Dr. Jimmie Flores

Month: October 2014 Page 4 of 6

3 Strategies to Make the Best of Work You Don’t Like

Kool Derby

We’ve You’ve all done work that you didn’t like. I remember working as an IT Budget Coordinator and having to input full-time employee (FTE) data from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and sometimes even into the early evening. Somewhere around 10 p.m., a report would run to see if my numbers “balanced.” When they didn’t, I had to re-review the information, step-by-step, to find the mistake. Of course, this process required a couple hours of laborious and boring work.

Regardless of your job, there are parts of it that are no fun. If you are leader of a company, there is social-after-social in which you have to put your best foot forward, get a smile on your face, and glad-hand as many people as possible. If you are an IT manager, you are required to review scores of reports each week to determine if your security program is vulnerable. If you are a waitress at the hamburger shop, you have to worry about the occasional rude customer. No one is immune to work that is far from fun.

Strategy #1: Do the “no-fun” work first thing.

If you can, do the boring and tedious work early in the morning. Instead of reading your email or going on a coffee break with your co-workers, sit down and do the work. As a professor, one repetitive activity that is part of my day is grading assignments. The work is redundant and time consuming. However, by committing a couple hours early in the morning, I get the monkey off my back. Once the work is done, I feel great, and then I can do the activities that are more fun.

Strategy #2: Create an “Accomplishment List” you can share with your manager.

Nearly every manager I know understands the importance of routine and operational work. However, it’s your job to let your director know that you are on top of all activities assigned to you. In essence, you must have a plan to communicate these accomplishments.

When working for my last company, I developed a weekly “Accomplishment List.” In this list, I created categories for the work I was assigned. My manager and I discussed the expectations at the beginning of the year, and I included those requirements in the MS Excel sheet.

Here are some of the categories:

  • Reviewed budget reports
  • Contacted departmental managers to discuss the run rate
  • Updated the MS Excel worksheet with new workstations
  • Prepared the PowerPoint for the weekly presentation to the CIO

Before our weekly status meeting, I updated the Accomplishment List, and emailed to my manager. During the meeting I referenced the list, knowing that my manager was aware of the day-to-day work I completed. At the end of the year, the compiled worksheets were beneficial during my performance appraisal.

Strategy #3: Delegate!

A good rule of time management is to learn your hourly rate. For example, if you are paid $25 per hour, it’s imperative that you focus only on work that generates that level of money. The rest of the work needs to be delegated to others. An insurance salesperson, for example, should hire administrative personnel to manage client accounts, such as confirming meetings, creating files, and calling the customer for missing materials.

The ability to delegate routine work is a game-changer, but many people find it hard to have others do this work. For some, it’s difficult to give up control, and others cannot seem to find the time to train others to do the work. To become competitive in your market, you must trust others to do the everyday work.

Doing the mundane tasks is important, so make sure they get done. Until you can delegate this work, make the most of it. You can leverage completing these activities by creating the Accomplishment List. Your goal, however, is to find someone who can do it for you. You, on the other hand, should focus on the high-value activities that generate the highest return for you and your organization.

3 Times You Should Put Your Foot Down

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I understand that sometimes you have to take the high road and ignore others when they try to get under your skin. It’s best to move on, and fight a different battle. For the most part, this is good advice.
However, there are times when you need to hold your ground. There are times when you must make a point. There are times when others need to know that you are not going to be pushed around, or made a fool.

Interestingly, we teach our kids that they need to stand up for themselves, but we sometimes forget to heed this advice. Until you are clear with others that you mean business, they will continue to try and get the best of you.

#1: When someone tries to embarrass you in front of others.

I don’t mind having a joke played on me. That’s fine. However, I don’t want to play the role of an idiot. When someone attempts to embarrass me in a public setting, such as in a meeting, I will make sure and respond. What you say is of less importance. The point here is that you make it clear that you do not appreciate it.

Again, I’m not referring to light-hearted jokes. I’m talking about that one guy in the office that wants to make you look silly so that he can get at laugh at your expense. Be bold, and make it clear that it’s not funny to you.

#2: Someone insinuates that you are incompetent.

