Work Yourself Over - Get A New Image !
This is with regard to how people at your work place perceive you?
Because the wrong workplace image can often jeopardize your career plans . If in case you have let your professional persona become so predictable that your co workers no longer notice your good work, it is time you looked hard at yourself and get a revamp!
Many eminent sociologists point out that too many ladies leave their careers up to the whims of fate. In one of the career guidance workshop organised by some eminent personalities the conclusion drawn was that women were not too serious about their career . The advice given was as follows “ Think of yourselves as products in the market place and just as the makers of a product needs to evaluate its image on an ongoing basis, you too need to evaluate yourselves ! Even if one need not go all the way with this suggestion, it is in one’s own interest to get a new image once in a while. It does wonders for your ego and confidence !
I am giving some of the basic office image types that we most women tend to take on and if you are one of them. Find out what you can do to break out of yours.
The Yes Woman
This type of woman is the boss’s right hand, left hand, arms and even legs since she is constantly running on errands and is extremely agreeable even when she doesn’t actually agree. And, she cheerfully does tasks that are far below her and she is constantly afraid of ruffling feathers or committing a career faux pas. In effect she is a yes woman who goes with the flow instead of speaking her mind even when there is need !
Generally these type of women end up getting some of the trickle down blames because they did not have the guts to point out to their boss or superiors things, when they were not really working out. Such women either go on for years in the same manner or quit and move on in order to move up in their career.
It is a fact that most women find it difficult to say 'no', the nearest they come is 'may be' !. But it is worth practicing saying 'no' if you ever want to rise in your organisation. This is also a matter of taking that first step towards independent thinking, which is very essential for any career thinking woman. People , both men and women are hired for their skills and personality.If you fall into the 'ever agreeable' trap, the character and capabilities that you were hired for wont shine through !
All that will happen to you is that you will end up becoming the office doormat and every misguided idea or project that you didn’t throw out will mar your professional record. It is not easy being a Yes woman at a work place!
But don’t turn outspoken and daring overnight ! This can only cause unnecessary strained feelings with your colleagues. Try out first ‘no’ on something that is of little importance. Like for example if you have been asked to make copies of some important documents, you can tell your senior, office head or your boss that you will ask an intern or a peon to make the copies instead of simply agreeing to do it yourself, then work your way to more important matters where your decision might make a difference.
Party Woman
There are always one or two of this kind in every office ! the ones that come up with raunchy jokes or juicy gossip. Such women may be skilled as anyone else in the office, but is more remembered for their humor and jokes than for their management skills.
I was told by one of my acquaintances about a lady colleague of hers who was a very social person and well liked by everyone in the office since she was humorous and always cracking jokes ! However, when she was made the section head , hardly anybody supported her because they thought that she was not really capable and serious enough to take over a more responsible position. In fact, they began to ignore her and go to the person above her for guidance and project approvals because they did not have confidence in her ! Although this may seem unfair, it also makes it clear that one has to cultivate a certain image at work place.
So, if you are a confirmed party girl, chances are that no one will trust you with sensitive issues and you might not be taken seriously. You may even get demoted or fired if you are unable to convince your team otherwise, that you are as capable as anyone and are able to deliver ! For this you may have to make some subtle changes in your personality and dealings ! You can see how your higher ups are handling social situations and try and be like them since they have been accepted by the office crowd. If you are one of those who like to have a drink at parties, make sure that you stick to one drink and remain sober. It is in your own interest to follow the office head and not stand out from the rest. When you do that you may get targeted and even fired for incompetence .
The Lonely Worker
We see some people working alone at all odd hours even after the office hours are over and believe n the philosophy that as long as the work is done it doesn’t really matter how and when you do it. In many places this would be termed as anti social behavior since it is expected that you follow the working pattern set by the office head instead of making your own work rules. There may be some rare cases when such a behavior may be overlooked because the person concerned is brilliant and an asset to the organisation.
