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Workplace Success Myths & Tips | April 2012 |
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Greetings!
If you have listened to any news program recently, you may have heard about the incident with the GSA--an agency in our federal government. And last week, the behavior of Secret Service personnel in Columbia made headlines. The fallout has been almost immediate--the head of GSA has stepped down, several people have lost their jobs, and the ramifications will be felt in this country for some time to come.
What makes otherwise good, hardworking people make these poor choices? Well, lack of HONOR could be part of the problem.
We never want anyone to repeat the mistakes made in the last couple of weeks. So, this month the focus is on boosting HONOR. It is a mandatory workplace success skill.
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Boosting HONOR: Make the REACH Framework work for you:
HONOR is the fifth and final element of the REACH framework. And the evidence is clear--this is the most important of the five elements of the framework. Though all the elements are important, this one was cited by managers and supervisors as the "deal-breaker" when it comes to hiring or firing employees.
We've already talked about having honor in the workplace--you know, always acting and speaking with unquestionable integrity. But it goes further than that. Here are some tips to boost honor in your workplace:
1. Be trusting and trustworthy. Developing a trusting working environment begins with you--regardless of whether you are a supervisor or employee! When you are trustworthy, people will become more open with you because they know you will keep their trust. Remember, trust is built over time with multiple encounters of openness, truth, and support. But trust is destroyed by a single event of one abusing another's vulnerability.
2. Be authentic and honest in all your dealings. It's difficult to admit when we don't know an answer, or haven't followed through as we should have. But it's important to tell it like it is. People will be much more patient and understanding of our mistakes if they know we are being honest. And don't get caught up in the office rumor mill! Check your facts--always.
3. Deal swiftly and precisely with dishonest behavior. If you see it happening, call it! Don't wait until later to mention dishonest behavior--notice it now and let people know it is not acceptable. This tenet applies whether you are an employee or a supervisor. Supervisors, don't punish the entire group when one person does something wrong. Work it out with that person. Quickly. Inaction deteriorates your integrity--not theirs.
Try some or all of these tips in April. Let us know how they helped your workplace become a more open and trusting environment.
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Q&A:
Here is a question from Bill in Maryland:
"It's clear in my organization that some rules are meant to be kept and others are allowed to be broken. How do I choose?"
Our Answer:
Bill, this is an important question. Many organizations have so many rules, regulations and processes, it's hard to know which are the most important. Here are some guidelines for following confusing sets of rules:
1. Understand the law. Some rules exist to protect employees and the organization from getting in legal trouble. Make sure you know which of organizational rules are based on legal protection and follow them to a "T."
2. Talk with your supervisor. This person may have more experience than you and can advise which rules are the most important and the consequences to you and the organization if you don't follow them. Your supervisor is there to help you understand how to engage in your organization effectively and successfully.
3. Ask questions. If you don't understand why a rule exists your supervisor or co-workers can be a source for answers. When a rule becomes an obstacle for your success, pursue action for change through appropriate channels.
As a final note, don't assume that prior inconsequential rule breaking makes for safe rule breaking in the future. An organization's tolerance is always changing so it is best to live and work within the rules to avoid risking your honor and your job security. |
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Book your Workshop now! Off-the-shelf Workshops for 2012 are:
- REACH Your Peak (for new employees through mid-managers)
- Twice a Year is not Enough! Increasing Supervisor-Employee Conversations (Supervisors)
- Lead the Charge for Engaged Employees (Supervisors and Managers)
- Re-Boot Your Organization! (Managers and Executives)
Workplace Success Store
Essential Team Leader Research
Workplace
Success Events
What People are Saying...
"You provided great practical tips and information. I know 'how to do this now back at work."
- Comment from the SHRM Colorado Conference
"This was the best workshop in the entire conference! I loved the interaction." -Comment from the FPMI Human Capital Conference
How are others using "The Essential Employee"?
- New supervisor programs
- Workplace reentry programs at Community College
- New employee programs
- High School Work Skills programs
- Career Center resources
Blog with Us!
Join the conversation about Workplace Success!
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Learn More:
Do you want to learn more about becoming more essential (and competitive) in the workplace - or would you like to help others become more essential? Be sure to confirm your email subscription at the top of this newsletter to continue to receive information about today's workplace and how to succeed in it.
Please forward this to the graduates, employees, supervisors, or educators in your life. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness (and our tips)!
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Recommended Resources
The first book in the series is available!
"The Essential Employee: The Adventures of Carmen Senz."
Check out this engaging, easy-to-read story based on research in organizations across the USA. The story is about Carmen Senz's first six months at work and the lessons she learns about being an essential employee. It's a fun way to learn important lessons that will make you more essential in the workplace.
"I have read the first few chapters of The Essential Employee and found it difficult to put down. The story line teaches a lesson while remaining engaging for the reader. I would recommend this to other educators." - Carissa Monatukwa, Teacher
"Essential Employee Facilitation Guide"
The perfect resource for teachers and trainers to implement "The Essential Employee" in a learning environment. Includes suggestions for learning activities both in and away from the classroom.
"I highly recommend this book to training professionals, employers and most importantly to employees who want to discover what it takes to build their skills and be successful." - Karen Holcomb, Executive Director
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About Us
Judy Free and Traci Maddox are friends, colleagues, and co-authors of "The Essential Employee." They met in 1999 and worked together for several years as organization consultants-helping large and small organizations implement change. During their work together, they discovered a mutual passion for helping individuals succeed! And so they embarked on the journey to help employees become more successful in the workplace. Most books are written for leaders and managers-but Traci and Judy thought employees could benefit from their own book. Thus, Carmen (our heroine) was born to teach all of us how to be more essential.
Traci and Judy conduct speaking engagements and workshops all over the country-helping others understand and use the REACH framework outlined in their book. In addition, they both own thriving consulting practices and work on a wide variety of projects like strategic planning, change management, teambuilding, facilitation, and training. Their desire is to help individuals and organizations REACH their Peaks.
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Use Our News As A Resource
Would you like to reprint something you have read here? If so, you MUST include our bio and link. Please use the following information (changes only if we have reviewed and approved them):
Judy Free and Traci Maddox are authors, organization consultants, and coaches whose passion is to help individuals and organizations REACH their peaks. They help people across the USA become more effective, more focused, and more successful. Receive their free news updates and workplace tips at www.essentialemployee.com
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Thank you for your time and interest! Visit us at www.essentialemployee.com for events, workshops, surveys, products, and more information.
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