Today I feel like giving advice again. I’ve made my share of rookie mistakes at my first “real” job. But I’ve also learned certain truths that are important when it comes to succeeding at your job. Here are my tips:
- Be Nice. Such simple advice, but so important. Say “Please” and “Thank You.” “Sir” and “Ma’am.” Remember your manners. Never underestimate the importance of treating people well. You’d be shocked at how many people (even in an office setting), think screaming and cursing will help them get ahead. It won’t. Plus people will hate you. And it’s harder to get your job done when people hate you.
- Make Elevator Speeches. If you work in a building with an elevator, or even a bathroom, don’t let people leave without saying “Hi” or initiating conversation. Yeah it’s awkward, but it’s also a great way to meet people who you may end up working closely with. I try to meet one new person a day.
- Don’t be a Suck-up. If you think following a vice president or executive around will get you promoted or noticed, you’re betting on the wrong horse. It’s the “little people” who matter. The janitors. The secretaries. The cafeteria workers. The security guards. They’re the ones who have the power. And the sooner you realize that, the better. If you don’t treat one person right, their boss will hear about it, trust me.
- Find a mentor. Don’t think you’ll be able to succeed at your company by yourself. It’s highly improbable. Successful people have successful mentors. It’s your job to find that mentor. Find someone who does something you’d like to be doing. And learn from them. I had my company formally find me a mentor. Not all companies do, but most people are flattered when you ask.
- Be Humble. You’re not going to be an expert at your job. Your colleagues are going to know a lot more about your company than you are. Ask them. They’ll be flattered you seek their expertise and you won’t come off as a snot-faced. know-it-all. stuck-up smarter-than-you college kid.
Good solid advice. It’s often the little things that we do that make the greatest difference in life. By the way, I’m originally from Philly and still have family there. I now live in Florida and love it. Keep up the great work.
http://www.createthatjob.com
http://www.mydropzone.net
Great advices… I wish one of the girl I hired as my assistant a few years ago read that; especially the “be nice” and “be humble”!
Boffo advice, grasshopper!
Throughout my work life, I’ve been amazed at how many people (co-workers and administrators alike) don’t seem to get the “be nice” part of creating a productive and rewarding job environment.
hm some of this pretty ok advice to give a newbie, but working world becomes more complicated than this mainly because money is involved. So few items you can probably just eliminate. First the “Be Nice” I think should be qualified a bit more. Qualified in sense that being nice doesn’t mean being friends. I don’t think work colleagues can ever be your real friends due to the nature of the environment. In the end in a corporate setting they look out for themselves, even if you think that they got your back. Trust me on this, I’ve seen it so many times
Being nice to the building staff is a nice gesture and there is no reason to be mean to them at all. I mean we are all there to do a job in the end but aside from that don’t see how this will help a career. Does show you are a genuinely nice person and not walking around with a stick up ur ass though
Sucking up to the boss gets you no respect amongst your colleagues. In fact the more you suck up the harder you’ll find people to assist and help you when you need it. No one will make a special effort. Also acting like the “idiot” meaning the cutesy I don’t know what i’m doing cause I”m a defenseless naive female employee won’t get you anywhere either in long term…u’ll have to start giving sexual favors eventually if you wanna go this route because sooner or later the next cutesy girl gets hired and you are old news.
Being humble def a good key factor. Even if you are smarter and better at your job than another person, even if you make more or dress nicer if you show you are either on the same level or even below (nobody has to know what you make) you’ll find people much more receptive to helping and assisting, which in turns makes things easier for you because you will find it’s easier to delegate assignments because peple are more willing to assist.
Working world is a bit of a jungle, and ultimately it’s not a team effort and you are out for yourself. Nobody cares if you come or go, but since you are forced to be there you gotta take it in stride and learn the delicate web and walk on glass. Your own colleague who you think y ou can confide in may be talking shit about you the next minute.
whoa sorry for the long comment..that is so unlike me =/
These are good tips. Theres a great book called The Power of Small that talks abotu all the little things you can do to make your workplace more productive and enjoyable. Everything from making small talk to getting a hiarcut!
I think I read a bit of that, definitely want to pick up again. Thanks CWC!
Pingback: Five Reasons I <3 Blogging « My Philadelphia Story