An emphasis on team spirit
When it comes to work, it may seem that going solo for a work assignment is the fastest and most trouble-free route to take. What’s more, if you accomplish something outstanding all by yourself, you will get full recognition and would not need to share the limelight with someone else. However, being independent isn’t always the best way to get things done.
In fact, nowadays more and more companies have come to realise the importance of teamwork in a corporate setting. Each individual employee typically has certain strengths which are unique to him/her, and if his/her expertise is carefully combined with the skills possessed by other equally talented individuals, greater productivity levels and higher quality in work can be achieved than if these employees were to merely work in isolation from one another. In the wise words of Ken Blanchard, “None of us is as smart as all of us”. Furthermore, there is a certain kind of energy and motivation that can only be experienced through team dynamics.
Hence, as an employee who seeks to bring out the best in your organisation, being a team player should become a main priority in your daily work.
Here are some ways in which you can actively contribute towards creating a good team spirit amongst your colleagues:
Lead by example. You don’t have to be a manager to be a leader – sometimes the best of leaders are those without a title. You can encourage working as a team in the office by including other co-workers in relevant tasks or projects that you do. Sometimes this may simply be a case of seeking out their opinion or feedback on a particular matter. At other times, it could be suggesting that their presence is crucial for a particular planning or decision making meeting that you are also attending. Whatever the case may be, aim to make it clear by your actions that you place a high value on working together as a team.
Acknowledge others. Whenever something significant is achieved at work and you accomplished it through the help of others, remember to openly acknowledge them for their effort. This shows that you value their contributions, and also further promotes a greater sense of team spirit amongst you and your fellow co-workers.
Close communication gaps. As long as there are two or more people interacting in some form or another, there is always a possibility of conflict arising. Nevertheless, even conflict can be used to bring out the best in a team. Play your part by actively seeking to communicate with others and make sure that everyone is of the same mind. Besides that, you should speak up or take necessary action whenever you are in a position to help resolve disputes or misunderstandings between your colleagues. You should also develop good listening skills and encourage others to do the same, especially during meeting times where someone else is trying to voice their opinion.
Encourage participation. Not everyone is used to being proactive or expressing their views in a team setting. In order to create a better team spirit, you should do whatever you can to encourage every team member to participate actively in the discussion or decision being made. Each and every team member should be made to realise that they have a valuable contribution to offer the team. Regardless of whether you are the team leader or not, you should take on the responsibility of ensuring that everybody is doing their bit for the team.
Be friendly. Cultivate a genuine interest in the people who are in your team. This means going beyond merely asking for favours or chasing down end results or deadlines from your fellow co-workers. Wherever possible, you should aim to get to know your colleagues on a more personal level; perhaps by having a drink or a meal together after work, or just taking time to occasionally make small talk. By building rapport with your team mates, it will be much easier to collaborate and get things done at work in the long run.
All of us have worked in teams at some point or another. What experiences have you had whilst working in a team? Feel free to drop a comment and share with us.
In fact, nowadays more and more companies have come to realise the importance of teamwork in a corporate setting. Each individual employee typically has certain strengths which are unique to him/her, and if his/her expertise is carefully combined with the skills possessed by other equally talented individuals, greater productivity levels and higher quality in work can be achieved than if these employees were to merely work in isolation from one another. In the wise words of Ken Blanchard, “None of us is as smart as all of us”. Furthermore, there is a certain kind of energy and motivation that can only be experienced through team dynamics.
Hence, as an employee who seeks to bring out the best in your organisation, being a team player should become a main priority in your daily work.
Here are some ways in which you can actively contribute towards creating a good team spirit amongst your colleagues:
Lead by example. You don’t have to be a manager to be a leader – sometimes the best of leaders are those without a title. You can encourage working as a team in the office by including other co-workers in relevant tasks or projects that you do. Sometimes this may simply be a case of seeking out their opinion or feedback on a particular matter. At other times, it could be suggesting that their presence is crucial for a particular planning or decision making meeting that you are also attending. Whatever the case may be, aim to make it clear by your actions that you place a high value on working together as a team.