The fact is that you are not incompetent. My guess is that you are a hard worker, and that you care about the quality of product or service you deliver. When someone mentions that you have mediocre abilities, make it clear that one mistake or event will not define you. Like everyone else, you will experience learning curves, and that will lead to performances that fall short of expectations from time-to-time.

As soon as possible, get back on track. Find a strong area, and make sure to exceed expectations. Do not let the downward spiral continue. It’s critical that you get traction, and start producing at a high-level.

#3: Someone says something about you that is untrue.

You must stop rumors as soon as possible. For example, a co-worker might be telling others that you are unhappy with your work, and that you are searching for employment elsewhere. As you know, this rumor can affect how your manager perceives you. It’s important you quickly identify how the rumor started, and squelch it.

The point here is that it doesn’t matter if what is being circulated has truth or not. You want to control the message, which means that you have to stop others from assuming they have the right to handle your media relations program.

The bottom line is that you have to stand up for yourself. Create a perception that you mean business and that you will not allow others to ridicule you, or make you look like a clown.

Once you have put your foot down, others will quickly know that they are picking on the wrong person. Your leadership team will appreciate a person who is strong-willed and will not take unnecessary abuse from others.

She Called Her Wrinkles, And It Went Downhill From There

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Back when I served as Clinic Administrator of a major medical practice in Houston, I initiated an intern program for high school students. The plan was to introduce young men and women from Houston Independent School District (HISD) to the healthcare industry.

Hiring Monica

After interviewing several candidates, I decided that Monica was the best fit for the job. She was 17-years-old, and a good student. During the interview, she reinforced her desire to pursue a position in the medical field. In all, she had the best qualifications.

For the most part, Monica performed good work. She was assigned mostly routine work, but I also asked her to assist me with management duties, such as preparing my presentation to the doctors at the monthly meeting. In essence, Monica was gaining excellent experience regarding the day-to-day operations of a medical practice.

The “Wrinkles” Story

Diane was a 50-something lady who worked as our executive secretary. She was a nice lady, and a descent employee. However, she confided in me that her two previous failed marriages had taken a toll on her, and she was concerned that her age showed too much. While she didn’t tell me directly, I’m sure she was unhappy about the many wrinkles that appeared on her face. Nonetheless, she was meticulous about her attire, and was a sophisticated woman.

One morning, while I was reviewing an Accounts Receivable report, Diane walked into my office nearly in tears.

Me: What’s wrong, Diane?

Diane: I’m so upset with Monica!

Me: What happened?

Diane: This morning she greeted me with, “Good morning, Wrinkles!”

[Yikes! This is not good! I’m not exactly sure what to say in this situation. It’s not often this issue arises.]

Me: Well, Diane … are you sure that is what she said?

Diane: Yes. She thought it was funny.

Me: Well, it’s definitely not funny, and I can see how it offended you. I will make sure and have a talk with her.

Diane: She really doesn’t do good work around here. We should find someone else.

Diane left my office in tears, and I sat at my desk thinking how I would raise this issue with Monica. The fact is that Monica was wrong for calling Diane “Wrinkles.” However, she was a young lady, and perhaps unaware of the harm this comment would cause.

With this opening, Diane decided to raise the ante and ask me to fire Monica. While the young intern had room for improvement, her work was adequate. I suppose Diane was basing her decision on emotion, and I could hardly blame her.

Around mid-morning, I called Monica to my office, and we discussed the situation. After explaining to her that Diane that was hurt by the insult, she understood the impact, and apologized to Diane later in the day.

Unfortunately, and despite the apology, their relationship remained strained. Monica completed the summer program and moved on to her senior year in high school. Diane, on the other hand, is even more self-conscious of the wrinkles on her face.

Signs You are Going Nowhere in Your Current Career – What We Can Learn from Theory X and Theory Y

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When you wake on Monday morning and get ready for a new work week. Friday seems more than a continent away. You are a little scared about getting to the office today; after all, you procrastinated on important work the week before, and you are certain your boss will ask for a status update.

So, you spend most of the morning thinking of a good excuse to share with the boss. Someone failed to share important information that you needed for the report. Better not use that one. It might get an innocent person in trouble.

How about blaming technology? The shared drive was unavailable most of the week. Nope! The boss probably went to the shared to access other information. She’ll know you are being less-than-truthful.
You’re worried! It’s not manic Monday! It’s panic Monday! What difference does it make? You don’t like working here anyway! Getting fired might be a blessing in disguise.

