Question: “My manager encouraged me to apply for a promotion to senior accountant. Unfortunately, after I submitted my résumé, the position was changed to one with supervisory duties. Although I was one of four finalists, the job went to an outside candidate. I feel that I was set up to fail. Now, much to my dismay, I’m expected to train my new supervisor when he starts work. At the same time, I am single-handedly running a critical project and also training another employee. I feel that management is taking advantage of me, so I have begun to look for another job. Am I wrong to resent this situation?” — Fed Up
New research by Right Management shows organizations prefer employees who are a good motivational fit with the team and the organization’s culture. HR pros say that interpersonal behaviors and organizational fit are bigger factors than technical skills or experience.
As Dianne listens to her iPod, she taps out an e-mail on her iPhone and watches the TV screen—all while walking briskly on a treadmill. But Dianne might be clearer-headed if she went for a run without gadgets.
Not everyone in the workplace needs to be innovative. Think about a movie set. For every director, there are hordes of people who must be technically proficient, patient and disciplined about their jobs. If everyone innovates, the project turns chaotic. What the workplace actually needs more of is creatonomy.
That’s the one finite resource we all share: the number of minutes in a day. So recognize that if you waste five minutes on a phone call or in a meeting, you’re stealing it from something else: your child, your partner or yourself.
We recently reported that workers are packing their lunches more often. Packing lunch is definitely more affordable. It can also offer a way to lessen your carbon footprint. Laurie Cleary, of Lunchville.com, says “by making small changes, like carrying reusable lunch containers, we can make a big impact in reducing waste.”
Appear comfortable when you’re not by positioning your arms asymmetrically. Example: Place one arm on your armrest and the other in your lap. Symmetrical positions (crossed arms, both arms planted on armrests) tell people you’re rigid and nervous.
If you work with currency data and percentages, you have likely had an argument with that darned penny! You have flawlessly crafted your worksheet, expertly constructed formulas and can’t reconcile the penny that results when your calculations round up.