Acknowledge others. Whenever something significant is achieved at work and you accomplished it through the help of others, remember to openly acknowledge them for their effort. This shows that you value their contributions, and also further promotes a greater sense of team spirit amongst you and your fellow co-workers.
Close communication gaps. As long as there are two or more people interacting in some form or another, there is always a possibility of conflict arising. Nevertheless, even conflict can be used to bring out the best in a team. Play your part by actively seeking to communicate with others and make sure that everyone is of the same mind. Besides that, you should speak up or take necessary action whenever you are in a position to help resolve disputes or misunderstandings between your colleagues. You should also develop good listening skills and encourage others to do the same, especially during meeting times where someone else is trying to voice their opinion.
Encourage participation. Not everyone is used to being proactive or expressing their views in a team setting. In order to create a better team spirit, you should do whatever you can to encourage every team member to participate actively in the discussion or decision being made. Each and every team member should be made to realise that they have a valuable contribution to offer the team. Regardless of whether you are the team leader or not, you should take on the responsibility of ensuring that everybody is doing their bit for the team.
Be friendly. Cultivate a genuine interest in the people who are in your team. This means going beyond merely asking for favours or chasing down end results or deadlines from your fellow co-workers. Wherever possible, you should aim to get to know your colleagues on a more personal level; perhaps by having a drink or a meal together after work, or just taking time to occasionally make small talk. By building rapport with your team mates, it will be much easier to collaborate and get things done at work in the long run.
All of us have worked in teams at some point or another. What experiences have you had whilst working in a team? Feel free to drop a comment and share with us.
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Dressed to impress?
Your dress code speaks volumes about who you are and conveys an image of the organisation you represent. For this reason, it is essential that you pay close attention to what you wear to work.
Some companies go as far as to outline what is the permissible (as well as what isn’t acceptable) explicitly in the Code of Conduct that is handed down to each and every one of their employees. At the same time, there are other firms who do not even so much as mention if there is a standard dress code, and yet its employees know perfectly well what they can and should wear to work.
If the organization you work for happens to be like the former, then that makes it a whole lot easier for you to eliminate options of what to wear when combing through your wardrobe each morning for something to wear. But even in such circumstances, there are bound to be grey areas that may still puzzle you and leave you clueless.
Here are some general pointers to consider when planning suitable attire to wear to the office.
Understand your company’s corporate culture. If your employer tends to project the company as one that is prestigious and caters for an affluent clientele, it is likely that you will need to dress the part as well. This means you would need to wear formal attire such as a suit or coat, a necktie (if you’re a man) and even sport well polished shoes when dealing with clients. On the other hand, if the firm you work at highly esteems practicality and simplicity, there may be a chance that you are allowed to dress down a little more; perhaps even being able to wear jeans and t-shirts to the office. Consider what values and corporate image your organization wants to project, and make sure to reflect that in clothes you wear to work each day.
Observe what others wear. When in doubt, turn to other colleagues around you to get a better idea of what is best to wear to work. Although it’s not likely you can conform to wearing the same style of clothing as he or she does, at the very least you will have a rough guideline to work with. Look out especially for how your bosses dress to work. It may be that they would demand that your dress code be of a similar standard as theirs.
Be aware of industry practices. Certain careers require that a stricter dress code should be observed at the workplace. Examples of this can be seen in the legal and medical profession. It is important for you to find out whether the industry you work in has such expectations for your dressing. If it does, then you should adhere to it as much as you can, as it may have an impact on your future career advancement and would also help you blend in better with others within the same profession.
Respect the cultural and religious preferences of others. If your job requires you to interact with people outside of your office quarters, bear in mind the cultural and religious preferences of those you are meeting. The idea here is to avoid being offensive as much as possible. For instance, if you are a lady and you are aware that your client adopts a religion that promotes modest dressing, it would be advisable that you refrained from wearing anything that would draw unnecessary attention to your body such as short skirts or blouses with low necklines.
