Author: Dr. Flores Page 33 of 44

In the old days, there was time to learn a job. I remember my first employment position out of college was with Shell Oil Company in Houston. In the interview process, I was informed that my mentor would work with me for 30 days to make sure I understood the work. I could go to this person and ask any questions.

I was also told that nothing important was expected from me for at least three months. In other words, I had time to learn the business and my particular work. The first week, my manager said, “Please make sure to spend time reading the policy manual. It’s sort of boring stuff, but some of it actually is important.” The manual had more than 500-pages, so I was going to stay busy for the near future.

What worked in the 1990s is no longer applicable today. When hired today, the employer wants for you to hit the ground running. In fact, you are expected to have major deliverables done in the first week. In some cases, individuals are hired to fill a gap in knowledge or expertise. In essence, the company is looking for the new hire to lead the work effort.

Here are 3 tips during your first month at a new job:

#1: Take a proactive approach.

Your first month at work is important, and you should take a proactive approach. You want to learn fast, and you want to ask as many questions as necessary. Many new employees understand the work, but they need to learn the process, or the corporate culture. Every organization has a specific chain-of-command that needs to be followed.

#2: Avoid acting like a know-it-all.

While you might be a very capable person, you should take a humble or learning approach when starting a new job. The impression you make early on might define you, so it’s best to get off on the right foot.

I know of a senior manager who made the following statement during her first meeting with the team: “We are going to change the way we do things around here. I hear that people are used to doing the bare minimum, and I’m not going to put up with this approach. Those who are unwilling to change will no longer have a place in this organization.”

There was a hush in the room, and I could tell that the veteran employees were not too happy about this approach. During the first year of her employment, these old-timers did everything possible to make her job difficult. They were able to create enough resentment in her policies that she eventually quit. The point here is that diplomatic skills are important when initiating change.

#3: Avoid the petty stuff.

The most successful people in your company are big-picture minded. They avoid the coffee breaks that are used to circulate rumors. Top-notch employees are aware of office politics, and they do whatever possible to work within the system. The key here is to focus on your work and not on the small stuff that distracts you from the requirements.

Most managers will label you within the first 30 days of employment. If you look and behave like a top performer, your chances of succeeding increase. Make sure you are action-oriented, and avoid stepping on other people along the way.

The organizational culture has a current, and you need to get work done within that environment. However, you do have a good level of control regarding the pace of the current, and this is what will set you apart from the rest of the pack.

I recently heard a colleague talk about his promotion to Technical Manager. While the title was good, the pay hike was $15,000 annually, and she now makes $110,000. Not too bad!

Over the years, I’ve had many discussions with talented managers regarding what it takes to excel in an organization, and I’m providing 6 of the strategies I learned:

#1: Get in the right job.

I understand you can earn a promotion in the wrong job, but that is hardly any fun. Make sure you decide the kind of work you want to do, which means that you select a career. Once you are clear regarding future plans, the promotions will come. You are more energized and happier when you are doing the work that interests you.

#2: Get a healthy level of technical knowledge.

I know several account managers at an IT company who enroll in technical classes, such as Security+, Python, and Apache. The goal here is to improve their technical knowledge. By doing so, they can understand the geek language and share it with upper management. This skill alone can lead to big results.

#3: Focus only on what you can control.

There are far too many people who make excuses for failing to climb the corporate ladder. To progress, you must accept the organizational politics and learn to move within the culture. My experience shows that if you deliver good work on time and keep a proactive attitude, promotions will come.

#4: Make sure to have the education.

There are many careers that are stifled because a college degree is required for advancement. If this is the case where you work, begin your studies right away. Avoid putting of the decision even a week. You can make calls today to find the right degree for you. If you are pressed for time, consider an online degree. By making this commitment, you will improve skills related to problem solving, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. These are the same skills required to earn future promotions.

#5: Seek advice from experienced individuals.

To succeed, you must learn from others. It’s naïve to think that you have the time to learn everything on your own. I recommend befriending someone who has been in the organization for many years. In most cases, these individuals are less-competitive, and they are open to sharing their knowledge. When you meet with these folks, ask questions and take notes. Let me repeat: ask questions and take notes. You are there to learn, not to teach.

#6: Focus on what your boss wants.

It’s too difficult to make everyone happy. The only person that you should work to please is your manager. I recommend meeting with this individual early in the year, and learning the expectations. You want to know how you will be evaluated. Once you have the plan, make it a point to schedule monthly or quarterly meetings with your manager. By taking this approach, you are more likely to hit your targets and make your manager happy.

