Prior to becoming CEO and founder of a major company, I too worked for others and understand how unpleasant some of those employers can be. But so much of what happens to us in life is attitude and early in my career I lost my job or quit a job because of how I was treated. Sometimes there was no choice. But ultimately I succeeded as an employee by building rapport with people I worked for, starting with being respectful and then by being a good listener so I could help them attain their goals as I attained mine. By doing this and by learning from their mistakes as well as by my own, I became an effective leader for 20 years. Now in a brutal economy, from those many years of business experience, I offer you dear reader a helping hand.
1) Don't Gossip. I know sharing rumors and inside information momentarily gives you a sense of importance and makes you interesting to others but it will bite you on the touche. It is amazing how fast that information can travel and ultimately can be tracked back to you, with negative implications for your personnel file, your career and even potentially a law suit. You become a liability and companies can do without liabilities. In addition, no-one will trust you because they will fear the gossip you may spread about them. Instead, be someone people can trust through your compassion and discretion.
2) Don't Procrastinate. To succeed, you need people to depend upon you. So when you commit to something, get it done when you promised otherwise they will stop relying upon you as they find ways to work around you. And if they can work around you, you are not needed and can be fired.
3) Don't Criticize. When was the last time you enjoyed hearing someone tell you what you are doing wrong? And how did you respond to their criticism? With anger? With sarcasm? With tears? Did it make you a better person to hear it? Did you change your behavior as a result?
If you have criticism for someone, reduce it to one key point and weigh carefully how to express it for it could destroy your relationship. Try the "oreo cookie" approach, which is to find something in that person to sincerely praise. Then make the critical point as gently and positively as possible, explaining to the person how he or she will benefit by making a change. Then conclude with another point of sincere praise, along with a handshake or a hug and words of encouragement, to help the person to know you have their best interest at heart. To do this well comes from the heart and if it is done well, it will bring you greater appreciation by those who become more productive and thankful to you for your help.
Dick
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