Dr. John McFerran
CALL it tradition, call it a force of habit -- but every 365 days, many of us are inclined to make resolutions that will help to kick our bad habits and start the New Year on a much better foot. We strive to find ways to improve our health and wealth, so why not include some work-related goals too?
Last column, we looked at changes that employers can make for bettering their workplaces in 2008. This week, we turn our focus to what employees can do to boost their personal productivity and improve their workplace culture while helping to advance them on their career path.
If you happen to be someone who can't keep resolutions, remember what Dr. Phil says: The only difference between a dream and a goal is the timeframe for making it happen. Set a deadline to keep you motivated in reaching your goals and you'll be sure to see results 12 months from now.
1. Bring nice back to work. For too long, Mr. Nice Guy and Ms Nice Gal have got undeserved bad raps in business. It's actually kind gestures, a positive attitude and warm, friendly smiles that make people think highly of their experience working with you. Doing genuine things like lending a hand, putting on a fresh pot of coffee, offering to help with a project outside your usual scope or going above the call of duty shows that you're a team player. Maybe even management material.
2. Realize the importance of meetings. They may eat up valuable time in an already busy day, but meetings are a necessary workplace evil. Remember: You've been invited because someone believes you have an important contribution to make. Arrive well prepared, switch off your phone/pager/organizer, don't monopolize the discussion or derail the conversation's purpose and most of all, don't zone out. Stay present and by all means, participate.
3. Appreciate differences in your co-workers. In these changing times, with three generations of employees now in the workforce, you are likely working alongside people of diverse ages, backgrounds and experience levels. Make an effort to accept change and realize what you can learn from your co-workers -- including that age should not be mistaken for either inexperience or stubbornness. Everyone shares a fear of losing or not gaining respect, so don't let that keep you from forging great working relationships.
4. Consider joining a peer mentoring group. There's comfort in meeting like-minded people who understand your industry, come from similar backgrounds or share common experiences. They have empathy for what you're going through. Whether you join a mentoring program at work or a social network after hours, peer support helps us grow professionally and personally.
5. Identify your strengths. Once you know what you really bring to your job and to your company, you can take steps toward improving the overall productivity and performance of the organization -- which can be great for your career. Look for ways to apply your natural patterns, aptitudes, interests and behaviours in a manner that produces positive outcomes in your work and in how you relate to those around you.
6. Boost your personal productivity. Finding an extra half an hour of time each day could equal two years of free time over the duration of your career. To find that precious 30 minutes during the day, set your mind on accomplishing more by prioritizing, multitasking, planning ahead, delegating to others, breaking large projects up into smaller, less-daunting tasks and activating the almighty personal deadline.
7. Evaluate the effects of your cubicle romance. Sixty per cent of single co-workers say they've dated at work, but few realize the boundaries between business affairs and affairs of the heart. Find out if your company frowns upon colleagues dating. If not, it's still important to maintain your professionalism, keep favoritism and public displays of affection out of the workplace and as always, keep things in perspective.
8. Respect the privileges you have been awarded. Whether it's a case of "sunny day syndrome" (misusing company sick policy to enjoy time off) or spending too much time browsing the Internet when there is work to be done, bending the rules can often lead to forming bad habits. Be mindful of what is acceptable and what is an abuse of privilege during work hours. This demonstrates that you know your role in the workflow and have respect for the workloads of others.
9. Strike a healthier balance between your work and home life. One-third of the working population identifies themselves as workaholics. Are you one of them? If so, make a commitment to loosen your grip on the need to be exceedingly committed to work. A good place to start is by getting a reality check from someone who can be objective about your habits and who can offer gentle reminders that you're better at work when you allow yourself some time to play.
-- With reporting by Barbara Chabai
John McFerran, PhD, CMC, C. Psych., F. CHRP, is founder and president of People First HR Services Ltd. For more information, visit www.peoplefirsthr.com.
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