A Few Work Tips

Working from home

With employers embracing working from home and a greater number of jobs becoming freelance, the dreaded morning commute for many workers now consists of nothing more taxing than getting out of bed and turning on their computer. The only downside to this is that the lack of separation between home and work can make it hard to stay focused.

 

One good tip is to make sure you get dressed for work. You don’t need to wear a suit and tie like at the office, but just not staying in your pajamas all day will help you to be in a more professional state of mind. It is also a good idea to have a separate room for work – preferably one with a door that can be closed – for optimal focus.

 

Family and friends can also become an issue for home workers as they can often start behaving as though your time is totally flexible. Be sure that everyone around you is aware that you still have a job to do and are not available while you are doing it.

 

Workplace wisdom you didn’t pick up in school

In many ways, a person’s practical education doesn’t begin until his or her formal schooling ends. You’ll often find that college didn’t necessarily teach you all the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the workplace. Whether you’re on your first job or your tenth, be aware of these “secret” tips:

 

• You can do things quicker than you think. Don’t let the law that says “work expands to fill the time you’re given to do it” rule your life. Being given a five-day deadline doesn’t mean you have to take the whole week to complete a project. Impress the people around you by beating your deadlines as often as you can.

 

• Giving up control can make you stronger. You’ll often be tempted to do things on your own because you don’t trust others to do it right. In the long run, though, you’ll burn yourself out and alienate the people whose help you need by trying to control every detail. Learn to collaborate and delegate instead of obsessing about every detail.

 

• You need to keep moving. You don’t necessarily have to change jobs every few years, but you should at least move within your organization to avoid career stagnation. Even a lateral move can bring you into contact with different people who can help you, and it will teach you more about your industry than you’d learn in one position once you’ve mastered it.

 

• You have to know your boss. Understanding your job may get you hired, but understanding your boss’s priorities is what gets you promoted. You don’t need to become a wizard at flattery and manipulation, but you should support your managers and their objectives. Do your best to help them achieve their goals, and they’ll be more inclined to help you with yours.

 

 

Don’t set your career to self-destruct

Some people seem to be their own worst enemies at work. They might be smart and skilled, but they lack the judgment and perspective to get ahead.

 

If you want to avoid sabotaging your career, avoid these self-inflicted wounds:

 

• Entitlement mentality. Remember that you have to earn respect, trust, recognition, promotions, raises, and all the other trappings of success. Concentrate on your contributions to the organization’s success. Expecting or demanding rewards will make you look childish and unprofessional.

 

• Perfectionism. You should always strive for excellence, but don’t drive yourself (and those around you) crazy trying to get every detail perfect. Remember that you’ll make mistakes—everyone does—and just concen­trate on doing your best and moving steadily forward.

 

• Resistance to change. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” makes sense in some situations, but in a career, change is something to embrace if you want to grow and advance. Stay on top of trends in your industry and develop­ments in your organization, and be ready to shift gears—and even lead the charge—when change is necessary.

 

• Following the wrong plan. You’re in charge of your own career. If you let other people dictate what you should do, you might succeed at something you don’t really value. Listen to advice from managers and mentors, but make your own decisions about what’s right for you.

 

 

Maintain a file marked ‘Me’

Your employers keep files on you for various purposes. Try keeping a file on yourself for your own benefit. Keep a record of all your major assignments, successful projects, and people you’ve worked with—clients as well as co-workers. Don’t include any proprietary or confidential information, but do highlight your career achievements as they occur. Over time, you’ll develop a document that describes your progress and your career, which you can use to reinforce your own motivation and demonstrate your expertise when you’re looking for advancement or other opportunities.