Well, it’s time to get out of bed. Perhaps a good, hot shower will help you relax a bit, and the soothing water hitting your head might help you think of a good excuse to use with your boss.

Theory X and Y

In the 1960’s, Douglas McGregor, of the MIT Sloan School of Management, described contrasting models of motivation, which he called Theory X and Theory Y. In basic terms, Theory X argues that people are inherently lazy. They don’t like work,show up mostly because they get paid to be there, and don’t want to think. They want to be told what to do.

Theory Y is different. If you are Y, you are ambitious and motivated. You love challenges. Your boss will give you assignments because she knows they will get done right and on time. Theory Y people encourage others to succeed, promoting a healthy work environment.

If you feel like Theory X, you’ve hit a dead end. You don’t like the work that you do, and your employer has figured out that you are in coast mode. You are no longer looking for challenges, and spend most of your time clock-watching. When you aren’t looking at the hands on the clock, you are on Facebook or texting.

Everything Seems to Tick You Off!

When things are going well, very little seems to bother you. In fact, you take the high-road, and ignore those who try to get under your skin. When you are happy at work, you seek challenges, and you find the good in what people do. You look for training opportunities, and even seek to mentor new employees. In short, you practice Theory Y.

However, for those people in a rut, their bosses, co-workers, security guards, cleaning people, and everything else, irritates them. They are not happy with anyone, including themselves. They think that someone has an agenda if he happens to compliment their work. They are motivated by only two things: Friday and payday. If they happen on the same day, even better!

Pursue Theory Y Opportunities

The passing of time is inevitable. When you find yourself in a situation in which your career has hit a brick wall and you are no longer happy, make a change. The change doesn’t necessarily mean finding a new position. In most cases, you have to change your mindset. You must self-evaluate to determine what you are doing to cause your feelings about your career.

Avoid taking too long performing this exercise. You don’t have much time to waste. An early and important step is to stop blaming others. The reason you are where you are today is largely based on the decisions you have made. To get back on the right track, decide you no longer will tolerate a Theory X mentality that allows others to dictate your career success.

The Problem with Envy

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Having competitive fire is necessary for those wishing to excel. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, generate more sales, or separate ourselves from the pack, you need to be uncomfortable with your current situation. In other words, you can’t be happy sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to happen in your favor. You need to get in the game!

Far too many people today complain when others do well. “I can’t believe she’s taking that trip to Paris! Why is she leaving her kids behind? That’s ridiculous!” Instead of criticizing others for enjoying the good things in life, you should learn from them. What is their secret? It’s far better to know how to make something positive happen than to be envious of it.

Envy Shuts You Down

When you are envious, you stop thinking about self-improvement because you are more focused on what others are doing, and less about how you can get on the right track. The fact is that others will make decisions they feel are right for them, regardless of what you think.

I recently learned about this conversation:

DAN: You know that Claudia is going to get that promotion to manage the Hong Kong office.

ALICE: I did hear that she was first in line. I really can’t believe that she’s up for this promotion. Look … she’s only been here about 18 months, and you and I have been here for more than five years.

DAN: I heard someone say that she looks like the “corporate” type. She’s the trophy they want in Asia. I’m sure she will fall short of expectations. It’s a big mistake, and time will quickly expose her.

ALICE: That’s true! I guess if I lost about 20 lbs. and put on one of those cutesy business suits I would also impress the leadership team. It’s about the look around here. I bring so much more to the table. Claudia has the right look, but has zero skills to manage this big job. The more I talk about, the more upset I get.

DAN: I’m more than upset! I don’t know anything about the “cutesy business suit,” but I do know that I should be first in line for that Hong Kong position. I know that region well, and I’m ready to try something new. I’m sure my wife and kids would enjoy China. You’re right … the more we talk about it, the more angry and resentful I am about the whole situation.

ALICE: What should we do about it?

DAN: I think we should wish her as much bad luck as possible. I can tell you that I’m not going to bust my butt around here anymore. I’m doing the bare minimum. At 5 p.m., I will no longer answer any emails, voicemails, or texts. After this unfair appointment to Claudia, I’m drawing the line!

