Learn new workplace rules to succeed
If you are one of those lucky ones who work in a company that has survived the recession and you came out unscathed after layoffs, it is time you review your work practices and habits. Fact is the rules of success at the workplace have changed as companies are trying to revamp themselves to meet the demands of the changed situation.
Organisations are becoming more tech-savvy, flexible, creative and well-connected, they are aware that in order to survive they need to step up on innovation and encourage employee initiative and establish relationships both within and outside. In order to survive in this changed scenario, you also need to adapt and imbibe new rules of success.
Some of these rules include
One rule is do not expect others to tell you what you are supposed to do at work, rather you should be willing to take on new projects or fulfil multiple roles. Besides, you should be prepared to do all this without being asked, volunteer is the key word here. Show your enthusiasm and willingness to do new projects and be ever ready to accept new responsibilities; instead of backing off with the stance, ’that’s not my job’. Such an excuse could work against you because companies will now expect employees to be flexible, learn new skills and willing to stretch.
So you need to be prepared to take on new projects, willing to relocate or move to another department if your employer demands it from you. To acquire new skills or build on your talents, seek the help of people who are more experienced than you, take up a course or more importantly tap into your network of contacts both within and outside the organisation who can provide you inputs.
Talking of networks, your contacts can provide you with a vital support system. Your contacts here can provide help and ideas because now you may have to do your work with fewer resources.
However, there is no point in expecting your large number of contacts to come to your aid when you want them to. Instead, the wise thing would be to build a trustworthy network of a few contacts, in other words having a selected group who can help you out when you need it. This group of contacts should be able to give you new ideas, provide better insights or feedback and solve problems. You need to develop that level of rapport with them. There should also be mutual give and take, you must be ready to give them help when they need it.
Of course you need to put in efforts and time to build these friendships and these relationships should necessarily not be need-based.
You could be one of the few still thinking to sign up as a member of social networks, fact now is more companies are tapping the potential of social media networks like Linked In and Facebook to enhance their online presence and connect with their customers. Getting into these social networks can get your professional profile online, help you establish new and valuable contacts and get in touch with a wide range of people from colleagues, clients and peers in the same profession.
These sites can help to increase your visibility because you can talk about your achievements, blog on issues and discuss problems pertaining to your industry. You can even take the initiative to create an exciting social media profile of your company.
As organisations adopt new ways to tackle the changed business scenario, on your part you should be eager to voice your thoughts and ideas and stand up for them even if it means taking a risk. You must be willing to accept challenges. Innovation will be appreciated so put your creativity to full use and come up with ideas and initiatives that will have an impact on the bottom line. You should be bold enough to express your ideas and assertive while backing them.
These new rules of success should be adapted to your work and if you make honest and sincere efforts, you will definitely succeed and your career will take an upturn.
HEMA GOPALAKRISHNAN
-The Hindu
