Saying 'cheers' to challenges

Abstract:

So you have landed that dream job. Before you realise, life at work is a nev-er-ending game of squash.Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned professional, the workplace will beget challeng-es without a stop. As weird as this may sound, challenges drive businesses. If not for challenges what is the need to employ so many people to handle things? Isn’t fixing or taking care of problems the reason why you were hired in the first place? It is every worker’s responsibility to deal with problems that are specific to his/her area of operation.

Main Article:

So you have landed that dream job. Before you realise, life at work is a nev-er-ending game of squash.Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned professional, the workplace will beget challeng-es without a stop. As weird as this may sound, challenges drive businesses. If not for challenges what is the need to employ so many people to handle things? Isn’t fixing or taking care of problems the reason why you were hired in the first place? It is every worker’s responsibility to deal with problems that are specific to his/her area of operation.

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The first and foremost thing to remember is that challenges are not pests, they are just veiled opportunities. How you rise from the challenges thrown at you is a demonstration of your merit. Every stage of your lifecycle at the workplace will bring its set of responsibilities, pressures and challenges alongside perks, fun and status.

 

The NEW TO THE WORKPLACE challenge

Fitting in: A new job be it at any stage of your career cycle is a challenge. Fitting in to a new work culture can at times be frus-trating especially if you are moving from a casual work environ-ment to an ultra-formal one. Everything including your dressing,tone and communication style will need to be worked up on to fit in with the rest of the organisation.

 

Being visible and being heard: Avoid being that person who hides behind the desk and communicates with everyone over emails or phone calls. Nothing can beat a vibrant and vivacious presence when it comes to the work place. Make every effort to be visible where it counts. It will take time to gain the confi-dence of colleagues so listen before suggesting changes. Treat your colleagues and superiors to creative and practical solutions.Accept mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes at one point or the other. Accept them. Never at-tempt to offer excuses or cover up. Find solutions and fix the issue as soon as possible.

 

Managing time: Work to a pre-established schedule. Get to work on time.Managing time is the first step to produc-tive and efficient working. Ask for support if necessary.

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The CO-WORKER challenge

The world has all kinds and so does your work place. How-ever, there are some colleagues who spell trouble. They can lower productivity, create un-pleasant work situations, be gossipmongers, whiners, sabo-teurs, backstabbers or bullies.While they cannot be avoided,they can be dealt with. Firmly,confidently and politely ex-plain the problem or situation they are causing. Resolve is-sues with them in private. If they do not back off, bring it to the notice of your supervisor.

 

The EVERY DAY challenge

Every day at work can bring a new crisis or two. Crisis can happen at good or bad times.Being ready, open, positive,bold and creative are the key to getting through any crisis.The businesses or markets we operate in can throw all kinds of challenges – competition,negative feedback, negative PR, bad output, inferior qual-ity, missed deadlines, deficient production lines, shoddy tim-ing, inept advertising, wrong decisions, expensive mistakes,pet ideas and many more. In-tervene creatively and boldly.Shying away at the time of cri-sis is a sign of weakness. Treat every crisis as an opportunity to rise.

 

The ETHICS ANDINTEGRITY challenge

The ethics and integrity you bring to work is a showcase of the core of your personality.Always stick to the highest standard. Stay clear of those who ask you to compromise your integrity. Refuse to en-tertain requests that make you uncomfortable.

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The BOSS challenge

The Boss Challenge stems from different working and personality style of two peo-ple. Issues with the boss can be emotionally and physi-cally draining. Figure out the reasons behind the issues be-tween the two of you. Look at the problem from both your and your boss’s perspectives.Involve your boss in sorting things out amicably.

 

The HARASSMENT/DISCRIMINATIONchallenge

Harassment and discrimi-nation are illegal and take many forms – from asking you to fetch coffee for a superior to sexual favours. Whatever the form of harassment or dis-crimination, there is absolutely no need to put up with it. Be upfront about what is not ac-ceptable to you. Deal with the person creating the problem calmly and bravely. Take it up "confidently and politely explain the problem or situation they are causing" with your HR department or seek legal help if necessary.

 

The CAREER ADVANCEMENT challenge

Being passed over for pro-motion is bad news. But be gracious about it and take it up with your boss in private. Find out why your promotion was denied. Document your suc-cesses in the current position on a continuous basis so that you have supporting material handy for an impromptu meet-ing. Make your boss under-stand that you are looking to move up the corporate ladder and take up different and more challenging roles. Be proactive and ask for more projects and responsibilities. Improve your skills if needed.

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Top commandments for dealing with challenges at the workplace successfully

  • tick to your work schedule.
  • Be dependable. Try not to take time off often.
  • Know the company rules and procedures and follow them.
  • Dress appropriately. Always come to work clean and well-groomed.
  • Never indulge in gossip, backstabbing or harassing colleagues.
  • Be mature and professional with people. Avoid questionable activities that could lead to misconduct issues.
  • Follow the proper chain of command.
  • Be good at what you do. Keep yourself updated.
  • Be calm, focussed and self-disciplined. Have a good work ethic.
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  • Be flexible, positive and friendly yet assertive.
  • Keep your body language, verbal expressions and tone in check.
  • Keep personal life out of work.
  • Network. Be a team player.
  • Take responsibility for your decisions and actions. Admit your mistakes and fix them.
  •  Offer value-based and requirement-specific feedback.
  •  Be open to learning.
  •  Treat everyone equally and with respect.
  •  Accept feedback gracefully and work on your shortcomings.

 

BUDDING MANAGERS

MARCH 2014 ISSUE

 


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Author:  buddingmanagers
Posted On:  Wednesday, 9 April, 2014 - 12:03

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