The Idea Dude

CONNECTING THE DOTS ONE AT A TIME

Friday, May 04, 2007

Winning in your workplace

I was reading Winning the Devil's Bargain about how to cope in the workplace when your integrity and ethics are at odds with what you are asked to do. We've all been put in those situations, asked to do or say things that may not be truthfully or ethical. Done all in the name of survival we are told. Nevertheless, it is unsettling because we are forced to compromise our values in the name of loyalty, commitment and keeping our jobs.

In the end, it's all about choosing our battles and maintaining a winning attitude. We're often caught up by issues that seem so large and important and yet weeks or years later we laugh at their insignificance in the grand scheme of things. Often our egos are caught up by the moment. Here's some of the things I reminded myself constantly over the years to keep me sane.

  • I'll be doing this 'job' at least one third (often half of my day) every day, five or six days a week. I'd better find reasons why I enjoy it and want to continue doing it.
  • Look for things to celebrate regardless of whether it is my win or my colleague's win. We're all in the same boat, there's no 'the leak is on your side'.
  • Attitude is not determined by the job I'm doing. Attitude is a personal responsibility. It's proactive and not reactive.
  • Enthusiasm and excitement is infectious. Celebrate each win whether it is yours or not.
  • I don't have to have a title to lead
  • If I don't agree with something or feel uncomfortable doing it, don't just voice my opinion. It only makes people defensive. Find alternatives that create a win-win situation for both the company and me. Then go and sell the alternative.
  • Find someone to inspire every day.
  • Find a reason to complement at least one person every day and do it.
  • Have the courage to walk away when it is time. To prolong unhealthy relationships hurts both sides. Not being the right fit doesn't mean either party is wrong. Water and oil aren't bad ingredients, they just don't mix.
  • When I'm overwhelmed, choose just one thing to do and do it. Not two, not ten, just one.
  • I do more harm by not initiating than having the courage to do so and risking the consequences.
  • Smile at one person every day.

How do you get through your day?

2 Comments:

Blogger "Dootz" said...

I like your third to last bullet point. When I am having a bad day, I find one MEANINGFUL thing to accomplish, and then I work on that. Even if I don't get it done, I know I have spent my time toward something worthwhile.

*******
http://surfcountry.blogspot.com/

7:52 PM  
Blogger The Idea Dude said...

Hi Dootz,

Thanks for sharing. We often get overwhelmed by what life throws at us and we do forget that it starts with one meaningful thing.

BTW: love the moniker! very cool

Vern

8:08 PM  

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