 Just a few years in the working world can lead one to become casual about the basics of performance and success. Gomolemo Makolomako offers some tips on how to keep your edge in the workplace.
A few years ago I wrote an article giving tips on ways to achieve success at work, for the internal magazine of a company I was working for at the time. I recently stumbled on the article and realised how relevant it still is for today’s working environment.
Ask for feedback and clarity
It is always important to keep a daily plan. If you’re not sure of the task you have been requested to perform or not sure if it has been done well, it’s always best to find out from your superior. Managers are usually busy and often don’t realise that they have neglected to let you know how you fared. It is also ideal to ask if:
a. The task is urgent & important: this means the task will have to be done immediately;
b. The task is urgent: this means there is a time-line to it, but not immediate – however, it is urgent enough to be done as soon as possible;
c. The task is important: this means the task is not urgent, but is important and should be completed within a specified period of time.
Respond to communication
Responding to communication can be a challenge for many people. Sometimes you send an email or leave a message for someone to return your call; however, this does not usually happen. It is important to acknowledge others when they communicate too.
Look to the future
If it looks as if your employer is planning on bringing about large changes that don’t include you, don’t sit and wait for the chop. Take control and decide whether you are going to observe proceedings some more or whether you are going to change jobs.
Keep your superiors happy
Nobody likes a person who kisses up to the boss, but there are ways to keep your manager happy. Being pleasant, helpful, professional and a team worker aren’t only good characteristics at work, but also in the world outside. There may be times when your boss is unpleasant or cranky, and that’s when you have to be strong enough to weather the storm.
Keep perspective on achievement assessments
It is nothing more that an opportunity for you and your boss to have a good look at your performance. You are not always what you do. So, if your assessment has negative remarks, it should serve as a guide for you to improve and/or tackle your work differently in future and to paint a different picture in the next assessment, even if you didn’t agree with the first one.
About the author: Gomolemo is a marketing communication consultant and a published writer in the Pretoria News and The Star.
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