ALICE: I agree. If they want Claudia for the job, they can forget about me going the extra mile!

This conversation between Dan and Alice epitomizes the negative impact of envy. Instead of learning what it takes to earn a top international assignment, they complain about the situation. As long as they are bitter, their creative minds are closed, which means they are going nowhere … and fast.

TSA Agent: “I’m Doing Terrible! Can’t Wait to Retire!”

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While going through airport security, I observed a TSA agent wasn’t too excited about the work he was doing. While I get negative vibes from workers here and there, it’s unusual for them to tell me point-blank that they are unhappy.

The Situation

My flight on this particular day was taking me from San Antonio to Denver. I approached the TSA agent who was tasked with verifying my privilege to engage in air travel. When possible, I like to exchange pleasantries with people I meet while traveling.

Surprisingly, it was a slow morning in Terminal B. I suppose the morning rush had gone through because there was no one in line behind me.

Me: Hello, Sir!

TSA Agent:  Hello.

Me: It’s not too busy today. That’s nice that we can move quickly through security. I know Terminal A has more traffic.

TSA Agent: I wouldn’t like that. Too much work for me!

[He takes my driver’s license and boarding pass.]

Me: I don’t fly out of Terminal A all that much because most of my flights are on United.

TSA Agent: I don’t fly at all. I come here only to do my job, and not to take my chances that one of those birds will fall out of the sky. With my luck, that’s exactly what will happen.

Me: I hope it doesn’t happen today.

TSA Agent: You just never know. When it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go!

[Hoping to get my items confirmed and back to me quickly, I try to end the conversation.]

Me: Ok. I hope your day goes well!

TSA Agent: Not possible. You know … I hate this job, and I’m doing terrible. I’ve never really liked working here, or working anywhere for that matter. I have just two more years before I can retire. I can hardly wait!

Me: I guess you can hope for the day to go by fast. Before long, 5 o’clock will be here, and you can go home.

TSA Agent: I get out at 4 o’clock, so that’s even better. Of course, I got here at 7 a.m. That’s way too early for me. I’m sure someone in the management group is pissed off with me. I can’t figure it out!

[He finally verified that I was not on a terrorist list, and confirmed that I was travel-worthy.]

Me: Okay, Sir. See you again next time.

TSA Agent: I hope not! If all goes well, I will quit or be fired soon!

Several other TSA agents who overheard the conversation seemed embarrassed. They tried to ignore the conversation, but it was too quiet in the building.

I’m unsure if this experience is an isolated situation. The TSA agent took a different approach: he actually shared with me how he felt about his work. I wonder if many people feel the same way, but they are careful with what they say.

When you are no longer happy with your work, it’s time to find something else. This agent told me that he was ready to retire. Unfortunately, he spent most of his life doing something he didn’t like.

You Have to “Bitch” a Little to Get Your Way

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Getting your way can happen in various ways. Some techniques work, and some are far less effective. While in the steam room at my fitness club, I overheard a conversation about how one gym-goer (Joe), and several of his comrades, were able to change a policy in just one day of non-stop complaining.
This fitness club in San Antonio offered a month of May promotion in which members could bring family members and friends for free. It worked! I noticed many new faces at the club, but understood the policy would end by May 31.

The main problem arose around 4 p.m. each day when all the lockers were taken. To avoid losing out on a locker, some members took the keys home. Upon recognizing the issue, the management team decided to assign keys to customers. For long-term members, this was a serious inconvenience, and many of them called the director of the club.

This conversation in the steam room between Joe and Martin describes the situation.

Joe: Well! You know that is a bunch of crap! This is stupid!

Martin: What happened, Joe?

Joe: Look … I’ve been a member of this damn club for decades, and now they decide to run this crazy promotion. Bring your family! Bring your friends! What the hell is next?

Martin: I think management was not ready for the wave of people who would take advantage of the offer.

Joe: I don’t care about the offer, and I don’t care what they think! I pay $30 for a smaller locker in the back, and I usually find a bigger locker nearby where I can put the rest of my stuff. Not today, though. I had to be assigned a key. Can you believe that? I had to ask for a key! The young lady at the front gave me a key to a locker near the front. I told her she was “nuts!” I’m not taking that locker. It’s too far from the $30 locker that I pay each month, month-after-month, year-after-year. C’mon!