There is no magic formula that works every time, but the tips noted here have withstood the test of time. To become meaningful, you must have a clear idea regarding your career expectations, and start taking action today to make that future a reality.

Getting things done is much easier than you might think. Develop a plan, test the plan, execute the plan, and follow-up on the plan. All these components are critical success factors (CSFs) of getting things done, which means that the plan is in jeopardy if you fail to do any of them well.

One of my favorite sayings is … Do something! Anything!

The point here is that you have to take action. You cannot expect everything to be perfect before you take action. There are far too many variables, and the unknown element is part of decision-making.

Here are 10 tips to getting things done:

1. Determine what you want to get done. Do you want to improve the company sales by 10%? Where are you today? What is the baseline? You must know the starting point before taking action.
2. Identify the people who are going to be on your team. While you can spearhead the plan, it’s important to have competent and energetic people on your team. A team can help you complete work much faster, and at higher quality standards.
3. Look for risk events before they happen. You can engage the following risk respond methods: avoid, accept, mitigate, or transfer. Whenever possible, take action to prevent risks from derailing your efforts. You must be proactive.
4. Make a concerted effort to be objective with your actions. Avoid taking sides or playing favorites. Stick with the objectives of the plan, and reinforce the importance of the initiative to your team.
5. Take a systematic approach to getting the work done. Think like a project manager: your job is to find the right people to do the right work at the right time. While you are task-oriented, you understand the intangibles that can affect your work.
6. Agility is critical to your success. When an unexpected issue arises, have a contingency plan in place. If you lose a key employee to another company, make sure you have someone else ready to replace this person. If inclement weather prevents equipment from arriving to a work site, ensure that a back-up vendor is ready to provide the service.
7. Communicate an attitude that shows you are in control, especially when things are not going well. You know that everyone can lead when there is smooth sailing. However, today, you’re faced with many unexpected and urgent events, and you must be prepared to make tough decisions.
8. Make sure you stay engaged with the customer. The needs and wants of the customer will change, and it’s your job to make sure everyone is on the same page. Keep seeking feedback, and make only necessary changes.
9. Make sure to be persistent. You can expect others to lose interest in the work, and it’s your job to re-energize the troops. Reinforce the importance of your work.
10. Make sure to reward your team for good work. Effective feedback is specific in nature. “Amanda, our success with the data warehouse project was largely based on you meeting with the customer each week. This communication was a difference-maker. Good work!”

Getting things done requires strong leadership. To become an effective leader, you must have a plan that provides long-term benefits to the organization. Once the plan is in place, a persistent approach is important to its success.

Image Courtesy – www.entrepreneur.com

We’ve all had the “Jet Blue” feeling! If you have not read the Steven Slater story about getting fed up with an unruly passenger, I think you should take the time to see the chronology of events. While I do not condone the approach Slater took, namely deploying the emergency chute with which he could have killed someone, I do think that many people have merely lingered around in their current jobs hoping that something would change. To his credit, Slater took action, and even remembered to slide down the chute with a couple beers! That is quick thinking!

Until you decide to make the change, you can expect everything to stay the same. Well, not exactly. You will receive raises and perhaps even promotions, but that might not be enough for some of you.

JOB = Just Over Broke

I am not sure where I heard the acronym of JOB translating to Just Over Broke, but it did resonate with me. The point here is that many of you backed-in into your jobs. You began with an hourly rate that you did not particularly like, but you didn’t care because you were in it for the short-term. Before long, though, you received a raise and incurred debt that you could only afford with the upgraded salary.

The money has kept improving over the years, and you are still working at a company that you never liked, but you are used to the paycheck every two weeks. It’s not great money, but it beats being unemployed. Does it?

Comfort Zone Paralysis

When in your comfort zone, you close off opportunities around you. You want something better, and you know that you have the skill and ability to earn significantly more, but you are paralyzed by the fear of losing what you have. In fact, you no longer define yourself. Instead, the work you do at your current job defines you.

For example, “my name is Rob Dante, and I am a Product Development Analyst at Go Media, Inc.” Earlier in your life, before Go Media, Inc., you had a plan for yourself. You were Rob Dante, and you had personal and professional goals. In other words, you were in control. However, after accepting the job offer at Go Media, someone else decided your goals. You now receive a compensation structure from an employer who largely controls the work you do, and the amount of money you are paid. In fact, the employer can map your compensation structure out 20 years. You don’t even have to think anymore.

