Monthly Archives: August 2010

I Got a Promotion! Now What Should I Do?

EntryLevelLifeButton_C All your hard work has paid off. Your manager has noticed your attention to details, skills, and abilities. You are being promoted and will receive a pay raise and a new job title. Sounds good, right? Congratulations are in order, but if you are concerned about what your new promotion entails, here is some advice to help ease into the transition of your new job role.

Maintain open communication. Anytime you take on more work responsibilities, it’s natural to have some questions about your new role or need some guidance. In most situations, managers will give you time to get adjusted to the changes. To help ensure that you don’t fall behind on tasks, be sure to talk with your manager about things you don’t understand, prioritizing tasks, how you’re feeling about your new advancement, and the progress you’re making. Keeping the lines of communication open is important.

Set goals. In order to get where you want to go, you first have to know how to get there. This applies to your daily workload. When you take on more responsibility, more work naturally follows. Make an outline of your goals for the year, quarter, or month. What do you want to achieve in your new role? Talk with your manager regarding what your objectives are and what it is you want and need to accomplish. This is a way for you to track your success over time. It also allows you to quickly report on your progress to your team and managers. And, don’t forget to outline your goals for the week to help give you direction and manage your time.

Develop your skills. Although you have received a promotion, this doesn’t mean your career stops here – unless you want it to. When you get a promotion, it’s usually because a manager has recognized your outstanding work ethic. Continue this momentum after your promotion. Seek out new training and learning opportunities to grow your skills and gain more knowledge. Remember, “Knowledge is power – the more you learn, the farther you go!”  Some examples of ways to develop your skills include: reading blogs about your field of interest, subscribing to newsletters, attending monthly networking meetings or training seminars, or taking a class at a local vo-tech or college. Just be sure to discuss your training plan with your manager first. By staying motivated and driven, more opportunities are likely to come your way in the future.

These are some basic tips to help you continue to climb the career ladder. A promotion is usually a great sign that your employer respects and values your work and abilities. Whether you just received a promotion or one is in the future, use this information to help you reach the top.

Touchdown With a Bad Boss

ACA10BOSS_200X200_W The Touchdown with a Bad Boss contest is underway! Each week from now until September 1, we will be spotlighting three top solutions we've received on how employees handled a tough boss. For this contest, we want you to submit your story on how you solved a problem with a boss that was "tough to tackle." E-mail your story to boss@expresspros.com. At the end of the contest, voting will begin to determine the favorite story of the 12. The person who receives the most votes will win the grand prize. Learn more about this contest and submit your story today!


Top Solutions Submitted from Aug. 2  Aug. 6

A Team Player Can Tackle Two Bosses  
Marisa worked for two tough bosses, each with their own game plans. Marisa’s boss was offended when she brought up a problem with a team leader; but provided her with some tips. Marisa thanked the boss for her tips and followed back up with her when the problem was solved. Marisa also identified that the formerly offended boss was motivated by securing her own position as a team leader. In Marisa’s role as supporting this boss, Marissa made sure to pass on compliments from team members on project completion and appreciation for her contribution. Marisa realized while this boss could get upset easily, the boss rewarded hardworking and proactive staff so Marisa made sure to stay at the top of her game. Additionally, in this role Marisa’s other boss would turn to office politics to further her role as a boss. Marisa saw it was easy to lose when you engage in office politics so the best way to move forward was to stay focused on her job and be a helpful asset to everyone on the team. The more people you are helping out, the greater your value to the team. This eliminates the need for you to join in with office politics. Marisa offers these tips to help improve your relationship with your boss: learn the best way to navigate company culture; appreciate the strengths of your boss; amplify the quality your boss appreciates in you; and earn the respect and support of your co-workers so your boss can join them in celebrating you!

For the Love of the Team  
Bruce worked with a manager who was trying to bring his game tactics as a football quarterback from twenty years earlier, into the workplace. The boss’ strategy was to stomp and yell when making a request to ensure he was understood. In a misguided effort to have fun with employees, he would inform them they were fired and then laugh hysterically and tell them it was all a joke. As an HR professional Bruce saw the opportunity to motivate this manager by showing him how his past game experiences could be used in a positive way in the workplace. Bruce suggested the manager draw on the inspirational moments from sports to coach his team into action, rather than relying on intimidation. Bruce feared the manager would not accept this advice, and could even retaliate by firing him. His feedback was instead met with silence at first. A couple of weeks later the team lost a big account, and instead of blowing steam the manager gathered the team together and gave the most motivating speech ever. The manager drew on a sports memory and then went on to tell the team they had the opportunity, strength, and ability to win the account back. The team gave the once-feared manager a standing ovation for his heartfelt speech, and that was the beginning of a new workplace environment. The other great news is that the team did land the account again a year later. By leading up, Bruce was able to score a touchdown with his boss.

