Five ways to be irreplaceable at work

March 7, 2011, 11:21 am By Stephanie Christensen Investopedia.com

Implementing these five tips on the job each day will make you absolutely irreplaceable.

 

According to Judy Free and Traci Maddox, authors of “The Essential Employee: The Adventures of Carmen Senz,” research has revealed behaviours considered most valuable in the workplace, in the view of supervisors, coworkers and executives. The employees who exhibit these behaviours to all levels of the organisation are in a unique position to build a reputation as absolutely necessary within the organisation. It’s easy to remember, with a simple acronym: R.E.A.C.H. Perhaps the best part is, these behaviours apply to anyone, and have little to do with your current role, education, level of experience, or professional background.

“These five essential behaviours may seem like common sense, but we all know the old adage that common sense isn’t so common,” said Maddox, a senior consultant and co-author of the book. She and Free conducted the study across the nation, in a variety of workplace settings, to develop the REACH formula.

1. Results

Showing up for work every day doesn’t make you effective or valuable. In fact, a study revealed that “full-time employees work a total of three days a week.” (Meaning, they do nothing of value the other two).

To make yourself known as a results-oriented employee, focus not on the amount of time you’re at work, but instead on what you’re producing. Further, align that production with measurable goals and outcomes.

How do you do that? Take ownership of all projects assigned to you (and pick up any extras that you feel particularly passionate about or capable of handling). Be transparent and communicate regularly with your supervisor and others involved in the project about its progress and the goals you are working towards. When you reach them, make it known!

2. Enthusiasm

Energy is contagious, both good and bad. Someone who is lagging on the job will bring others around them down. Conversely, people with an energetic presence have the power to transform the vibe of others. No one wants to be around the grim reaper every day at work, even if things aren’t so great. Be the positive force that always has a “can-do” attitude. Not only will your co-workers enjoy your company, but your energy will communicate to superiors that you are an employee who is committed to the organisation and its success.

3. Attitude

Things will go wrong at work. Guaranteed. But even in the most derailed situations, something right happens. Focus on the positive, and steer clear of joining the “woe is me” mentality your other co-workers may fall prey to. Something as simple as a smile and laughter can go a long way, not only in impacting the mood of your workplace, but in expressing your gratitude for your job (and paycheck)!

4. Cooperation

Teamwork is essential in our modern workplace. Even the brightest of stars can’t shine alone. You need the help of a capable team to get the job done. Volunteer to help others, and be accountable for your assigned projects. Take ownership when things go right, and wrong. Regularly praise others, regardless of if you are in a managerial role or not. Thank those who help you regularly and recognise their accomplishments, in addition to your own, when recapping progress with your boss and others in the company.

5. Honor

Remember that old saying “what is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right?” It’s an applicable adage in the workplace. Particularly in an uncertain job market where workers feel stressed to succeed, it’s important to stick to your values. That may not always be the fastest, cheapest, or most efficient path, but when you let your moral compass be your guide, others will notice.

The Bottom Line

In an uncertain economy, it’s critical to make sure that everyone at work knows just how essential you are. Implementing these five tips on the job each day will make you absolutely irreplaceable.

 

Source: here

 

Five salary negotiation tips that work

May 13, 2011, 11:11 am By Jerome Young Forbes.com

You can learn effective negotiating skills that will help you get what you want, need, and deserve in terms of compensation.

 

Once you’ve proven yourself well qualified for a job during the interview process, you have to start asking yourself the tough questions. Do you have a strong desire to work for this company? What if they don’t offer quite as much money as you’d like? Is there a way to ask for a higher salary without alienating the employer?

It’s normal to feel nervous. But you can learn effective negotiating skills that will help you get what you want, need, and deserve in terms of compensation.

1. Understand Benchmarking

You don’t want to waste your valuable time on a company that is never going to pay you what you’re worth. This means you need to understand how employers decide their salary levels and adjust your job search accordingly. Companies use a variety of benchmarking tools. These include comparing pay rates with:

• Average pay at other companies in their industry
• Average pay for professionals with your level of experience and education
• Average pay for professionals in your field in their area of the country

 

Most employers who are interested in great talent will be in the upper quartile of their market when it comes to pay. However, employers have also figured out that paying significantly more than their competitors actually doesn’t motivate employees to stay over the long term. So, don’t expect to be able to negotiate for significantly higher pay than the norm – no matter how qualified you are.