But, most organisations prefer a more conventional work pattern and disciplined hours. There have been cases where even the most creative of workers have been shown the door simply because their work philosophy did not jibe with that of their boss. While creativity may be critical for success, so is understanding the parameters of behavior at your work place. It is very important to understand the corporate culture of your organisation once you take up the job or even better before you take up the job, so that there is no misunderstanding from your side.
When you go in for an interview, observe the environment and try to get as many details as possible about the working hours and dead line flexibility which are all essential knowledge before you decide to work . You can also notice the dress code and the interactions between the office crowd. If your work habits do not match with that of the place or if you are unwilling to compromise and adopt their work pattern it is better that you don’t take up the job.
The First Timers
When you are fresh out of college and at your first real job, you will naturally work hard and look and act the part since you don’t want to take any chance where your career prospects are concerned, you want to give out your best and be accepted by the organisation you work in. In a few months or a year you will notice that you get passed over either because you have stagnated in your role or everyone perceives you are too young and may not be able to take on the added responsibility.
We see this happening in many cases where even the really hard working and efficient youngsters are not considered when there is a promotion. In many organisations seniority is the only criteria for promotion even when the person is incapable and inefficient .The best way to tackle this is not to fret but generate massive amount of new ideas, be enthusiastic about your work and may be upgrade your wardrobe so that you look more mature instead of a giggly college student. This may seem like a trivial aspect but in the long run , it is sure to work in your favor !
So, don’t give up because you are a fresher and people are looking at you as if you are the office kid, instead try to subtly change your wardrobe and personality so that people begin to notice your work and concentrate on your overall personality rather than just your looks. We see many youngsters heading offices and being given responsible positions these days and one way of improving your prospects is to see how the seniors in your office behave, dress and generally carry themselves. There has to be something that make them stand out !
The Wonder Woman
Who wouldn’t want to be one ? Someone who is here, there everywhere ! You see such women being in command and working to the bone so much so that one cannot imagine a office without her ! The dependent career woman who tackles her assignments so efficiently that her organisation simply cannot imagine her taking up another role. However, there is a flip side to this –Since you are a career woman who is tackling your and probably others assignments super efficiently. The organisation may come to depend on you so much that they don’t want to imagine you in any other role! The company knows you are very reliable and always willing to take on more work so why ruin that by promoting you to a delegator’s shoe ?
The wonder woman act may earn you praise and admiration but it may not help you move up the career ladder. Display the skills that fit the job you are aiming for. Your hard work is an asset and an intelligent employer would definitely exploit that would not let a stellar performer go that easily. Do your best but be firm and assertive when you are piled with more work than others. You may shock your senior officers and colleagues when you do that but they will understand and respect you for what you are.
There may be some who have got used to dumping their own work files on your desk, be firm with them and let them do their own work and you can concentrate on bettering yourself instead of doing others work for them. This short term risk of shaking things up is well worth gaining long term success and self esteem. However be prepared to see some shocked faces when you assert yourself on those who have gotten used to your silent reliability. Your new attitude and behavior may not be easily accepted but by and by your colleagues will get used to the fact that you are not a door mat and need to be treated with respect.
Conclusions
We should remember that in life nothing worthwhile comes easily. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last. However, along with work we also need to cultivate the right attitude and work culture. One cannot have all the requirements that spell success but there is no harm in trying to build a personality that inspires and make you feel confident of yourself. Dont try too hard but do make changes that come easily to you and your personality. One cannot suddenly become smart and stylish overnight , let the change be gradual and with a positive attitude, so that you feel comfortable with the change not worry about it and feel disgruntled.
Most career experts agree that appearance-success connection does have a positive impact at work place. The more together your overall look, the more likely it is that you will find success in your career. Your appearance and attitude should be such that it should give others confidence and trust in your ability. Working on your presentation,gaining an overall knowledge about your work and other related areas in your work spot will be an added advantage since you will be able to evaluate and represent better when you are required to do so.
So work yourself over and get a new image that will help you fare better in your career !
(image - wikimedia)
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