Game change
Scott was hired by the boss’ wife and the boss didn’t approve of Scott. The boss would voice his frustration by yelling and ordering Scott to clean up unnecessarily-made messes in the restaurant. Instead of being disrespectful or giving up, Scott worked harder and took on extra responsibilities. Eventually, Scott was even able to give his boss advice on increasing the profitability of the restaurant. With all of his actions, Scott became a valued team member, and when he moved on to a new career opportunity, the boss tried to find a way for him to stay. When the boss who tried to throw you from the game makes you the MVP, you know there has been a good change in the game.

How to Write a Business Proposal

EntryLevelLifeButton_E In the workplace, there may come a day when you need to create a project proposal. Maybe you think your company needs a weekly brainstorming meeting. Maybe you have developed a new filing system. A project proposal is a detailed description of activities targeted at solving a problem – from beginning to end and everything in between. If you need to create a project proposal, start with an outline the five W’s of the project –who, what, when, where, and why – as well as outline the how. Creating a proposal helps explain a project to others, gets buy-in, and helps ensure a project of quality and efficiency. So, keep these tips in mind when you’re creating a project proposal.

Justify your reasoning for the project. You can’t just create a project because you think it will be fun. You need to be able to give reasons and examples of how this project could improve or impact business. Outline what value the project will bring to your company, how the project fits into the overall scheme of what your company does, how it will impact you and your co-workers, and the anticipated outcome.

Create a timeline. After you present a brief overview, break the project down into smaller, more manageable pieces and shows your commitment to the details. Doing so provides organization to your project. You can either break a project down step-by-step or divide it into different phases. It’s also important to assign deadline dates to the project to ensure that the project is created and implemented in a timely manner. The dates that you set should be realistic. Allow enough time for a quality product to be produced, but don’t allow so much time that months or years down the line there is still no end result to show.

Outline financial costs and human resources. It’s also important to estimate how much you think the project will cost. This will include such things as employee time and supplies. Projects can range from needing a very small budget to a large budget, so review the budgets of previous projects completed on a similar level to get a more accurate estimate. It’s also not a bad idea to talk to your manager about what seems realistic for a budget on your project.

Implement a follow-up plan. Once you have all the basics for your project outlined, it’s time to think about how you would measure the results to ensure you’re meeting your goals. Be sure to list out how you would track results and how often you would conduct tracking. The goal of this is to make sure your project achieves the desired results that you hoped for and to determine if you’re addressing the goals.

These are some basics of creating a project proposal. In general, when you take more time in the planning process, the more sound and structured a project will be. Also, doing this communicates to your boss that you believe in your project and want to make it the best it can be. Most bosses would look at this as a sign of leadership, drive, and determination – all good quality’s to have in today’s workforce.

3 Areas to Improve your Health at Work

If you notice you feel stressed, bored, weak, or tired in the workplace, you may be experiencing the effects of your health habits. If this sounds like you, it may be time to boost your energy on the job. Follow these tips to improve your health in the workplace to help you feel energized, focused, and ready for whatever the day brings.

1. Eating Habits. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or just maintain good health, your eating habits can have a strong impact on your wellness and health. Before you head out to your favorite joint for lunch, keep these tips in mind for a happier, healthier you.

  • Don’t skip breakfast.Many of us skip breakfast because we don’t schedule enough time to eat in the morning. Eating a healthy breakfast can help you start the day right and avoid getting hungry before lunch. Also, it can help you stay focused and energized. Some great ideas for quick and easy breakfasts include: peanut butter and waffles, oatmeal, fruit and cheese, yogurt, or a strawberry smoothie. Making time for a healthy breakfast is also a great way to stay satisfied and avoid the usual office doughnuts.
  • Pack a healthy lunch and avoid eating out. Although eating out can be fun, only do it once in a while, and save the opportunity for a special occasion like catching up with a friend or celebrating a colleague’s birthday. On other days, pack your own lunch for work. Doing so allows you to pack healthy food options. Pick foods like salads and fruits that are packed with nutrients to help you function well in the workplace and not leave you feeling heavy and sleepy. And, as an added bonus, packing your own lunch can help you save money!
  • Snack healthy.Snacking doesn’t have to be bad, as long as you’re eating the right things. Be careful to avoid vending machine snacks at work. Although they are tasty and easily accessible, they are usually full of sugar and saturated fats. If you like to munch on food while you work, bring healthy foods from home. Nuts are a great choice because they contain unsaturated fats that help decrease bad cholesterol levels. And, if you do give in to the vending machine’ call, look for the healthier choices like animal crackers instead of chips.
  • Drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water will keep you feeling hydrated and refreshed. It will also help regulate your body temperature and avoid harmful effects from dehydration like headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. Many experts recommend drinking six cups of water daily.

