Office New Year’s Resolutions
You’ve made it through the hectic holidays and are now ready to tackle the new year - a new year that holds promise to be even better than the last. To help that hope along comes the age-old tradition of making and trying to keep New Year’s Resolutions.
There are the perennial promises to eat better and exercise more, to quit smoking or to improve something somehow. What better time to make a resolution to be a better employer or employee?
Everyone can try to enrich his or her job situation, either as an individual or as a part of a team. Many of the resolutions people make to improve themselves personally translate well into their work world too - be more positive, learn something new, and take time to relax with family and friends.
Both employees and managers can take individual resolutions, tweak them a bit, and bring them into the office.
Employees
Learn something new. There is a wealth of continuing education courses available online. Many local colleges offer enrichment courses that are cost-effective and easily accessible. Students can work at their convenience - including nights and weekends at home - without interfering with work schedules. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement or internal training programs. A new or improved skill can make you more marketable or eligible for promotions or pay increases. If nothing else make it a practice to read industry magazines or trade books. Get familiar with new trends and keep current with business related news.
Be more positive. Another way to say this is “complain less.” If you are faced with a negative situation that can be changed, be the impetus for that change and don’t just whine about it. Show some initiative and find a way to improve the problem. If it is a problem you can’t solve alone, find people who can help you and work with them to make it happen.
Don’t make it all about work. Take time for you, your family and friends. Learn how to manage your time and projects better to allow for some much-needed down time. If necessary, be willing to ask for help. Start with a “Things to Do” list, marking off tasks as you complete them.
Get organized. Resolve to keep better track of your own accomplishments. This information can be invaluable during yearly performance reviews and pay increase negotiations. Document each of your projects:
- Was it assigned or your own initiative?
- Did you work alone on the project or was it a team effort?
- Was it on time and on budget?
- Was it a success and how was that measured?
- Did it receive special recognition (i.e. industry awards, customer letters of commendation, or company bonus)?
Be more courteous. In an office where employees spend the majority of their day in small cubicles, privacy comes at a premium. Remember that despite the lack of walls, you should still recognize and respect boundaries.
Important Don’ts
Don’t monopolize conversations, interject yourself into private discussions, or carry on a gripe session with coworkers that people in the next building can hear.
Don’t wear overpowering cologne or perfume. If coworkers know you are in the office five minutes before they see you, or your scent lingers long, long after you leave, you should probably tone down your fragrance usage.
Don’t eat someone else’s lunch or drink the last cup of coffee without starting a new pot. Simple common courtesies will make the office environment a much happier place.
Don’t take a coworker hostage by regaling them ad nauseam about your child, grandchild, dog/cat/bird, or latest surgery and/or illness. There is nothing wrong with bragging a little or commiserating with co-workers, but don’t let it be the only thing you have to add to a conversation.
Key Dos
Do give coworkers credit for their assistance on a project.
Do respect coworkers’ rights to be left alone and allow them to do their job without unsolicited advice or seemingly endless chitchat.
Do show up on time. If you are consistently late that means you are making more work for someone else. A coworker who has to take up your slack until you decided to come into the office may be happy to take over your job permanently.
Do invest in a good pair of headphones. Office mates may not be head banging Slipknot maggots nor enjoy rousing revues of revered Broadway tunes. Headphones are also a good way to block out unwanted outside noise when you are trying to get your work done, even if you aren’t really listening to anything.
Employers
Give constructive criticism and realistic praise. These may sound like two different resolutions, but they are really different sides to the same coin. It is a delicate balancing act - oppressive criticism can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy, while effusive praise can lead to unrealistic expectations. If an employee only hears criticism, especially if it is not indicative of their actual overall job performance, there is no incentive to do a good job if it is not recognized. On the other hand, if a manager constantly uses hyperbole when referring to someone’s work, an employee can develop a distorted image of his or her competence. Remember to also be consistent. Use the same criteria with your evaluations and employees.
Learn to let go of the reins. When you hired each of your employees, you did so because you thought they were the best candidates for their position. Let them do their jobs. Listen to their recommendations, follow-up on suggestions, and learn to delegate whenever possible. Encourage your employees to bring you solutions and not just problems. It is difficult to let go of a certain amount of control, but your employees could surprise you and flourish with the new level of responsibility you give them. When you delegate tasks, you are also passing on corporate knowledge and training your employees to advance in the company.
Get involved with your community. If you want to take the pragmatic view of this resolution, consider community service as yet another networking tool. Get involved in the Chamber of Commerce or other leadership development programs to meet and greet other business professionals not only in your own industry, but also the community as a whole. Participate in local events such as job fairs, community clean-ups, and other charity events. Volunteer in mentoring programs for young business professionals, or high school and college students, and encourage your managers and other employees to also get involved.
Have some fun and learn to relax. Plan office functions that are just for the fun of it - hold family picnics, corporate Olympic games, or team building events outside of the office. Allow your employees to have a little fun and a few laughs.
Bottom line
When you make your own resolutions, remember to be realistic and to not be too hard on yourself if you slip a little. Set attainable goals. Don’t simply say, “I will be more positive,” instead say, “I will try to be more positive.” If you stumble a little on your way to attaining your goals, re-group and keep trying.
Any effort toward improvement both as an employer and employee will help make your office environment happier and healthier. Any of these resolution suggestions can be used by anyone regardless of their position in the company. Everyone can benefit from improving or learning a new skill, and all of us can gain from finding ways to better interact with our coworkers.