Making a Change

Launching a business is not for everyone. However, I do think that more people need to consider the opportunity. A mediocre salary can only do so much for you and your family. For those of you who venture out and start a business, the earning potential is only part of the equation. The real reason lies in having the freedom to use your skills and abilities to the maximum. When you are accountable, you will exceed expectations, and that extra effort generates both a bigger income and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Steven Slater did it style. You don’t have to be that bold. Just do it!

When in the workplace, be careful with what you say. Even one-liners can get you into hot water. When you are unsure what to say, say nothing.

Here is a list of one-liners to avoid:

1. I was unsure of the due date
2. How was I supposed to know?
3. This is only the third time this month I’ve been late
4. I decided to avoid the customer because he was rude
5. Look … the project failed, but I did my part
6. We finished the work on time but the quality is just so-so
7. I decided not to attend the sales event because it was raining too hard, and I forgot my umbrella
8. The IT people told me that stuff I was doing on Facebook probably led to the virus infection on my computer
9. I am neither accountable nor responsible
10. I decided that working late is cutting into some of my personal time
11. Working in teams is counterproductive because other opinions bother me
12. Having to report to others is a waste of time
13. Self-development is overrated
14. I think 90-minute lunch breaks should be adopted here
15. There is nothing wrong with resistance to change – one less thing to worry about
16. I start getting tired around 10 am
17. We need to limit the number of customers who call for new orders
18. I am uncomfortable around people
19. I’m okay with meetings, but let’s avoid the action items
20. I only like to work with people who think like me
21. Let’s focus on workarounds, and stop worrying about resolving the root causes
22. Being rude is just the way I am – sorry!
23. Even when I am wrong, I tend to be right
24. I showed up to work on Saturday still feeling the effects of the vodka from the night before
25. When in doubt, I make assumptions
26. Avoid asking me to do any work beyond what I was hired to do
27. Most of the managers I’ve had over the years demand too much from me
28. My saying: “Do unto others before they do unto me
29. My approach is to work hard for a few hours each day, and coast the rest of the way
30. People should know that I say insulting things when I am depressed, angry, or both

While some of these one-liners are funny, I’ve heard most of them at some point. If you are unhappy where you work, many of these thoughts might come to your mind.

Find a career that interests you. It all starts with you. You must determine your skills, knowledge, and passion. With that in mind, search for the right opportunity.

What do you bring to the table? What makes you unique? Once you get a chance to interview for a position that interests you, it’s important you mention what is important to the employer. In other words, avoid thinking about what matters to you.

Here are 10 comments that can help you receive the job offer:

1. “I understand the requirements, and they make sense to me. From my experience, the details are important. You want to avoid having little issues escalate into big problems.”
2. “We must have a long-term commitment to success. By focusing on small, but incremental steps, we can make significant progress.”
3. “The goal is to get everyone on the same page. From a leadership perspective, this means that we all should follow the vision. However, vision is only part of the process. We must also have people who are prepared to do the tough work.”
4. “Successful leaders are those who promote an environment that allows lively discussion. We must encourage someone to play the devil’s advocate role. It’s best to identify an underlying issue early in the process, and not when it can cause us significant harm.”
5. “The 40-hour week has its place. However, the work is what matters most. There are times when we have to work into the evening, and weekend effort is essential at times. The bottom line is to meet the requirements.”
6. “Even when the customer is wrong, we must listen to his explanation. In other words, we are in the business of identifying the misalignment, and providing guidance that helps the customer make the best decision.”
7. “What makes me upset? I think that “upset” is not the word I would use. Like everyone else, I can get frustrated, but this feeling is temporary. When I recognize that a problem exists, I take a proactive approach. I need to find out what is causing the issue. Our employees expect someone who can remain calm and is focused solving the problem. Pointing fingers is counterproductive to getting things done.”
8. “I do believe that teams are important to success, but working in a group is only part of the process. We must ensure that everyone is clear regarding expectations. The team needs resources to succeed. We should also ensure that obstacles are removed to help them succeed. I once had a manager who would go directly to other managers and ask for information that I needed to complete my annual budget. Strong leaders understand the importance of becoming involved at the right time.”
9. “I have made mistakes in the past, and some bigger than others. I’m happy to report that I make fewer today, and this is mostly because I seek guidance before making tough decisions. When running things by others, I get a better idea of the situation and possible consequences.”
10. “How do I define success? I think big picture. All of us should be aware of how what we do impacts the organization as a whole. In other words, each successful tech support call affects how customers view us. Similarly, when we improve a process, the bottom line gets better. As a manager, I make sure my employees have a clear understanding of the mission. Our actions must be aligned with the purpose of the company.”

These are more that just excellent interview comments. You need to focus on how you can bring value to the organization first. By doing so, you can also expect to meet your personal goals.