2. Mental Health. The way we think can determine the way we function. When you’re stressed at work, it can be hard to concentrate on the task at hand. So, help relax your mind with these tips.

  • Get enough sleep.How much sleep you get can determine how your body and mind perform throughout the day. So, get enough rest to help you function at your best. Experts recommend that adults get seven to eight hours of sleep each day.
  • Listen to music.Listening to music can have a soothing effect and can enhance your mood at any given time. So, plug in your headphones and listen to your favorite tunes to help you focus and block out any distractions. Music that is uplifting and relaxing is a better alternative than music that evokes anger and stress or makes you feel sleepy. Also, be sure to use headphones so the music itself doesn’t distract those around you or prevent you from hearing a phone ringing or someone asking you a question.
  • Read a motivating quote. Quotes can be inspirational, wise, or even funny. Pick a quote a dayand reflect on it. It may just change your outlook on things!
  • Use your vacation time. Make use of your vacation days when you can. If you have the time and your work schedule allows, take a break from work to do something fun or relaxing. This will enable you to come back to work feeling energized and refreshed.

3. Personal Health. According to a survey by the University of Arizona, the average desktop has more bacteria than any bathroom surface. And, when working with others, you’re sure to come in contact with germs. Guard against sickness like the common cold or flu with this advice.

  • Wash your hands and use hand sanitizers.Your computer mouse, keyboard, and phone can harbor huge numbers of germs. Protect yourself and others by washing your hands and using hand sanitizers in the workplace. This will help eliminate germs that can make you sick.
  • Clean your work area. Although many companies hire custodians to clean office space, take the responsibility to also clean your deskand pick up after yourself. If you don’t take the necessary precautions to clean your work area regularly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Use disinfectant wipes to wipe the surface of your desk, keyboard, monitor, telephone, and anything else you may use while you work.
  • Take vitamins. Multi-vitamins rich in Vitamins C and D can help build your immune system. If you’re not sure what to take, ask your doctor which one is suitable for you.

When work and life get busy, it’s easy to get your health off track. But by following these easy tips you just may even outlast the energizer bunny to keep going and going at work.

Disclaimer: These general guidelines do not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a physician to determine best health practices for your needs.

Have You Seen My Stapler? The Rules of Office Supplies

rules of office suppliesAs an employee, you need specific tools to get your daily work done. Pens, highlighters, notepads, staplers, folders, and the list goes on and on. Maybe your company provides you with these supplies. Maybe your company doesn’t. Either way, here are a few tips to keep in mind about workplace office supplies that will help you keep the peace at work, maintain good relationships with your co-workers, and avoid asking the question, “Um, excuse me … have you seen my stapler?”

If you have to borrow something, ask first. Maybe you really can’t find your stapler and you do need to borrow one for a major stapling project. Before you grab the first one you see, be sure to ask if you can borrow it. It’s important to be respectful of your co-workers’ desk space – it’s their territory. Keep in mind how you would feel if you went to grab your tape dispenser only to discover that your co-worker borrowed it a few days ago. To avoid workplace drama, it’s always better to ask to borrow something, especially if it’s for an extended period of time.

Return what you borrow. The rule of thumb to remember is that if you borrow something from one of your co-workers, be sure to return it back to them in a timely manner AND in the same condition it was in before you borrowed it. Be respectful of others’ property.

Don’t take office supplies home. If your company keeps you stocked with office supplies, that doesn’t mean you can take some home for your personal use. It’s easy to drop a pen in your purse or put one in a pocket and walk out of the office with it. But, after time, those little things start to add up and can start costing your company big bucks. Make it a point to keep your office supplies at the office and purchase your own personal office supplies to use at home.

Learn the policy for re-ordering. So, what do you do when there are no more tissues or you can’t find a highlighter in your entire workplace? Is there someone in your office who’s in charge of buying more office supplies for the whole team? Or is it an every man for himself mentality? Be sure you know what to do so that when you run out of sticky notes you don’t get stuck empty handed.

Label items you bought. If your work doesn’t pay for your office supplies, label the items you buy. Put your initials in marker on the bottom of each item, that way if something does get lost, others will know that it belongs to you. This will help prevent debates about who owns what.

Office supplies seem like such a minor part of the workday, but employees can be a little particular when it comes to these tools. Keep these tips in mind to help ensure your workday runs smoothly.