CareerCampaign.com

Pressroom --> Work Habits

As work life changes work habits have to change as well

By JUDIT PRICE
Berke & Price Associates

In these pages we have discussed many of the negative aspects of today's changing world of work. These include the harshly competitive aspects, the need for ongoing networking, the requirements for lifelong learning and other demands of finding a permanent job and building a career. None of this is bad in itself. However, the fact remains employees need to be always alert to continuous downsizing, reorganization or strategy changes that put the job in jeopardy. Many now experience a disconcerting lack of a sense of permanence and the inability to get finally settled into a long-term association. Too many find difficulty in focusing exclusively on the job because so much can change so quickly. The result is often a fear and uncertainty that generates an unhealthy pressure that is continuous. It is no wonder that so many have chosen to downsize themselves or even opt out.

Nevertheless, when we find the right spot, many will notice the type of employee we had to tolerate in the past is indeed getting rarer. I am referring to those employees whose ethical and professional performance is less that optimal. We all are familiar with colleagues whose politics often trumped performance, where an excuse constituted a response, where enthusiasm only surfaced at staff meetings, and where cutting corners with customers or products was the path of least resistance.

I am not so naive to claim these characteristics don't exist today. What I do claim is to some extent those small temptations that over time impacted team performance and infuriated co-workers is no longer tolerated as in the past, and that is very encouraging. I also believe these little lapses were far more widespread than we would admit.

The fact is while politics is forever, performance is key, more so than ever. It is far more difficult to be slick and clever and mouth the right words but fail to truly engage in the difficult tasks of delivering quality, responsive performance. This type of conduct catches up with the employee much faster than in the past.

Lack of enthusiasm for the job is another characteristic that is fading. We live in a service oriented society. Quality service to clients and customers, team members, suppliers, and even competitors, whether next door or across continents, is paramount. However, it isn't enough. In addition, quality service must be delivered with enthusiasm, with pride in the product or service and gratitude for the business.

For those who work directly with customers, constant interaction and testing customer satisfaction is critical. Assuming no complaints means no problems can be fatal in a business relationship. We all understand the customer is the lifeblood of the business. It is a mistake to wait for complaints instead of moving forward pro-actively to ensure the customer is pleased. When working with customers you must constantly demonstrate how much you value the customer and how their concerns are your concerns. Competition demands it.

What type of role model do you present? Are you constantly critical, constantly pointing out missteps and weaknesses, including your supervisors'? Even if you are not in a supervisory position, attitude is important. This is not to suggest that weaknesses should be overlooked. On the contrary, working cooperatively to improve your performance and the performance of those around you can garner praise, create enthusiasm for advancement, and an edge compared to others at crunch time.

Finally, examine your ethics. I understand that this subject can generate cynicism. Nevertheless, padding expense account, charging the company for unnecessary upgrades, charging for unnecessary or more expensive meals are simply not tolerated as in the past. The fact is while this may not add up to big dollars it does raise questions about trust. And when there are little questions about trust, they can generate bigger questions about greater responsibility.

The fact is companies are far less permissive than in the past, have less patience and less tolerance for dishonesty in the workplace.

I believe younger employees, especially new graduates, will catch on very quickly as they enter and encounter the realities of work life. For older workers, especially those whose careers span a period of constant growth, greater security and rising expectations, it may be more difficult. The demands of the workplace have changed. The ethics and expectations that accompany these workplace demands have also changed.

Judit Price is a masters-level career guidance counselor, certified career master, international job transition coach, and a career development facilitator. She is also a principal at Berke and Price Associates, Skills for Career Services, in Chelmsford.

For further Information email: Judit Price or call: 978-256-0482