When in doubt, go for the more conservative option. It is typically better to be found overdressed rather than underdressed when it comes to a corporate setting. Appearing too casual might send across the wrong message that you are irreverent or unprofessional, and this would ultimately land you in trouble with your bosses or even clients. As the saying goes, better to be safe than sorry. Hence, you should go for the more conservative option whenever you find yourself faced with a certain degree of uncertainty as to what is appropriate for a particular occasion or location.
There really is no standard set of regulations when it comes to work dress code. However, in general, the idea is that you should be well groomed. Besides just focusing on the clothes you put on, remember to look into your overall appearance as well. This includes keeping your hair tidy, putting on appropriate footwear, using perfume or deodorant to keep unpleasant body odours at bay, and so much more. Ultimately, as fashion trends continue to change rapidly, you will need to continually adjust your dress code to suit the current vogue.
What’s your take on an appropriate dress style for work? Do you think smart casual is the way to go? Or do you prefer the classic formal wear? Is it better to be overdressed as opposed to underdressed? Go ahead and speak your mind – drop me a comment or two.
Some companies go as far as to outline what is the permissible (as well as what isn’t acceptable) explicitly in the Code of Conduct that is handed down to each and every one of their employees. At the same time, there are other firms who do not even so much as mention if there is a standard dress code, and yet its employees know perfectly well what they can and should wear to work.
If the organization you work for happens to be like the former, then that makes it a whole lot easier for you to eliminate options of what to wear when combing through your wardrobe each morning for something to wear. But even in such circumstances, there are bound to be grey areas that may still puzzle you and leave you clueless.
Here are some general pointers to consider when planning suitable attire to wear to the office.
Understand your company’s corporate culture. If your employer tends to project the company as one that is prestigious and caters for an affluent clientele, it is likely that you will need to dress the part as well. This means you would need to wear formal attire such as a suit or coat, a necktie (if you’re a man) and even sport well polished shoes when dealing with clients. On the other hand, if the firm you work at highly esteems practicality and simplicity, there may be a chance that you are allowed to dress down a little more; perhaps even being able to wear jeans and t-shirts to the office. Consider what values and corporate image your organization wants to project, and make sure to reflect that in clothes you wear to work each day.
Observe what others wear. When in doubt, turn to other colleagues around you to get a better idea of what is best to wear to work. Although it’s not likely you can conform to wearing the same style of clothing as he or she does, at the very least you will have a rough guideline to work with. Look out especially for how your bosses dress to work. It may be that they would demand that your dress code be of a similar standard as theirs.
Be aware of industry practices. Certain careers require that a stricter dress code should be observed at the workplace. Examples of this can be seen in the legal and medical profession. It is important for you to find out whether the industry you work in has such expectations for your dressing. If it does, then you should adhere to it as much as you can, as it may have an impact on your future career advancement and would also help you blend in better with others within the same profession.
Respect the cultural and religious preferences of others. If your job requires you to interact with people outside of your office quarters, bear in mind the cultural and religious preferences of those you are meeting. The idea here is to avoid being offensive as much as possible. For instance, if you are a lady and you are aware that your client adopts a religion that promotes modest dressing, it would be advisable that you refrained from wearing anything that would draw unnecessary attention to your body such as short skirts or blouses with low necklines.
When in doubt, go for the more conservative option. It is typically better to be found overdressed rather than underdressed when it comes to a corporate setting. Appearing too casual might send across the wrong message that you are irreverent or unprofessional, and this would ultimately land you in trouble with your bosses or even clients. As the saying goes, better to be safe than sorry. Hence, you should go for the more conservative option whenever you find yourself faced with a certain degree of uncertainty as to what is appropriate for a particular occasion or location.
There really is no standard set of regulations when it comes to work dress code. However, in general, the idea is that you should be well groomed. Besides just focusing on the clothes you put on, remember to look into your overall appearance as well. This includes keeping your hair tidy, putting on appropriate footwear, using perfume or deodorant to keep unpleasant body odours at bay, and so much more. Ultimately, as fashion trends continue to change rapidly, you will need to continually adjust your dress code to suit the current vogue.