Martin: Did you get the locker you wanted?

Joe: You’re damn right I did! I had a hell of a line behind me, and I wasn’t moving until I got my locker.

Martin: Joe, you seem a little upset.

Joe: Hell … I’m not upset. I’m flat-out pissed! How can they change policy without first talking to us, those who have been here for centuries?

Martin: You’re old, Joe … but centuries?

Joe: You know what I mean. Stop being stupid!

Martin [amused]: Geez, Joe … I will make sure to get you on the line next time I have to negotiate my electricity bill.

Joe: It’s getting too hot in here, and you’re not helping much. I’m going to go bitch to the management team! This will change! Later!

The “assign your key” policy lasted just one day. The old-timers complained enough, and management relented. Joe is right that the squeaky wheel usually gets the oil. While most members can tolerate the inconvenience, management should have done a better job anticipating the locker scarcity problem. This is a case in which poor planning, and even worse communication, aggravated those customers with the most loyalty to the business.

You Have to Pay for that Coffee!

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While staying at a hotel in India, a unique situation arose. This particular establishment included breakfast for guests. In my case, I like to have my coffee early in the morning, and will usually go to the breakfast room right when it opens. I put on my Bose headset and work for an hour or two. In some cases, even longer, depending on my schedule for the day.

Go and Come Back

On this day, I stayed at the breakfast room for about two hours. I subsequently decided to return to my room and shower. After getting ready for the day, I went downstairs and waited in the lobby. However, my ride for the business meeting was running a bit late, so I decided to have a coffee while waiting. Having my hot beverage required a return to the breakfast room.

I noticed the waiter give me a second look as I made my coffee at the buffet bar. After sitting down, one waiter was seen talking to another waiter, who seemed more like the “manager-type,” or at least the head of the breakfast bar.

“Pay for Your Coffee”

After sitting down, and popping open my MacBook Pro, the head waiter came over, and we had the following conversation:

Waiter: “This is your second time here. You need to pay for that coffee.”

Me: “Sir, I am just having some coffee until my ride arrives.”

Waiter: “The policy here is that you can only come down once and have your breakfast. You were here early, and now you have to pay for that coffee.”

Me: “I really don’t think that is fair. I’m not trying to take advantage of the system … just want a little coffee while I wait.”

Waiter: “That’s not the way it works around here.”

Me: “Actually, this coffee is a bit cold. I guess I will pass on it.”

I could tell the waiter was a bit upset about the situation. About that time, my ride arrived in the room looking for me, and I made my way out of the room. The timing was perfect.

On the way out the door, I spoke to the manager at the front desk about the situation. He confirmed that I could indeed go back and have a cup of coffee, and that I had not violated the breakfast bar policy. He apologized about the situation, and asked if he could get me a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

I understand the waiter was trying to do his job, and he felt that I was trying to take advantage of the situation. However, it’s not like I was serving myself more food, or taking anything with me from the breakfast bar. It was obvious that I was trying to kill a little time.

The bigger issue here is training from the leadership team. Before approaching me, the waiter should have gone to the manager to discuss the situation. By doing so, he would have learned the policy, and avoided a negative situation with a customer.

More important, though, the waiter should be smart enough to avoid making a big deal out of nothing. He could have approached me and said, “Sir, may I get anything else for you?” If so, this blog would have a totally different message.

Why Leyingse is a Must-Hire

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Recently, I stayed at a hotel in Chennai, India while on a business trip. After working late at the office one evening, I forgot to put the power adapter for my MacBook Pro in my computer bag. I only realized this mishap the following morning when I went to boot up the machine. It was 5:15 a.m., and my ride to the office wasn’t expected until 9:45 a.m.

I did have about 70 minutes of battery power, so I could do a little work. However, in less than 60 minutes, the MacBook was dead, which meant I needed to initiate Plan B. My back-up plan was the iPad and, unfortunately, I didn’t charge this device after landing in India. I suppose the two movies I watched, and book I read, exhausted the device.

 

My morning was not off to a good start, but I did have the power adapter for my iPad. I could, at least, charge this device and check email.

