We have always been told that our collage degrees and grades are the most important when it comes to defining our future. In the cut throat competition of this world, our grades are our armor that helps us not only survive but thrive. Once you break into the professional arena, there is a lot of knowledge that is unfortunately not taught in any classroom or course textbooks. Here are 5 such advises that you need besides your subject knowledge to navigate the work environment.
1. DO NOT OVER SHARE –
You might come across people who are friendly and if you are lucky even helpful. You might have hit it off with a few individuals wherein you share a good laugh or have your lunch together. But refrain from sharing any personal problems or grievances towards management or other colleagues with them. Too many of us have learnt this the hard way, so save yourself this emotional trauma and keep it light and positive with your office mates. Trust me when it’s time for that promotion or raise, you’ll be shocked how many are willing to use your personal issues or views against you!
2. LEARN TO NOT LOSE YOUR COOL -
I have to be honest, not losing one’s cool and learning to control one’s reaction is the biggest life hack. Once in the professional arena, you will come across many who will enjoy offending you and upsetting you. Some people would try to talk over you in meetings; some would try to steal your credit or simply talk down to you. The trick is to always take a stand in a calm yet stern manner. Remember if you are letting them upset you, you are giving them the power to use your emotions to their advantage. And that’s one hell of an advantage to give! If you find someone trying to pull you down or talk over you, look them straight in the eye, smile and continue more clearly, eloquently and confidently than before.
3. UP YOUR COMMUNICATION GAME-
Make it a point to interact with people in your office. It’s always good to have a good rapport with your colleagues. Go ahead and interact with people from other departments, just be careful not to indulge in gossip or company bashing. Work on your communication, understanding that it’s not just what you say is but how you say it that makes a difference. Learn to put your opinions and points across in a clear and eloquent manner.
4. DON’T TAKE IT PERSONAL –
A lot of the opinions around us; be it at work place or other environments have little to do with us. There are always going to be people who just won’t like us and then there will be people who would like us regardless of our shortcomings. If there are people around that seem to criticize or demean you without a reason, know that it is not your responsibility to make sense of their behavior or make them like you. Keep your behavior respectful and your work good. Nobody has the power to make you feel any less without your consent. When someone talks mean to you, stay completely unfazed by it. Indifference is the best answer to such behavior. Your lack of response will show that you are not accepting any of their words. When people use let their words as a tool to hurt you let them fall flat to the ground without reaching any part of your being.
5. INTOSPECT , UPGRADE AND REINVENT-
The environment we live in today is highly dynamic. Things around us change very quickly and we have to keep up with the changes in order to not only survive but grow. Luckily for us, educating oneself today with the help of online courses has become quite convenient. There is no age for learning. Go after what you like and learn as many skills as you feel you require. Your learning, exposure and education do not has to stop at any point. The new learnt and acquired skills will help you reach new heights and keep up with the ever changing work requirements of today’s world.
TANYA CHOPRA