What’s your take on an appropriate dress style for work? Do you think smart casual is the way to go? Or do you prefer the classic formal wear? Is it better to be overdressed as opposed to underdressed? Go ahead and speak your mind – drop me a comment or two.
Job portals: Propelling you towards better job prospects
Modern technology has invaded our lives and made huge changes to the way we do things nowadays. The job application process is no exception. Presently, it has become extremely common for candidates to apply for a job via the Internet. This is typically done through e-mail, company websites or even job portals.
If you have yet to experience what it is like to apply for jobs via an online portal, you really should give it a try. Not only does it make it easier for you to send in your applications (you can do it within the comfort of your home and at any given time of the day), you can keep track of each application’s status better. At times, there may even be a number of value added services available to you as a job portal user, and these may help improve your chances of getting hired.
Here are some features you can expect to see when using a job portal:
Profile page. When you sign up, one of the first few things you will be asked to do is to fill up a form containing your personal particulars. The information you provide here can later be used when sending out job applications or can be viewed by employers who are looking for suitable people to fill their current vacancies.
CV upload. This is the section of the job portal where you are able to upload a soft copy of your CV. Formats that are normally supported are text files and PDF files. This electronic version of your CV can then be easily sent out to employers along with every job application you make without you having to manually attach it each time. It is recommended that you include your CV as part of your online profile as this will help employers to understand your background better, thus increasing your chances of being considered a worthy candidate. Make sure to update it often so that it reflects your current position and any further developments to your career.
Job agent. Subscribers to the job portal will receive alerts on new job openings. Usually, you are permitted to customise the settings for such notifications. For instance, you can select the type of jobs that you will be alerted on and can choose to view only those within the area of your interest or which corresponds to your present work experience. You can also select which job position or level you are looking for, preferred nature of work (part time, full time, internship, etc.), location and the frequency of the updates provided to you. Notification methods which are used include SMS and e-mail.
Personality profiling. This is a useful tool that will help you to understand yourself better. You would be required to respond to a questionnaire and a report would later be presented to you based on your answers. This report would analyse areas like your preferred working style, the strengths and weaknesses of your character, tasks or skills that you are good at or need improvement in, types of jobs that would suit you best and so much more. Depending on your personal user settings, you can also opt to allow potential employers to view these details when reviewing your job application. At Jobscentral, such a profile is provided to users free of charge by C-Vat.
Job search engine. Other than receiving timely news on available job vacancies, you can also perform online searches anytime you feel like it. Filters are normally provided to enable you to limit search results so it displays only the types of jobs which you are interested in or qualified for.
Updates and information. In addition to the other features that have already been highlighted, job portals may offer its users reports or information on career or industry trends. There may also be a pool of articles available on topics that are relevant to employment, job seeking or career development. Some job portals may maintain a blog too, where a resident counsellor or expert would provide comment or advice on current job related issues.
Promotions, contests, events. The company managing the job portal may occasionally offer certain promotions to their users. For instance, a free admission or discounted entry price to a career fair that is organised by them. Contests may also be held from time to time, and job seekers stand to gain additional benefits whenever they choose to participate.
As you can see, there are many advantages that can be enjoyed when using a job portal to seek employment. If this post has sparked your interest, why not head over to http://www.jobscentral.com.my/ and have a go at it? All the features highlighted above can be found there. If you have previously used job portals, please share with us what your experience has been like too.
If you have yet to experience what it is like to apply for jobs via an online portal, you really should give it a try. Not only does it make it easier for you to send in your applications (you can do it within the comfort of your home and at any given time of the day), you can keep track of each application’s status better. At times, there may even be a number of value added services available to you as a job portal user, and these may help improve your chances of getting hired.
