A win win situation

AJIT had it all, a great job, a good home and a car of his own. Yet, dissatisfaction constantly niggled him. He loved his work, but seemed to be going nowhere with it. There were not many challenges that could bring his talents to the fore. He seemed to miss out on something very important, for his contemporaries were moving ahead.

Ajit was a diligent worker, did all the right things the right way, met deadlines on time, holidayed very little, reported early to work and left late. The only thing that he didn't do was, take an initiative. He was a follower rather than a leader. He only had to pay attention to rectify the situation.

Most of our lives are an unending rigmarole of building expectations, meeting them or failing to meet them (as the case may be), or trying to live up to them. Disappointments and letdowns happen due to expectations. So, how do you handle all the hype, develop the right attitude and be a winner?

Here are a few tips to give you the cutting edge.

Attire or retire

Clothes do make a man. How you dress reflects the attitude you sport. Efficient dressing is the name of the game. Though a sombre corporate atmosphere calls for conservative dressing yet wear something that gives off an air of dynamism and action. Even in informal set-ups like dotcoms, your attire makes a statement. This is when colours, patterns, fits and misfits, footwear and hairdos matter. The idea is not to wear just anything. It is how you wear it and carry it. Stay cautious and prefer something that makes you look dignified and elegant. This is one way to garner respect even from unexpected quarters!

Dazzle or frazzle

Look bright. Be action oriented and offer productive suggestions whenever some are welcomed. Let your work be a beacon of quality and efficiency. If you are a slow decision maker, pick up pace and don't put too many things on the back burner. Acquiesce when you are given a choice to shoulder some responsibility. Share it, if it is too burdensome, but don't shirk it. Professional growth often comes often accompanied with additional responsibilities.

Loud but not clear?

It's easy to give in to resentment and sulk, if you don't get the promotion that you have been dreaming of. However, it's poor taste to give in to the urge. You might shout from the rooftops and sport boorish expressions, but nothing's going to change the truth. It might change things for the worse, though! However, there are some remedial measures, take action. If you have an approachable superior, meet him and seek an honest and unprejudiced evaluation of your work. Or do self-evaluation. Brush-up on areas where there is a lacuna, maybe you aren't proactive enough or are too opinionated and not very open to suggestions. Substitute, supplement and complement all your skill-sets.

Team or steam

The climb up the corporate ladder is usually not a result of only technical expertise or mastery in a subject. You need practical experience, loads of it. At the summit, it's important how you manage people, even if you step on toes, do it softly. In short, you should be a good team player. Practise the art of how and when to participate, withdraw, lead, share, guide, co-operate and co-ordinate to complete a project, or meet the target. A spirit of democracy and fairness are unmistakable attributes to succeed.

Clarity or alacrity!

Clarity certainly wins over alacrity. You may have all the ingredients to jettison you to the top, but lack the one thing that can give you the final thrust. Communication. Quickness of speech is good, but does it convey anything meaningful? When you are asked to share your views on an issue, provide information, give an update, or review a project, do you achieve the purpose or is just some convoluted speech?

Even if you do not possess scintillating conversational ability, stick to the good ol' facts. Take time to gather your thoughts, get a perspective, and venture at a comfortable speed.

It doesn't matter if you do not employ outstanding examples to substantiate your facts, just make sure they are true. Get a feedback to do a more thorough job.

The present day work culture hardly has any resemblance to the traditional set-up where employees were promoted based on experience and seniority. It is how you are seen to work that makes the ultimate difference.

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@careercommunity.co.in