In my role as an advisor I have the privilege of helping
students, alumni and community members develop career plans and tools.
It’s always an adventure to listen to concerns, assumptions and often fears about
committing to a field of study or starting a job search. Here are a few phrases
that I’ve heard many times yet always surprise me.
“If I’m not interested, I don’t perform well.”
Sounds fair enough. While it is true that a range of studies
have confirmed that people who are passionate about a profession or organization
will always perform better, that’s not my point. Students and professionals in
transition tend to make ginormous assumptions about certain fields: “I don’t like
sitting behind a computer.” “Business is boring to me.” If you are a student or
new professional with limited experience, how
do you know? Let’s take the wampus way here—straight to the point.
Every job entails specific tasks that we prefer not to do.
Exceedingly rare is the job, company or organization that
offers us a perfect mix of tasks and responsibilities. Demonstrating a positive
interest in every aspect of your job will give your supervisors and co-workers a
positive feeling about you and likely will create more opportunities. Manage
yourself and show others you are willing to give your very best at all times.
“No one told me.”
Here’s the scenario. A recent graduate or new professional starts
a job or project. The training and orientation has been haphazard and the new
team member is confused about several processes and duties. Opportunities to
ask questions have been few and answers have been confusing. The new hire ends
their first week feeling nervous about their decision and the organization
overall. While it may be true that the training program is lacking, this is the
time to turn to the only person who can help you resolve the situation…yourself.
Immediately take responsibility for the gaps in information and training. Start a list of questions.
Gently seek out help from co-workers in a positive manner. Go to online and
review employee resources. Ask for a short meeting with your supervisor to review
your questions at one time to avoid multiple interruptions. Above all, commit
to maintaining a positive appearance and attitude regardless of your
frustration.
“I’m not into technology.”
This may also be phrased as “I’m not a techie” or “I don’t
want to sit behind a computer all day”. Let’s think about how your employer
might translate this. “If you put me at a desk with a computer, I won’t perform
well” or “I place my personal preferences above the job at hand”. From park
rangers to therapists to teachers, no one can escape technology. I know. I tried
to avoid Excel for nearly a decade. I delegated spread sheets to others. I used
other peoples’ formulas. I even used Microsoft Word tables until I finally
realized I was putting more effort into avoiding the program instead of
learning it. From a supervisor’s point of view, today’s programs are supported
by a range of free and convenient online tutorials. Larger companies will often
sponsor in-house traditional class room training as do local government
employment agencies. Just remember, whatever your age or circumstance when you
say “I’m not into technology” you might as well be saying “I don’t want to
learn.” So try instead something like this “Yes I have workeda bit of work with Excell
but I’d love to do more”.
Blending Honesty with Professionalism
“Transparency” is an important word and concept in leading
companies and organizations. Leaders want team members to present problems,
issues and concerns. No doubt great managers place “open communication” at the
top of their wish list. However, be very careful to choose your words and
deliver them at the appropriate time. Do not confuse “open communication” as your invitation to speak your mind.
Successful professionals practice self-management and self-awareness ensuring
their messages are delivered at the right time to the right audience. Whether you are happy in your job, seeking a promotionor launching a new career, be certain to demonstrate your personal best every moment of every day.