Here are some features you can expect to see when using a job portal:
Profile page. When you sign up, one of the first few things you will be asked to do is to fill up a form containing your personal particulars. The information you provide here can later be used when sending out job applications or can be viewed by employers who are looking for suitable people to fill their current vacancies.
CV upload. This is the section of the job portal where you are able to upload a soft copy of your CV. Formats that are normally supported are text files and PDF files. This electronic version of your CV can then be easily sent out to employers along with every job application you make without you having to manually attach it each time. It is recommended that you include your CV as part of your online profile as this will help employers to understand your background better, thus increasing your chances of being considered a worthy candidate. Make sure to update it often so that it reflects your current position and any further developments to your career.
Job agent. Subscribers to the job portal will receive alerts on new job openings. Usually, you are permitted to customise the settings for such notifications. For instance, you can select the type of jobs that you will be alerted on and can choose to view only those within the area of your interest or which corresponds to your present work experience. You can also select which job position or level you are looking for, preferred nature of work (part time, full time, internship, etc.), location and the frequency of the updates provided to you. Notification methods which are used include SMS and e-mail.
Personality profiling. This is a useful tool that will help you to understand yourself better. You would be required to respond to a questionnaire and a report would later be presented to you based on your answers. This report would analyse areas like your preferred working style, the strengths and weaknesses of your character, tasks or skills that you are good at or need improvement in, types of jobs that would suit you best and so much more. Depending on your personal user settings, you can also opt to allow potential employers to view these details when reviewing your job application. At Jobscentral, such a profile is provided to users free of charge by C-Vat.
Job search engine. Other than receiving timely news on available job vacancies, you can also perform online searches anytime you feel like it. Filters are normally provided to enable you to limit search results so it displays only the types of jobs which you are interested in or qualified for.
Updates and information. In addition to the other features that have already been highlighted, job portals may offer its users reports or information on career or industry trends. There may also be a pool of articles available on topics that are relevant to employment, job seeking or career development. Some job portals may maintain a blog too, where a resident counsellor or expert would provide comment or advice on current job related issues.
Promotions, contests, events. The company managing the job portal may occasionally offer certain promotions to their users. For instance, a free admission or discounted entry price to a career fair that is organised by them. Contests may also be held from time to time, and job seekers stand to gain additional benefits whenever they choose to participate.
As you can see, there are many advantages that can be enjoyed when using a job portal to seek employment. If this post has sparked your interest, why not head over to http://www.jobscentral.com.my/ and have a go at it? All the features highlighted above can be found there. If you have previously used job portals, please share with us what your experience has been like too.
Sticky about salary - Part 2
Perhaps the previous post on the factors affecting salary rates may have left you a little disheartened, as fighting for a better salary may now seem like just another lost cause, given the many contributing factors that lead to the determination of your monthly pay.
But don’t sink into despair just yet.
There is always room for negotiation with your employer if you’re dissatisfied with what you’re earning. The trick is to approach the subject matter with the right tactics and with the right attitude.
Work out the whys. Think through the reasons why you should be given increment in your salary amount. Jot them down if you have to, and have solid facts to support your premise. It’s important that you’re clear on how you will justify your request for a raise as you’ll need to successfully convince your boss that you really do deserve it.
Keep detailed records. It is a good practice to keep a brief journal of your ongoing work accomplishments over time. This will help you in your goal to gain that salary increment which you’re hoping for, as it provides evidence that you are asking for something that you have rightfully earned.
Offer to do more. One surefire way to increase your chances of getting yourself a better salary is to take on more than is stated in your current job scope. Not only does this help widen your range of capabilities and expand your career, it also shows your employer that you are worth a lot – and that could mean possibly more than you’re currently being paid. It’s a classic case of show and tell – in other words, proving your worth by actions rather than just trying to convince your boss by mere words.
Wait for the right time. As with most things in life, timing is everything. Usually, most companies carry out quarterly, half-yearly or annual staff performance reviews where salary can be brought up. Bringing up salary issues at a time where your boss is extremely busy or in a foul mood is also not going to improve your chances of a higher salary at all. Know what time of the day is best to approach your boss and try to schedule your reviews with him or her at such times. Excellent supporting evidence to bring up during a request on salary increments is any significant projects you have completed which have been recognized by a superior for its superior quality.