2. Wait for It…

There’s an old saying “The first person to bring up money, loses.” Starting a discussion about salary prematurely sends a signal that you don’t place a high priority on being a good fit for a company’s culture – you just care about the almighty dollar. In the same way, if a recruiter brings up money right off the bat, it’s a good idea to smoothly change the subject so you can fully demonstrate your qualifications before talking about your salary requirements.

3. Negotiate Performance Pay

An employer who really wants to hire you but has limited resources may offer a lowball figure with the excuse “This is what we can afford right now”. If you want the job, ask if they would be open to discussing a performance based bonus. You could start by saying “Let’s talk about specific, measurable results that would improve your bottom line and increase my earnings.” Get any incentive pay agreements in writing during the hiring stage so your employer is committed to following through.

4. Don’t Just Talk Cash

Any discussion of salary should be about your total compensation. If the recruiter isn’t familiar with the dollar value of the benefits package the company is offering, you might ask to talk with their benefits specialist. Remember to negotiate for non-cash perks that might bridge the gap between your asking price and the employer’s offer.

5. Walk through It in Training

One of the best ways to prepare is by practicing. Pick a career coach who can prep you by role playing an entire interview including the salary negotiation phase. This process gives you the confidence to talk money with a potential employer without being afraid you are getting it “wrong”.

 

Source: here

 

Five reasons you don’t want a promotion

May 20, 2011, 11:24 am By Investopedia Staff Investopedia.com

There are some important non-monetary considerations to consider before accepting a promotion.

 

Climbing the corporate ladder and earning a higher paycheck are the primary goals of any professional. And although no one wants to be in an entry level position forever, there are some important non-monetary considerations to consider before accepting a promotion. (For a related reading, see Four Career-Boosting Social Media Moves)

1) More Stress

When someone advances within an organisation, they will typically play a growing role in the decision making process of the company. More demanding jobs require closer attention to detail as the final product will not be reviewed by superiors. This will often translate to increasing the pressure to succeed at one’s job, resulting in more stress in and out of work. Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman stated “being wealthy is often a powerful predictor that people spend less time doing pleasurable things and more time doing compulsory things and feeling stressed.”

2) Less Free Time

With more pressing deadlines and a broader scope of responsibilities, people in upper management positions tend to work longer hours. Those whose jobs are heavily focused on client relations will not even have regular work times as their day-to-day schedule is dictated by client meeting requests. According to economist Dalton Conley, one of the primary factors driving successful people to work so hard is the opportunity cost of not working. For example, when someone makes $15/hour, they can afford to take a few days off to watch television; but when someone makes $75/hour, taking some time off becomes expensive. (For a related reading, see How To Get The Job You Want)

3) Money = Happiness

While making more money can allow you to buy nicer cars, live in a bigger house and take more extravagant holidays, having these luxuries is not a guaranteed predicator of happiness. The lack of free time and more work related pressures can force people to distance themselves from friends and family.

4) Different Job

Promotions will regularly involve changes to the every day tasks of an employee. However, these changing responsibilities do not often align with the interests or the skill set of the individual. For example, junior analysts working at portfolio management firms usually start their careers in a qualitative role in which they analyse investment opportunities and model various portfolio metrics. Senior managers, on the other hand, are more likely to be involved with the qualitative aspects of the business such as client meetings. Before accepting a promotion, one must determine whether or not they will enjoy/be good at their new role. (For a related reading, see The World’s Coolest Jobs)

5) Less $/Hour

Having a higher job title which entails longer working hours along with only a marginal pay increase is not the type of promotion most people aim for. Receiving a promotion without a corresponding increase in pay is also fairly common if the new position is simply a horizontal, rather than a vertical shift. This type of scenario is quite possibly the worst case for a worker if the new position requires more time, results in more stress and does not align with the interests of the employee.

