Five Rules of the Real Work World

5 Rules of the Real World of Work

Dress Code:  If you would wear it when you are home sick, do not wear it to work.  No matter how casual the work environment, it is always appropriate to look neat and put-together.  75% of a first impression is based on appearance, research shows.  Your choice of clothing should show that you care about your appearance and your career.

Advancement:  Raises and promotions are earned not given.  Assess what you’re offering to your employer or even your clients.  If there is something they need or care about that you're not providing, start working today to fill in the gaps.

Etiquette:  Your cell phone is off limits unless you’re on break.
Continually checking your text messages or emails is just impolite and unprofessional; even if you're a millennial.  Lunch with your boss, a staff meeting, or a conversation with a client is not the time to check your text messages or emails.

Performance:  Perfection is not expected but attention to detail is.  Mistakes will happen but they should not happen due to carelessness. Double check your work.  Proofread your writing.  Always strive for accuracy.  Simply put, be conscientious.

Initiative:  Even if you did not cause the problem, you can find the solution. Offer up ideas for resolving issues with products, services, clients, and even within your team.  All your ideas probably won’t be utilized.  Nevertheless, others will notice your efforts and initiative.

Presidential Qualities

Monday was President's Day, even though for most of the country it was overshadowed by record snowfall and frigid temps.  It was originally instated to honor Presidents Washington and Lincoln.  In fact, it generally occurs on or around Washington's birthday which is February 22nd.  Like many of you, I've been snowed in most of the week.  So, I spent a few moments reflecting on President's Day.  In my reflection, I identified Four Core Competencies that Make Presidents Credible.

Honesty

President Lincoln was called "Honest Abe".  George Washington was credited with never telling a lie.  Conversely, Presidents Clinton and Nixon are remembered for untruths they told. Honesty, or the lack of it, leaves an impression.  

Real honesty is telling the truth even when it doesn't benefit you.  People will eventually see through deceitfulness, falsehoods, and flattery.  These forms of trickery can destroy the credibility of a leader, while integrity builds lifelong trust and respect.

Commitment

Franklin D. Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio at age 39. Though he was paralyzed from the waist down Roosevelt continued to serve as the Governor of New York and went on to serve a record four terms as President.

Unquestionably, leaders must be committed to be successful.  Commitment to goals is critical for progress.  Commitment to promises is essential for credibility.  In coaching sessions, I remind leaders that a commitment to serving others can make a difference in being forgotten and leaving a legacy.

Charisma

Despite his scandals, President John F. Kennedy is known for commanding a room.  Among other things, he is remembered for his charm and strong presence.  Even if you don't consider yourself to be a people person, it's important to engage, smile warmly, and show people you care.  Poise

Poise

Whatever their political affiliation, most pundits agree that President Obama is cool under pressure.  He’s become notorious for his witty repartee, one liners, and quick comebacks. Even in the face of insults and name calling, he smiles, ignores the backlash, and stays focused.   As a leader you must be emotionally intelligent.  You need to effectively harness our feelings and control your responses.  This will strengthen your relationships and set you apart.

Career Strategies for Any Stage In Your Career

Some strategies work better than others.  Here are a couple that work and a couple that don’t.

Strategy 1:  When making a career change, you need to go back to school.

MYTH – You may not have to go back to school at all.  You may only need to figure out if you have the skills your prospective employers are looking for to address their needs or solve their problems.  For example, if you were a lawyer and now want to transition into non-profit fundraising, you will need to focus on your relationship building skills, selling skills, and communications skills; all of which are essential for a fundraising role. 

Strategy 2:  Recent college grads should take any job and go after their dream job later.

TRUTH - Any job can provide opportunities to develop skills that will help you land your dream job.  If you aspire to be a news reporter but can’t secure a job in that field, take any job that will give you opportunities to present ideas, conduct research, and communicate verbally and in writing.  

Strategy 3:  If you don’t have a good relationship with your boss, try forming relationships with your bosses’ boss or others in the organization.

TRUTH – Even if you do get along with your boss, building relationships throughout the organization is beneficial.  Relationships are power.  The more you have, the more influential you become.  This doesn't mean you can bypass your boss for things only your boss can provide, like work assignments, spending permission, or a change in your work schedule.  Nevertheless, having mentors and advisors who can share their knowledge and provide unbiased feedback, can help you develop and reach your career goals. 

Strategy 4:  When interviewing for a new job prepare mainly to discuss your last job and what you did there.

MYTH – You will need to sell a few things in that interview. You will sell your knowledge, your skills/abilities, your positions, and your personal attributes.  You need to demonstrate to the interviewer that you understand what they need and you’re able to provide that.