected.
