The workplace can be a tricky place to navigate. There are politics, personality conflicts, and additional influences that you can’t control. Although a relationship with management is a two-way street—there are definite boundaries set that are not recommended to cross. This is unless you rights are being violated, and it’s not a case of an axe to grind. In this crazy process there is good news.
You can control how you react, even when it’s unfair—or veiled in manipulation. By devising a plan ahead of time you can succeed in your career by building on key areas and traits to succeed.
Traits, like communication, respect, a good work ethic, and dedication can be carried with you know matter where you go. Author Bob Nelson wrote “An employee's motivation is a direct result of the sum of interactions with his or her manager.”
It is up to you to do your part to the best of your abilities.This is taking pride in what you do, being respectful, and communicating with the team. Here are four traits to consider.
Stay out of the office gossip by refusing to take part. This can be nasty for your growth and for the company. There are trouble makers in any workplace—don’t be those who get sucked into the pit. Be reliable, trustworthy, and respectful. You may not like everything, but there is no perfect place.
“Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love," Author Don Miguel Ruiz shared. Going against the grain can be good, but there are times it is best to sit in silence, and observe.
Be a team player. If you can offer help—do it. We all can burn out and will need someone to step in for us when we are overworked. You get what you give. Don’t be the person that doesn’t go the extra mile. Build trust with others, and be the one to offer to help. You don’t need to be constantly vying for the spotlight, and we all know those. Be genuine and ready to help the overall team. Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work, " NFL great Vince Lombardi said.
Communication is a key to any healthy relationship. In the age of using emails to communicate instead talking face-to-face—messages can be misconstrued. Instead of hiding behind emails or even text, if there is an issue, go talk to your boss or a colleague with humility.
Make the effort, most often it is miscommunication. It takes work, but this will also boost confidence. Do the best work you can. The situation may not be ideal, but your work ethic is an important part of putting together a career and respect.
Do the best you can for you, and leave with a good reputation. Making this a goal helps when you want to give up on yourself or personal career goals. You don’t have to be the most talented in the field. Golfer Tiger Woods said it this way. “People don't understand that when I grew up, I was never the most talented. I was never the biggest. I was never the fastest. I certainly was never the strongest. The only thing I had was my work ethic, and that's been what has gotten me this far.”
