Get Your Career In Gear

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Create A Solid Relationship With Your Boss

If there is one thing that will hold you back in your career it's "not getting along with the boss".  It doesn't matter whether your boss is right or wrong, weak or strong.  The reality is, the boss is the boss, and you're success hinges on what you make of the relationship.

Special Note: For the purpose of keeping this post as simple and clear as possible, we'll assume your boss is a she

The good news is this.  If you happen to be one of the unfortunate people who works for a difficult boss, you can be successful in spite of her.  Two big secrets:

1. Understanding what makes her tick
2. Knowing how and when to give her what she wants (not necessarily what she needs)

Jill Geisler from the Poynter Institute has already created a list of 20 things you should know about your boss.  If you know answers to these 20 things, you'll be well on your way to understanding what makes her tick.  Here's her list:

1. Preferred method of giving info to me:
2. Preferred method of getting info from me:
3. Biggest current pressure:
4. Stands for these values, first and foremost:
5. Biggest "hot button":
6. Passion outside of work:
7. Has expertise in:
8. Lacks expertise in:
9. Vision for our organization:
10. Would be really hurt if someone:
11. Best boss my boss ever worked for:
12. Expects this from me when there's a small problem:
13. Expects this from me then there's a big problem:
14. Will not compromise when it comes to:
15. Considers a great day at work to be:
16. Handles pressure by:
17. Is respected by her/his bosses for:
18. Respects others for:
19. Has a blind spot about:
20. Thinks I'm great at:

Go read her full article titled "20 Questions About Your Boss" to get the full meaning of her point.

Ok...point #2   Knowing how and when to give her what she wants (not necessarily what she needs) -

Your answers to the 20 questions will give you the majority of information you need to know "how and when".  So giving her "what she wants" is the next key.

It's really pretty simple if you think about it.  When she needs something from you, get very clear about what that is, when she wants it, and deliver it with a smile...especially when you disagree or have some other negative reaction to it.  Here's what I mean by that.

Difficult bosses usually like to be in control and they REALLY like to be right.  Unless you have the savvy to pull it off, you may fall victim to your own best judgment.  Save your judgment and creativity for a boss that will appreciate it.  In the meantime, do what you need to do, do it well and you'll open up doors to your next opportunity.

What should we add to this list?

How To Keep Your Job During Radical Times

Here in Michigan the economy is still pretty much stuck in the mud.  It seems like every week another company closes the doors and puts more people on the streets looking for work.  Those who remain are taking drastic measures to cut every bit of slack in their systems.

One of the most common questions I get from people is "How do I survive the layoffs and cutbacks?"

My typical response starts with one statement.  Show them why they should keep you!

What do I mean by that?  Pretty much exactly what it is.  Every day, all day, fully engage with your work and your company.  Don't let yourself get bogged down by the 40+% of the people who are disengaged and doing just enough to get by.  In fact, don't even associate with them.  Eventually, they are going to be gone.  You need to set yourself apart.

Set your sites on finding ways to make money, save money, save time, save unhappy customers, etc.  Think of yourself as a private investigator who is on a mission to find the waste and cut the slack.  Once you find the holes in the systems, look for solutions and make recommendations for improvements.

Round it all out with an upbeat attitude and a sense of enthusiasm.   Then rally the troops.  Get other people excited about what you're doing.  Involve them.  Cheer them on.  Spread it like the largest computer virus in history.

Notice the difference between "telling" and "showing" here?  If you just do it, you don't have to tell them anything.  They'll see it for themselves.  And where do you think your name will be on the layoff list?  On the bottom...just where you want it!

Once your company decides to close the doors there's not much you can do.  But, there's PLENTY you can do in the meantime.  Don't waste any more time.  Just DO IT...NOW!

Let me ask you this...What have you done up until now to help your company reduce costs?

Act As If You Like Everyone

The May 2006 issue of Relating@Work has been posted on my website for easy viewing.

Relating@Work is a monthly publication dedicated to delivering thought provoking information, tips and resources that support you in developing your self, your staff and your business. You’ll find practical information, tips and resources, with real time application.

In this issue:

 

Food For Thought:  The Capacity To Love

Strategy Of The Month:  Act As If You Like Everyone

Talk To Me

Resources

 

You can find it right here

 

To subscribe send a blank email to:

mailto:coach42-67327@autocontactor.com

Other Goodies...

***Resources From Essential Connections***
Once each month I send out a mailing of a few helpful resources to my friends and colleagues.  It's not a newsletter, just a short email with a few links to some great resources on the web.  If you've been missing out on these resources you can subscribe by sending an email to:
mailto:coach42-67534@autocontactor.com


Have you checked out my complimentary eCourse yet?  The title is "How To Become The MVP In Your Profession".  Take a look at the right hand side of my website here:
http://www.connectionscoach.com

 

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Quick Book Review - Change The Way You See Everything Through Asset-Based Thinking

I made a quick trip to the local Sam’s Club this morning to see what they were currently offering for computers.  As always, I decided to quickly scan the books before I left.  One book practically called my name.  For a minute I thought I was dyslexic.  The title was printed backwards.  But it practically called out to me… “Pick me up, look at my beauty inside, have a drink of my wisdom.” 

It was sheer delight to spend this Saturday afternoon reading “Change The Way You See Everything Through Asset-Based Thinking”.  It’s a delightful but deep, quick read co-authored by Kathryn D. Cramer and Hank Wasiak.  The graphic design is exquisite.  The powerful messages resonated with my purpose…to help people bring out the best in themselves.

The introduction message, in part, goes like this:

“People from all walks of life surpass their current levels of excellence and achievement just by shifting, ever so slightly, the way they see everything.

Just think what could be possible if people focused their attention on:

§         Opportunities rather than problems

§         Strengths more than weaknesses

§         What can be done instead of what can’t

When you decrease your focus on what is wrong, and increase your focus on what is right, you build enthusiasm and energy, strengthen relationships, and move people and productivity to the next level.”

It goes on to deliver powerful practices, lessons and stories about the value of embracing “Asset-Based Thinking”.  This book is beautiful enough for your coffee table, and the teachings are brilliant enough to change your life.  It’s something you’ll go back to again and again, and each time something new will resonate with you.

If you’ve been treading water for too long, and you’re ready to start swimming, this book will be one of your favorites.  Don’t miss it!