|
|
|
|
Women shouldn’t copy men in effort to get ahead?
by Margo Frey
Are you a young woman just starting out in your career?
Or have you been working for several years but don’t seem to be
getting the opportunities you want?
If you answered “yes” to either question, I recommend Lois P.
Frankel’s book, "Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office: 101
Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers" (Warner
Business Books, 2004).
Here are a few examples of mistakes Frankel addresses, and her
corresponding tips:
Working without a break
To maintain maximum levels of concentration and accuracy, take a break
every 90 minutes. Working without a break can give the impression that
you’re slow or inefficient.
Don’t work through lunch hour. Because it implies that you are
inefficient or overloaded, you won’t get special projects or
assignments that could later bring you recognition.
Avoiding office politics
Politics refers to both relationships and activities. Politics is how
things get done. If you’re not involved, you can’t be a player.
Relationships in the workplace make or break careers. When the time
comes that you need a relationship, it’s too late to build it.
Build relationships all the time, with all kinds of people. Clearly
define what you have to offer and what you need or want from the other
person.
Don’t avoid political situations. People will only go around you. Work
through political situations so others will see you as a problem
solver, not a problem avoider.
When assigned a project, don’t assume you must do it right away. Take
time to think it through.
Consider who might have done a similar project. Ask them to share
their expertise.
Don’t assume you need to do it alone. You may be looked upon more
favorably if you demonstrate management skills by delegating parts of
a project or getting others to help you.
Failing to define your brand
A personal brand identifies the combination of skills, attributes and
personality traits that distinguishes you from others.
Make a list of three to five activities that give you the most
satisfaction at work. The skills to perform them well are the key
strengths you bring to the workplace.
Frequently read out loud the list of activities and skills, so you can
recite it confidently when opportunities arise.
Being modest
There is a time and place for modesty. But when people fail to notice
major accomplishments, it’s your job to illuminate them.
It is not a great marketing technique to make things look easy or
seamless when in fact they required Herculean efforts.
Eliminate “Oh, it was nothing” from your vocabulary.
When given a compliment, look the person in the eye and respond with a
simple “Thank you.”
Forward to your manager notes of appreciation or acknowledgment about
your work. Display awards and plaques.
Frankel recommends that you identify the behaviors you want to change,
choose relevant tips and complete the personal development plan she
provides in the last chapter.
She suggests focusing on one behavior each week.
Become aware of when and how you sabotage yourself.
Then replace the self-defeating behavior with more effective ones.
Courtesy:
Google News
If you want to contribute an article (share your views,
experiences and thoughts) write in to us at info@123oye.com
send us your jobs / career related articles. We promise to give
you a chance to put your thoughts across to our visitors.
Jobnet Directory |
About Us |
Contact |
|
