Success in the Workplace

As a Military Spouse, you may have less longevity in each workplace than you would like, and for that reason it is critical that you are able to enter a new workplace and establish a track record of success as quickly as possible. Although your skills may have gone a long way toward getting you hired, once you are in the workplace it is more likely to be your work ethic, your work place savvy, your business etiquette and your social skills that determine your success. Consider the following recommendations for ways in which you can build a reputation as an achiever and cement your place as a vital member of your workplace.

Polish your public speaking skills.

Your reputation amongst your colleagues will be significantly influenced by the image that you present during professional briefings and workplace meetings. Prepare for all meetings and briefings that you will give in public, no matter how short your speaking part is. Ensure that your message is concise and your presentation is professional. Consider developing and improving your public speaking skills through an organization such as Toastmasters. You will develop a reputation as an accomplished and professional employee far faster through your spoken interaction at work, than the long hours you spend working alone in your office.

Seek opportunities to help others.

As a new employee you may find you have more time available than your colleagues because you have not yet received any “long-term” projects. Use this time to seek out opportunities to assist your colleagues as this is a great way to build rapport, cement your reputation as a team player, and learn more about your new workplace. As you become a more established employee, approach others in the office and ask how you can assist if they appear to be staying back late. An extra 10 minutes on your part will be incredibly well received by a colleague or subordinate who is under pressure.

Professionally manage your email output.

Most employees are overwhelmed by the amount of email correspondence they receive. Don’t add to the workplace burden by unnecessarily “info’ing” everyone on all of your emails. Take the time to craft them so that they are short and to the point. Always consider if a conversation with a colleague might more efficiently resolve an issue than an email chain. Use professional language rather than abbreviations, and be conscious of the fact that your “tone” can not easily be detected through email. If you are at all concerned that your tone or message might be misinterpreted, speak with the addressee before you commit your message to text.

Avoid taking personal calls at work.

Most employees have the flexibility of having their cell phone available for use in the workplace. Wherever possible, avoid giving your work phone number to any personal contact that you would not want to take a call from in the workplace. Being observed taking personal phonecalls during work time can be very detrimental to your reputation, and gives the impression that you are misusing company resources, even if you did not initiate the call. Consider giving out your cell number and maintaining your cell phone on silent during the work day. You can then check your messages and return calls at an appropriate time.

Support your company’s social events.

With the number of Military Family events you inevitably attend, an office social event can feel like the last thing you want to spend your time doing, but your support for workplace social events is incredibly important. Attending these events shows that you have a commitment to the company culture and that you have a good relationship with your colleagues. Your absence will always be noted, no matter what the reason. Make an appearance and use it as an opportunity to get to know your colleagues better.

Resolve conflicts quickly.

If conflict or disagreement does arise between you and another employee, it is always better to resolve that conflict at the lowest possible level and as quickly as possible. Try to defuse or address the situation by sitting down and speaking with the person or people involved. These types of situations are far better solved by speaking to each other, rather than conducting an email conversation, and they need to be addressed quickly or they can rapidly blow out of control. If you do not believe the situation can be resolved without making a higher authority aware, speak with your appropriate supervisor providing all background on the conflict, and all measures you have taken to address it.

Avoid gossip and rumors in the workplace.

Gossip in the workplace can revolve around an incident which is blown out of proportion or talking behind the back of an individual, both of which are very inappropriate. Gossiping can destroy a person’s career. It’s not enough that you don’t start a gossip but it’s important not to partake in any gossip. When you come across gossiping, don’t encourage others to spread the rumors. Walk away when someone is gossiping. If the issue is serious, get involved and sort it out.

Dress and organize for success.

Just as your wardrobe creates an impression, so does your desk and your organizational skills. Keep your work area clutter-free and ensure you have some system for efficiently organizing your tasks, deadlines and emails. If you are unable to meet a deadline, correspond early with the recipient and arrange a mutually agreeable alternative.

Convey genuine appreciation for the efforts of others.

Because your success in the workplace is very dependent upon your relationships with your workmates, it is vital to ensure that you also recognize their efforts and successes. Give your colleagues and subordinates credit for their involvement in any task. Explain how a small task has significantly contributed to a company project. Always thank your colleagues for taking the time to contribute their suggestions and ideas, even when these ideas may not ultimately be used. Make your colleagues feel valued and they in turn will value your contributions in the workplace.

Remember that your success in the workplace is built upon establishing a good relationship with your colleagues, and by creating a good impression through the way that you work and interact with others.