Conclusion

Raises and promotions are part of the standard “corporate circle of life.” However, sometimes people simply feel comfortable in their jobs and are satisfied with their paychecks and career prospects. Next time that you are offered a promotion, just make sure you understand the full impact that this may have. (For a related reading, see Five Salary Negotiation Tips That Work)

 

Source: here

 

How to Discover Your Life Purpose

Posted by Sacha Crouch for Health + Wellbeing – Fri, 27 May 2011 15:49

Do you jump out of bed in the morning eager to face the new day? Finding one’s life purpose is often driven by the desire to feel this way.

Many people come to me for life coaching once they’ve hit their late twenties or thirties, realising that climbing the corporate ladder has left them wallet-heavy but unfulfilled. Sure they’ve achieved great things and feel proud of their accomplishments, but the stress, long-hours and high pressured culture cause them to question what they‘re doing with their lives.

I believe this is a wonderful space to get to at such an early age. In previous generations it wasn’t until mid-life that people typically had this crisis of meaning. Finding the craving for purpose at a younger age means many more options are still available to you.

Unfortunately though, most people wait until they are totally burnt out before they act on this urge. As a result, they seek an instant big leap into some new world that will provide a sense of meaning or passion. The reality of course is that it requires time and mental space to discover a next move that makes your heart sing. If you feel too much urgency, the end result can be a move based on lust rather than a genuine knowing of what will feed your soul.

Don’t make the same mistake and wait until you’re fed up before you get in touch with the passion or purpose in your life. Use the following ideas to set you on a path to discover your life’s purpose. Choose the tips that appeal to you most and get started on the journey today.

How to Discover Your Life Purpose

1.    Clear your slate

One of the difficulties with discovering your life purpose is that your mind has been filled with information from your upbringing about what you can and can’t do for a living. Schools inform us about becoming Dr’s and Accountants, not business development managers for a high innovation tech company. You must be willing to let go of what everyone, including yourself has told you that you must do and be, in order to open yourself to other, more unique possibilities.

2.    Know your strengths, passions & heart stoppers

Do you know what is brilliant and unique about you? What specific tasks and environments allow you to flourish? Well, it’s time to get clear about it –do everything you can to discover what makes you special and happy. Make a list of all your strengths and achievements to date, specific ones that make you proud. Add to the list the things you love to do, no matter how silly. And lastly, think about the type of people, values and culture you enjoy. Get your hands on a good book or attend a workshop that helps you get in touch with these types of issues. My favourite is “Zen and theAart of Making a Living” by Laurence G Boldt. It was the book that helped me realise I wanted to be a life coach and resulted in me creating my dream business. Psychologists and career counsellors can also provide you with tools to identify your skillsets, personality attributes and provide new ideas of good career matches. Have a play!

3.    Understand the why

Purpose is about more than just a job. It is a unique emotional feeling of connection to what we believe at a deep level, matters. A really simple exercise to help get in touch with what matters to you at a deep level is to ask yourself “why is that important to me”. So for example, let’s say you identify that you like to mentor other staff to be great leaders. Grab a sheet of paper and ask yourself “why is that important to me?” and write down whatever comes to mind. Let’s say you write something like “because I love talking to people about their skills”. Once again ask yourself the same question again, “why is that important to me?” and write the answer down. Repeat this process until the answer creates an emotional reaction in you. (When I do this exercise with clients, at some point tears surface and it’s clear we’ve touched on what really matters to them – tears are a good sign!!).

4.    Start playing with your passion

A key reason some people hold back from trying to discover their life purpose is that they fear the life of a “struggling artist.” They have very black and white thinking about following a passion – believing that doing what you love doesn’t put food on the plate. But reality is never this black and white — just because you love to write doesn’t mean you have to be an author. You can become a journalist, write policies for government or even something as simple as take on some extra responsibilities in your current workplace that allow you to do some creative writing such as copy for the marketing department. Be honest with yourself about your passions and find ways to bring it into your life now, without having to make a huge career leap. Sign up for a course, do some volunteer work, or just start doing it for the love of it.

