The Workplace: Part 1

As we unwind from a fun summer, it’s time to get back to work! This post will relate to a lot of you in the workplace, but it’s just as applicable in school settings.

Over the summer, I worked full-time for the first time ever. I was with the same people 8+ hours a day, and I learned quite a bit about different workstyles, habits, and professionalism.

Navigating people and process in your career can be difficult, so here are some things I learned that might help you!

1. Know that people are task-oriented or people-oriented. Some people will get to a meeting and jump right into the deliverables of the day. Go, go, go! Others will get to the meeting and ask how your weekend was. How are the dogs? How’s life treating ya? Both styles want the best for the overall project at hand, but they take different approaches. As someone who is more task-oriented, I learned to adapt and loosen my tight grip on managing everything. Do the same! Treat people the way THEY want to be treated.

2. Embrace feedback--and offer it! Have you ever had someone tell you, “Everything looks great! I love it! The only thing is…” and then get into all 88 changes they want you to make to your work? While that’s frustrating, feedback should be embraced wholly. You have the opportunity to explain your work, push back a little, incorporate improvements. When you provide feedback, explain your own thinking. Offer it respectfully and with sensitivity to others. Some people are great at taking feedback, while others can shut down. Adapt your feedback to the person, but don’t withhold it--that helps no one!

3. On that note, be careful of not just what you say, but how you say it. Email communication is the norm at most workplaces. Put your passive aggression away, and if possible take it offline! As for texts, reread what you’re about to send before sending it. Are you going to offend someone upon delivery? If it’s iffy, reword it. I’ve had countless experiences where I’ve sent a “risky” text, and work has only taught me how useless that communication is. Say what you have to say, but the moment you throw your attitude in, your credibility drops.

4. Have a problem? Figure out possible solutions before hitting the emergency button. You know those people who freak out and send you 50 message updates? “Oh my god, I lost the key!” “Where are you, can you open the door?” “I think I left it at the store” “Hello???” “Oh jk, found it!” At work, that’s a no-go. Sounds like common sense, but it’s still an issue for people. Take a step back from your phone or computer. Think logically and think of solutions to whatever your problem is. Have a few, and if you can’t figure it out on your own, THEN you can reach out for help. And when they ask, “Have you…” you can say yes instead of looking like a frazzle brain.

5. Smile and be friendly/grateful to everyone. Research has shown that people have better impressions of people who smiled when they first met them. There’s a saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” And that’s true as hell. If you think you can climb the corporate ladder by simply working hard by yourself and talking to no one, you’re 100% wrong. Work is collaborative. If people hate working with you, you’re going to have a tough climb. When people do things for you, show how grateful you are for their help! Offer help yourself, even if you don’t think you’ll be that useful. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

6. Workplace gossip: get away from it. It’s natural to want to learn more about who you’re working with, so get to know them! Don’t stumble upon information about them through someone else. She dated who from downstairs?? Who cares? Gossip serves no one, and it creates a polarizing culture in the office. Remove yourself from that problem.

7. Dress for success. Sloppy appearances, while comfortable, are unacceptable in the workplace--unless you’re in advertising, LOL. Regardless of your position, if you’re reading this blog you’re likely very early in your career. Dress for the job you want. People are people; they will judge you based on your appearance. It’s like I mentioned in my last post: If you look good, you feel good. And if you feel good, you do good.

Regardless of what the situation is, whether it’s work or school, these are some things I learned that might help you. I’m still learning, so this list, while helpful, is certainly not exhaustive! Your career is yours for the making, so make it a good one.