Research shows that, by May, most New Year’s resolutions are gathering dust. If this has happened to you, resolve now to use the energy spring fever gives you to get back on track. Here’s a step-by-step plan for turning those worthwhile resolutions you made back in January into your new habits of today.
Do you handle or see resumes that come flooding into your office? Check those out to see what’s good or bad about them. Use that information to spruce up your own.
Pick your battles wisely. Is your level of irritation high enough to warrant a discussion with your boss? If so, first brainstorm with your co-workers and create a short list of possible solutions (i.e., rotating music, allowing headphones/earplugs, etc.). The proposed ideas should benefit all in the office. After all, one person’s “motivating” music could be another’s “sensory overload nightmare.” After consulting with co-workers, write out in advance of the meeting what you want to communicate using positive statements instead of negative complaints. (For example, rather than, “We don’t like this kind of music!” try, “Upbeat music motivates us to be more productive.”) You want to convey that you’re a team-player, a problem-solver and not a whiny complainer.
Network by sharing online content, using the appropriate “share” buttons … Try this radical solution to unproductive meetings … Unhappy with what shows up when you google your name? Build your profile on business social-networking sites … Be explicit when asking for a favor …
When a co-worker comes to you with a problem, find out more about the situation and what the employee thinks before offering your 2 cents.
Use these six strategies to say “No” to a request for your time … and make it stick:
Be careful what you say if you are jealous, bitter or angry. Negative emotions can lead you to blurt out mean remarks you’ll wish you’d never said.
Don’t volunteer information about your boss’s whereabouts. Telling a client that your boss is at a tennis tournament isn’t going to score points for either of you.
Question: “I used to have the same salary as my male co-worker ‘Chuck,’ but I recently learned that he now makes more than I do. I have more work experience, but he gets more face time with our manager. Our boss is frequently in Chuck’s office discussing ordinary issues that everyone encounters. He seems to be her pet. In my area, I try to handle problems myself so as not to trouble her with them. Since we have exactly the same duties, I believe Chuck has been given more money simply because he’s a man. I love my job and don’t want to leave, but I feel this is wrong. What do you think is going on?” —Sherry
Retailers that sell electronics are after your business, and that bodes well for your old electronics and your wallet. A growing cluster of retailers and web sites are snapping up old gear and offering credit toward the purchase of new products:
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