Know what you’re worth. This is crucial to ensure that you don’t end up demanding a new salary figure that is unreasonable for your position and type of work. There are many ways you can go about obtaining a realistic idea of what you’re really worth. There are numerous online resources available these days which can give you detailed information on industry averages for people in your profession. To get an even better perspective, talk to other peers within your field and see what they have to say about your current earnings and the figure you’re about to propose to your employer. If you have a mentor, his or her opinion would be invaluable for situations such as this.
Be respectful. Although it’s true that you should not settle too easily for whatever your boss offers you, you should remember to remain polite and tactful at all times. Whilst in the midst of a tough negotiation, show by the tone of your voice and your actions that you still respect the authority of your employer. Even if you may not agree with the final decision that your superior arrives at, don’t forget to thank them for the time they allocated to converse with you and the consideration he or she gave to your proposition.
Undeniably, salary negotiation is not an easy task, but it’s one that can be done gracefully and successfully. You may not always get what you want; but then again, you’ll never know if you don’t give it a try.
What’s your take on salary negotiation? Have you any tales of overwhelming success or utter defeat? Share them all – there’s always something others could learn from your experience.
Read more
But don’t sink into despair just yet.
There is always room for negotiation with your employer if you’re dissatisfied with what you’re earning. The trick is to approach the subject matter with the right tactics and with the right attitude.
Work out the whys. Think through the reasons why you should be given increment in your salary amount. Jot them down if you have to, and have solid facts to support your premise. It’s important that you’re clear on how you will justify your request for a raise as you’ll need to successfully convince your boss that you really do deserve it.
Keep detailed records. It is a good practice to keep a brief journal of your ongoing work accomplishments over time. This will help you in your goal to gain that salary increment which you’re hoping for, as it provides evidence that you are asking for something that you have rightfully earned.
Offer to do more. One surefire way to increase your chances of getting yourself a better salary is to take on more than is stated in your current job scope. Not only does this help widen your range of capabilities and expand your career, it also shows your employer that you are worth a lot – and that could mean possibly more than you’re currently being paid. It’s a classic case of show and tell – in other words, proving your worth by actions rather than just trying to convince your boss by mere words.
Wait for the right time. As with most things in life, timing is everything. Usually, most companies carry out quarterly, half-yearly or annual staff performance reviews where salary can be brought up. Bringing up salary issues at a time where your boss is extremely busy or in a foul mood is also not going to improve your chances of a higher salary at all. Know what time of the day is best to approach your boss and try to schedule your reviews with him or her at such times. Excellent supporting evidence to bring up during a request on salary increments is any significant projects you have completed which have been recognized by a superior for its superior quality.
Know what you’re worth. This is crucial to ensure that you don’t end up demanding a new salary figure that is unreasonable for your position and type of work. There are many ways you can go about obtaining a realistic idea of what you’re really worth. There are numerous online resources available these days which can give you detailed information on industry averages for people in your profession. To get an even better perspective, talk to other peers within your field and see what they have to say about your current earnings and the figure you’re about to propose to your employer. If you have a mentor, his or her opinion would be invaluable for situations such as this.
Be respectful. Although it’s true that you should not settle too easily for whatever your boss offers you, you should remember to remain polite and tactful at all times. Whilst in the midst of a tough negotiation, show by the tone of your voice and your actions that you still respect the authority of your employer. Even if you may not agree with the final decision that your superior arrives at, don’t forget to thank them for the time they allocated to converse with you and the consideration he or she gave to your proposition.
Undeniably, salary negotiation is not an easy task, but it’s one that can be done gracefully and successfully. You may not always get what you want; but then again, you’ll never know if you don’t give it a try.
What’s your take on salary negotiation? Have you any tales of overwhelming success or utter defeat? Share them all – there’s always something others could learn from your experience.
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