5.    Network to learn

Networking events are great for skill building and contact building but they are also fantastic for learning about what other people do for a living and to live on purpose. It is likely that there are some weird and whacky roles out there that you never knew existed. Open your mind to discovering how people spend their days at work, what their company culture is like, and the different type of work life issues that exist. Become curious – not only will you learn more about what you desire from life but you will become an even better networker as you genuinely show interest in other people’s lives. Who knows, you may even come across a job available that fits your new understanding of your life’s passion.

6.    Align all your life

Discovering your purpose is not limited to your career. In fact you can work at Coles packing shelves and still feel your life is completely on purpose because purpose is so much bigger than what you do. It is about how you approach life and about living life in alignment with what is important to you in general. Looking after your health and wellbeing, nurturing your relationships, and choosing to do what makes you happy all contribute to feeling on purpose. Start making small choices every day in alignment with what is important to you. Be grateful and appreciate what you already have. Ask yourself “how can I be of service today?” Focus on loving life in every way.

How did you discover your life’s purpose?

Author of De-stress Your Success: Get More of What You Want with Less Time, Stress and Effort, Sacha Crouch is a business, executive and life coach who helps people create the work and lives they love. For other free lifestyle resources visit www.activ8change.com.au and www.de-stressyoursuccess.com

Source: here

 

How to lead a great meeting

May 24, 2011, 11:15 am David Koch

 

Meetings can be so tedious and unproductive. So how do you become the meeting champion when people race to your event and action happens?

Who hates meetings?

They can be so boring, so pointless and just plain tedious.

BUT a great meeting can be informative, inspiring and a lot of fun.

So how do you become the meeting champion when people race to your event and action happens?

1) Set an end time upfront.

Tell everyone when you plan to end the meeting right at the start. There’s nothing worse than sitting there wondering “when’s this going to end”.

It also forces people to have their say quickly before time runs out

2) Ditch the conference room… think outside the square.

Conference rooms are generally grey, stark and stuffy… no wonder people get bored and doze off.

Change the meeting environment regularly so people stay sharp. A local café with a lot of buzz can get the creative juices flowing or outside under a tree in the fresh air.

Maybe take your team to different parts of the business that they’re not familiar with and open the meeting by explaining how that area fits in.

It’s all about breaking the meeting routine.

3) Remove tables and other barriers from the room. (similar to scrums)

I recently visited Google’s head office in Sydney where they have the table and chairs in the “Downunder” meeting room attached to ceiling. It certainly got you thinking.

Maybe that’s going a bit far but think about getting rid of the table and putting all the chairs in a circle.

It may feel uncomfortable at first to people who are used to “hiding” behind a table. Yet it’s far more conducive to teamwork and engagement.

4) Arrange for other people to present a part of the meeting.

Meetings shouldn’t be one-way communication. People get lazy if they know they don’t have to contribute. They just sit there and look interested but nothing sinks in.

Give them responsibilities or assignments, ample time to prepare, and be very positive about their contributions.

They stay sharp if they know they have to contribute.

5) Turn off all electronic distraction.

Focus is the key to short, productive meetings!

Get them to turn off all mobiles, pagers, laptops and ipads… they can live without them for a little while. But make set a specific time for the IT blackout so they don’t stress too much.

6) If energy wanes, have everyone switch seats.

Do it at least once per meeting. Then people will have to sit by different peers, see the room and the issues from a different point of view, and get their blood moving.

7) At the beginning of the meeting, have each person share something from work that’s gone really well recently.

It can be as simple as clearing up an issue with filing documents to as big as getting a major proposal out ahead of deadline.

It makes people feel good right from the very start if they can highlight their accomplishments. Often it’s only the mistakes which attract attention.

It also promotes a positive feeling which is more likely to lead to positive interaction.

8) At the end of the meeting, draw up an action list. (we already do this)

Every meeting must accomplish something and attendees must leave thinking “well that was worthwhile”. An action list means the meeting has built a momentum of its own which is going to achieve something. They must accomplish their action by a set date, and report back on their progress at the next meeting.

9) Power down PowerPoint.

It numbs the brain and puts the focus on a screen rather than on the people in the room. You want interaction!

Put your ideas on huge sheets of paper and give everyone a different colored marker. As the meeting progresses, each person is responsible for editing and adding to the working document.

 

source here