While watching my 10-year-old son play soccer this past weekend, I heard his coach yell many instructions from the sideline, such as:

• “Get in position, Aaron!”
• “Ricky, you have to stay onside!”
• “Team, we have to keep them in front of us!”

However, the advice that resonated with me was the following: “Be an option!”

I know the business community is filled with many sports-related metaphors, such as “Tackle that assignment” and “Full court press.” However, “Be an option” was a new one to me.

Let me provide some ways in which you can be an option in your workplace:

#1: Have the desire to contribute.

It’s quite easy to determine who is willing to participate on a project, and who wants to stay far away. You shouldn’t bite off more than we can chew, but work must be distributed across team members, and you must be willing to do your part. When a particular project arises, look for ways you can contribute. If you lack the time to do the tactical work, the team might benefit by having you as a subject matter expert. In other words, keep an open mind and consider how you can be an option.

#2: Learn the hot skills needed in today’s workplace.

In everyone’s line of work, there are emerging skills and knowledge. For example, Agile Scrum is in big demand in the IT industry. Therefore, IT professionals must look for opportunities to learn this methodology. If your employer does not provide the training, consider making the investment on your own. The bottom line is that you probably will not be working with the same company for the rest of your life, and staying current is mandatory.

#3: Think creatively.

Once you’re on the team, look for solutions that are creative and unique. While there are conventional ways of doing something, consider new ways. Before Twitter, people were texting. However, Twitter took the concept of texting and put it on steroids. Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb and try something new. The Imagineers at Disney create completely new attractions by letting their minds run wild. Even the craziest idea might lead to a great result – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

I’m reminded of what Chris Matthews of CNBC commented, “Get yourself a seat at the table, and become a meaningful participant.” You must first show others that you belong, and once you have this opportunity, contribute workable solutions. By doing your homework, you are an excellent option to your leadership team.

When a project lands on your desk, figure out a way to make it work. You might have to collaborate with other smart people before taking your first step, which is fine. The goal is to kick the can down the street. Start doing something – anything!

Near the end of the first half, Sammy broke away from a crowd of players and positioned himself well for a pass from a teammate. From his periphery, Ryan saw that Sammy had a perfect shot to the goal and whisked the ball to him. Without hesitation, Sammy struck the ball with his left foot on a rope and it hit the back of the net before the goalie knew what happened.

Coach said, “Sammy, you made yourself the option, and Ryan found you! Nice job, fellas!”

There are still many people who are fine with the status quo. When presented with a chance to make improvements, they look the other way. Unfortunately, this attitude is counterproductive to growth, and may eventually land them on the sidelines.

To make things happen, you have to do something. In most cases, it’s not a matter of causing big waves. By taking small and incremental steps each day, you can be far down the road in short order.

The bottom line is that action leads to results.

Here are a few strategies to becoming a catalyst of change:

Keep an Open Mind

Getting things done requires that you are open to ideas. I read Straight from the Gut, by Jack Welch, ex-CEO of General Electric (GE), in which he mentions that he made the tough decision to stop making light bulbs. Back in the 1970s, GE was synonymous with light bulbs. However, Welch determined that sales for the product line were declining, and wanted to move the company in a different direction. Welsh noted that many hardline GE employees revolted, but he held his ground, and the multinational company committed its time and resources to other business segments, such as financial products.

Think Long-Term, But Do Now

While it’s difficult to plan more than a couple of years in the future, you must still consider a long-term horizon. The point here is that technology has changed what is meant by long-term horizon. In the past, it was normal to develop strategic plans that encompassed more than 10 years.

A long-term perspective means that you have vision. However, to make that vision a reality, you must do work today. In project management, you learn to hire the right people to do the right work at the right time. The right time to do work is now. There is no substitute for putting your head down and getting to work. Over-planning leads to molasses management.

Say “Yes” First

Change signifies doing something different, and the work might even be uncomfortable. For example, if you’re launching a new product, you can expect costs to increase, which means the organization is assuming additional risk.

Remember that risks can be both positive and negative. Of course, you want to prevent negative risks, such as product defects, but you want to accentuate and exploit positive risk. Advancing the use of social media is a positive risk in that you are using new technologies, which might lead to hiring of specialized resources. However, you can expect additional exposure and sales because of this effort.

I’m often surprised that many people are willing to settle for meeting expectations. The problem with performing at this level is that competitors will soon do more, and they will soon capture part or your entire market share.

It’s imperative that you realize that change is not optional. You either evolve with the market trends or become extinct. An employee is a catalyst for change by presenting innovative approaches to providing value to customers. While technology can help you initiate change, sustainment still requires human contact.

