|
Sixty years ago, back when your grandfather brought home the
bacon, the way to get ahead was to be loyal to The Company.
Working at the same job your whole life was common then, but
now, says Jones, it “seems quaint.”
Today’s employees can expect to have a very non-linear
career that could take them to multiple cities and workplace
cultures. For that, you don’t need loyalty as much as you
need adaptability and resilience. The good news is, you can
learn both.
Take, for instance, your first day on the job: Jones says
not to assume anything. Instead, plan for that
first-day-worst-day and be prepared to “work like crazy” to
establish and nurture a good impression on your boss and
co-workers.
Since “every organization of any significant size is a
collection of smaller operations,” cultivate the attitude of
a CEO. Act as though you’re running your “own little
enterprise.” Prepare for becoming an entrepreneur by first
becoming an “intrapreneur.”
Learn to listen; it’s the number-one “super career skill.”
Ask your boss about her expectations. Ask your co-workers
for work-tips. Resist the urge to talk about yourself and
just listen.
Know your personal brand and add “leadership” to it. Learn
how to network the proper way, and do it everywhere you go.
Practice accepting compliments graciously, know when to give
kudos and say “thank you,” and learn how to smart-brag. Get
rid of “up-talking” and complaining about your physical
ailments; and pay attention to the things you say, to avoid
unfair ageism or sounding too immature. Learn how to manage
your manager and handle impossible co-workers. And know when
to move on because you can love work again – even if
it’s at a different job.
When you’re having problems at work, there’s a short list of
things you can do: you can grit your teeth, take antacids,
bonk your head on your desk… or read Think Like an
Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.
For mind and body, that last tip is probably best because
author Beverly E. Jones really does offer soothingly civil,
workable ideas that can make your life and your career
better, both short-term and long-term. What’s in this book
are things you can do today, whether you sit in a
cubicle or corner office – though you may be surprised to
note that many of Jones’ recommendations are habits you
already have, but just need to refine.
There’s no reason you must read things in order in this
helpful, can-do book, so feel free to bounce around the
chapters. Read a little here, absorb some there, and
Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO might be
everything you need it to be.
|