Not so fast! As it turns out, I also left the international converter at the office, meaning that I lacked the capability to charge any of my devices. Soon after, my Blackberry shut down after I used it to respond to more than 20 emails.

Meet Mr. No

I called the front desk clerk, and he basically told me that I was out of luck. While they did service many US customers, they did not have an extra adapter. I tried to make a point that it was good policy to have this gadget for those of us who were silly enough to leave it behind. However, I quickly realized this was my fault, and I decided to keep quiet and look for a solution.

Meet Leyingse

I had more than three hours to wait for my ride, so I decided to have a cup of coffee, and consider my available options. The plan was to find a way to charge my iPad. My waiter was Leyingse, a young and vibrant worker. He had a different pace about him, and I could tell he was a solutions-person.

I informed Leyingse about my situation, and he pondered how he could help me. He could have easily told me that I was out of luck, but that was not his style. He thought about the situation for a few seconds, and said:

“We have a computer in the kitchen. I think there is a connection similar to what you have in the United States. Let me check.”

Within a couple minutes, Leyingse returned with a smile on his face, and said:
“Sir, I think we can make it work. If you wish, follow me and let’s give it a try.”

We walked to the kitchen, and Leyingse found an open outlet where I could connect my iPad. I powered it for about 30 minutes, while I enjoyed my Indian-style breakfast. The iPad received enough of a charge for me to check my emails, and I even had a chance to catch-up on the headlines at ESPN.

The Point

The picture you see in this article is of Leyingse. I asked if I could take a picture of him with my iPad, and he obliged. It’s not often that we run into customer-driven employees like this. He probably violated a policy or two, but he found a solution for a customer in need.

Leyingse reminded me to avoid settling for just good enough. When working with my next customer, I’m going emulate his commitment, and exceed expectations. By doing so, I’m sure I will leave a lasting impression on the customer – just like Leyingse did on me.

3 Signs You Should Get Rid of Your Mentor 

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A mentor can make a big difference in your career. You want to find a person who is genuinely concerned about helping you succeed. Surprisingly, there are many people who wish you well, and can help you learn the ropes within your organization.

A mentor doesn’t do the work for you. Instead, they provide guidance, and ask you to consider different ideas or angles that you might have missed. It’s important to find someone who has extensive experience in decision-making, especially related to your organization and industry.

There are times, however, when a mentor is causing you headaches instead of providing assistance. In some cases, the mentor turns on you and is more interested in seeing you fail. You must quickly identify this issue and resolve it.

Here are three signs you should buck your mentor:

#1: You can’t reach your mentor.

A mentor should have an interest in helping you. To do this, he must be available. Of course, this doesn’t mean that he will be at your beck and call, but the mentor should return an email or telephone call within a reasonable time.

If your mentor goes several weeks without getting back with you, it’s time for you to move on and find someone else to serve in his role. Of course, you must understand that highly competent people are busy, and they might forget to get back to you. If appropriate, you can send a reminder, or stop by his desk if they work in the same organization.

#2: The guidance is flat wrong.

I once had an issue with the work requirements assigned by my manager. She was busy, and many times just kept adding to my workload. I did the best I could, but it was tough to keep the pace. I asked a veteran employee for guidance, and he told me the following: “Look… the work is not going to stop. She is basically using you to do her work. If I were you, I would quit! It’s time to get out of here! That’s what I would do if I were you.”

This feedback from this so-called mentor lacked substance. The option of quitting my job has far more implications than dealing with the problem. He was the type of mentor who liked to cause problems for senior management, and felt that asking people to quit would stir the pot even more. In essence, he wanted to prove his point by having others take the fall.

#3: The mentor is envious.

A mentor should help you succeed. This person should be enthusiastic when you are doing well. However, there are many cases in which the mentor becomes envious, and is upset about your progress.

You should also do your part to prevent this envy. Make sure that you give credit to your mentor. Let her know that a big part of your success stems from her guidance. You can take the person out to lunch, or mention them when giving your promotion speech. In other words, remember those who helped you excel.

Your success will improve to the level that you have mentors helping you along the way. It’s nearly impossible for you to do all the work on your own. Put aside your pride, and seek professional individuals who are enthusiastic about your career growth. If you discover that your mentor is sabotaging your success, it’s your job to cut-off ties and begin the selection process anew.

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