We all know the job market today is fiercely competitive. While the economies are turning around a bit, the market is still pro-employer. For the top jobs, you can easily expect more than 1,000 applicants. It’s a sign of the times.

Don’t be shy!

When reviewing job descriptions, you can expect to have most of the qualifications, but you’re not usually a 100% fit. I think the folks who write employment advertisements are thinking they are going to find the “dream” candidate – the person who meets every single qualification. This is wishful thinking.

While you might locate someone that looks perfect on paper, you generally get a totally different impression when interviewing the individual. The candidate might lack culture fit, or might request a salary that is out of range.

Apply to jobs that you really want.

Far too many people are randomly applying to positions for which they know little about the responsibilities. It’s imperative you know the expectations. Several of my colleagues are moving from San Antonio and taking jobs in other parts of the country.

One friend was hired as VP of a Florida-based IT company. He mentioned to me that the salary was $30K more than he was earning in San Antonio. Was the move worth it? The opportunity for growth is good, but his wife is concerned about a brand new start. The fact is that the extra pay might be a wash for at least the first few years.

Avoid thinking the job is too good for you.

A hiring manager told me that his company conducted an experiment in which they strategically placed two verbatim postings in the same job classified section of a major newspaper. The job title and qualifications were 100% exact, but the salaries listed were different: one $50K per year and another $250K per year.

The results shows that more than 800 people applied for the $50K position, but only 7 applicants submitted an application for the $250 job. In other words, the job seekers categorized themselves. They determined how much they were worth.

Fake it until you make it.

You must be open to growth. You should be prepared to accept work that is outside your current capabilities. This does not mean that you set up a medical practice treating live human beings after taking a few college-level biology classes. However, it does mean that you can assume a leadership position of a major medical hospital even if you only have a few years in the industry. Why not? If you have the passion and commitment to learning, this can be a win-win situation. You don’t have to wait until you’ve earned 10+ years of experience. It’s not necessary. There are mentors who can help you expedite the learning process.

There are many people who are waiting for the perfect position to fall on their laps. Unfortunately, the odds of this happening are about the same as winning the mega lottery.

I’m reminded of a quote that applies here: “To become someone different, start thinking of the person you want to be.”

I recently taught a half-day seminar on project management and was approached by a participant after the class. Rick informed me that he was 55-years-old and had a strong IT background. In fact, he had an excellent mix of IT and business, which increased his value in the job market.

During the training, I learned that he was pleased with this company but that sales were slowing down, and he was concerned about the future of his organization. In fact, there were rumors spreading that cuts were coming soon.

Our discussion went something like this …

RICK: Hi, Jimmie … do you have a quick second?

ME: Sure … what’s up, Rick?

RICK: As I discussed during the seminar, my company is struggling a bit with sales. We’re in the heavy equipment business, and we’re not moving as much product in the European market. In fact, I heard that Caterpillar is having a similar problem. We have meeting-after-meeting to discuss how we can make things better, but the global marketplace is still stagnant.

ME: Why do you think your job is in peril?

RICK: I’m actually not too sure about that, but I want to be prepared. Back in the 80s, I was working for a company who was in a similar situation. I was told that my job was “safe,” but I was on the street a few months later. I want to be prepared this time.

ME: I agree. When companies begin to struggle, the knee-jerk reaction is to cut staff. The fact is that we still need good people to get us back on track.

RICK: I came to this seminar to brush-up on my project management skills. I earned the PMP [Project Management Professional] about 7 years ago, but my work is more operational today, and I have let some of that knowledge fade. I know that qualified project managers are in high demand, so coming here was the right move.

ME: We can always stay busy with projects, especially when we have the experience and the PMP credential. You’re making the smart move.

RICK: When I get home later today, I’m going to take a more proactive role. It seems like I’ve been sitting there waiting for stuff to happen, and that’s counterproductive. In fact, it’s making me nervous and anxious.

ME: Rick, I think you should also have a heart-to-heart talk with your manager. You want to know where you stand. I understand you have performance appraisals, but these tend to be a bit formal. Ask your manager what she knows about the future of the company, and how you fit into the picture.

RICK: I will do that! I’ve been so close to the situation that I failed to see the obvious.

Rick thanked me and walked out of the room. I was pleased to see that he was taking action. Job hunting when in the 50s can be tough, especially if you expect to earn a competitive salary. With a proactive approach, Rick has more control of his career, which can make the difference between gainful employment and sitting on the sidelines collecting an unemployment check.