We are all equal and organizational rules, policies and procedures apply to all alike. Do your best, no matter how urgent something is not to become a person who comes off as entitled; who believes and acts as if they are better than others, because chances are that you are not. Arrogant and entitled behavior actually speaks volumes about you …
New? Listen, absorb and learn, then act
Started a new job? First order of business is to listen, absorb and learn the culture, environment and players within. Depending on your placement within the organization the impact of your decisions and actions will vary and as such it is essential to educate yourself with the current state of affairs. Your experience is essential, but don’t assume that every …
Success is theirs, failures are all yours
Promote your team and their achievements whenever possible, be proud of them and make sure that their contributions to the organization are known and recognized. On the other hand, when a failure occurs it is the responsibility of a leader to deal with any and to face any public ramifications and consequences. One of many leadership responsibilities is to protect …
Made a mistake? Own it, apologize and fix it
All leaders and all organizations make mistakes and will continue to make mistakes. However, what differentiates them is how they react after the mistake has been made. If a mistake (whatever it may be, a security breach, performance or stability issues…) is made by you or your organization as a whole, own it, apologize, fix it and learn from that …
Opportunities and new clients don’t come announced
Be yourself at all times, as you never know when a random encounter can develop into an opportunity. These opportunities could be personal or business related, but they often workout when least expected from random meetings and very casual conversations. Treat all those around you fairly, be positive and optimistic and keep living your life centered around who and what …
Say it with me: I don’t know
Saying that you don’t know something makes you human and that’s what we are best at being. Not having immediate answers to questions is OK as long as you go out to find the answers and follow up with those who have asked. Saying I don’t know builds your credibility as no one wants to be lied to and fed …
All teams need business sensibility and awareness
Whatever your functional area of expertise is you need to be aware and involved in supporting what your organization is all about. Simply performing your operational functions in isolation is no longer enough to be a valuable contributor. Additionally, by staying away from the organizational core function you are limiting yourself in access, contributions and ultimately career advancement.
Work shouldn’t be a prison sentence
Most of us will spend a third of each of our days (most of them at least) at work so you better make sure it’s not a place that brings out the worst out of you. You deserve to be happy, positive and enjoy what you do so focus on finding what you love and are passionate about, put a …
When the answer is no, provide alternatives
We have all been there, at times, you just have to say no. What happens next matters a lot more as it is up to you to understand the need at hand and provide valuable alternative solutions. If an organizational need (no matter how small it may seem to you at first) is not being addressed take a leadership role …
Focus on core competencies, outsource the rest
Perform a complete review of your operations and realign appropriately to ensure competitiveness, value and success. All business are doing things they shouldn’t and are not doing those which would bring them much needed value and quality. Focus your talent, people and effort into products and services you are good at, want to be better at and want to be …