Creating a Workplace That Inspires You and Helps You in Your Career Progression
Workplace issues can run the gamut from job satisfaction to compensation to managing “up” to your boss and “down” to your subordinates. Each workplace has its own culture, norms and idiosyncrasies, but in many ways they are all the same. Learning to smoothly navigate among all the policies, procedures and people can make everything run smoother.
Finding an ally in the office can help you determine which workplace norms you should follow. And, just as important, be observant and inquisitive. Does everyone seem to know about company happy hours on the third Friday of the month? Find out who organizes them and figure out how you can be included.
It’s also important to make sure you have good working relationships not only with your boss, but with your peers, your subordinates and those in other departments. Many workplaces are fluid, and someone who reports to you today could be given a promotion and end up in another division. You want to make sure that your interactions with them were positive so that you then have another ally elsewhere in the company who can offer you insights you may need.
Working collaboratively instead of competitively with your entire team can be important for the future. It’s vital to be known as a team player and not someone who steals glory or shirks their part. Your boss is likely watching how you interact with others and you want to make sure your work product and demeanor reflect well on the company and department.
Likewise, having your boss as an ally can be vital to your career advancement, for obvious reasons. Not only because it can help you garner well-deserved raises, promotions and reviews, but because a boss who believes in you is likely to give you better projects and assignments and promote you in other areas of the company. Having a star employee on their team makes a supervisor look good as well so always be cognizant of how your work and interactions throughout the company reflect on your boss and department.
You spend a lot of time at work so it’s vital that you work as hard as you can to fit in and enjoy the culture and vibe that is your workplace. It’s best for your career – and it’s best for your personal advancement and satisfaction.
List of all articles in the workplace section.
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