The Power of Punctuality

"Better three hours too soon than a minute too late." These wise words of William Shakespeare still hold true today, especially in the workplace. As someone who has always valued punctuality, I find it frustrating on how common it is for working professionals to be late. Given our fast-paced work environment and constant multi-tasking we have come to accept lateness and the excuses we use to justify it.

While I know that life brings the unexpected and common justifications for tardiness, such as, traffic, lost keys or alarm clocks not going off, happen to the best of us. The frequency is which many of us qualify this as a legitimate reason for being late is unacceptable. In fact, a CareerBuilder.com survey found that 20% of workers arrive to work late at least once a week; and 12% arrive late twice a week.

If the same traffic or alarm clock brings you into work late every week, then it's time to look at your habits and make some adjustments. Just the simple act of being on time speaks volumes about your dedication, professionalism and accountability. As a supervisor, to see employees present and ready to work in the morning, demonstrates their dedication to their job and the organization. Having colleagues start a meeting on time with everyone present, shows that they value my time and the goals of the group. Both examples demonstrate a level of professionalism that gets noticed.

Finally, with all the other things that we are judged on at work, punctuality is the least of our problems. The last thing you want is to be called into your boss's office to talk about poor attendance. So rather then better late than never, adopt if I'm early I am on time, and if I'm on time, I'm late" as your new motto.

We have all heard, and probably used, the common excuses at some point. But here are some ridiculous excuses that employers have heard:

• "The line was too long at Starbucks."


• "I feel like I'm in everyone's way if I show up on time."


• "My father did not wake me up."


• "I was too tired to come in on time, so I decided to sleep in and rest up to me more productive."

What Not To Say To Employees

Since my last entry consisted of things employees should never tell their boss, it is only fair to give those in leadership positions advice on what not to say to their employees. So here are 5 things a boss should never tell an employee:

"We have always done it this way." Not only does this keep your company from evolving and moving forward, but it's also a great way to discourage employees from taking initiative. In fact, it is very likely that they have some great ideas on how to do the job better. After all, they do have experience in their field, isn't that why you hired them in the first place?

"You are doing it wrong." Supervisors need to communicate their expectations clearly and give their employees the resources and support to do their job right. If employees are making mistakes, or not performing to standard, consider that you may be part of the problem, and can be part of the solution. Rather then giving vague instructions, communicate your expectations clearly and demonstrate a genuine interest in their professional development by guiding them to better performance.

"Because I said so." This is perhaps the worst use of authority, and the most ineffective way of gaining respect as a leader. Being the boss does not make you all-knowing. You should lead by teaching, inspiring and setting a good example. You must give respect in order to gain respect. Bottom line is that a good leader does not need to threaten.

"I do not have time to listen to your complaining." This statement is completely false because it is your job to listen to your employees' complaints. You should be actively seeking their feedback, even the negative, because they are the ones out there working with your clients, and delivering your products and services. Complaints can identify where improvements in processes and procedures need to be made. There are times where the issue can't be solved, but allowing you employee to vent can help maintain high morale and build loyalty.

"That is a no-brainer." This statement can come across as arrogant or condescending. The last thing you want to do is insult your employees or belittle them. After all, your job is to build up your employees, not tear them down- that's a no-brainer!

Ultimately leadership is about treating others with respect and guiding a strong team. As a boss your job is to encourage your employees to have the energy and motivation to be innovative, engaged and performing to the best of their abilities. So set a good example, respect your employees' skills and abilities, and give credit when credit is due.

What to Never Tell Your Boss

As a manager here at Goodwill of Silicon Valley, I cringe when I hear negative or self-defeating comments from staff. The truth is that we all may have committed this offense at one time or another; and that everyone is a boss in their own capacity. Even if you are a CEO or self-employed, you are an employee to your customer. A critical piece in maintaining a positive boss-employee relationship is to never allow your boss to think that you dislike your job, or are incapable of doing it.


As obvious as it sounds, these types of comments are uttered frequently through out the workplace. So I have for you, 5 things your boss never wants to hear:


"That's not my job." This is perhaps my biggest pet peeve. My belief is that your job is to do what is asked of you (with the understanding that its purpose is to move the company forward in a positive direction). So even if the task is outside of your regular job description, try to find out why your boss is assigning you this task and express your concerns without stating that it is out of your job description.


"It's not my fault." If something is indeed your fault, take accountability and come up with a solution to fix it as soon as possible. If you feel that you are not at fault for the mistake, again, focus on the solution and fix it. In both cases the real issue is not who did it, but rather that there is something wrong that needs to be repaired; so all you should be communicating is the solution, not who's to blame.



"It's not my problem." When an employee says this, it makes them look like they do not care. They do not care about the company, the team or their job. A better response would be to pitch in and try to help because ultimately a problem within the company IS everyone's problem.


"It can't be done." Uttering these words can make you look incapable or ineffective in your boss's eyes. Before making a negative statement, do some research. Find out why the boss is asking you to do this, what problem are they trying to solve and what the desired outcome is. Come up with a better way to achieve the results, and present that. Chances are the end result is more important than the path to getting there.


"This job is too easy. I am getting bored." While your intention may be to convey that you are brilliant or that you can take on more work, it comes off as sounding that your work is beneath you or, worse, that your job is not necessary to the company. You may in fact talk yourself out of a job. Instead, take an introspective look at yourself and identify ways you can enhance and improve your work performance. Chances are that you are not working to your full potential and are going through the motions of the job. Find out what else you can be doing to better your work performance or to help the company grow.


If you can stop and try to see things through the eyes of your supervisor, you may start to understand what is really being asked of you, and why comments such as these can hurt your career.

The Total Package

Super Bowl Sunday is just a few days away! While many of you loyal football fans eagerly speculate who is going to win, others are anticipating the great commercials that will air during the game. We are all entertained by the creative and extravagant ways companies find to market their products and services. Super Bowl commercials have become a spectator sport within themselves; as corporations pay top dollar to have their commercials aired. Whether it's a beverage, restaurant chain or website, these companies understand the importance of branding.

We can all take a lesson from these commercials and improve how we promote ourselves. Personal branding is the way in which we market ourselves to others. With the rise of social media and technology, along with the challenges of the current job market, marketing yourself is critical to advancing in your career.

Developing your personal brand takes serious thought and reflection because it encompasses who you are in all aspects of life. It forces you to think about your long-term goals and desired outcomes. It requires you to consider all of your talents and interests, along with what you want to others to know about you. The ultimate goal is for your positive self-impression to match how people perceive you; and to attract your customers (in this case, employers).

Once you have established a strong vision and personal brand, networking and interviewing become so much easier because you are always prepared to describe yourself and your abilities in a memorable way. It will also help guide you in setting future goals and making decisions that support your career path.

Here are some tips on establishing as strong personal brand:

• Invest time in figuring out what you want out of life, write a mission, vision and brand statement.


• Maintain the brand in all parts of life. This includes how you dress, present yourself and treat others.


• Market yourself in the right places. Join associations and groups, both personal and professional, that will help promote your personal brand.


• Have a business card. Whether you are in between jobs, a student or self-employed, always have a business card with your name and contact information.


• Create a portfolio (CD, web or print) that showcases your work.


• Use social media. Linken In, Facebook and blogs are all great avenues to promote your personal brand. But, as mentioned above, your personal brand must thread through out your life. This includes profiles and web pages. The photos, information and associates on your page must align with your brand.

So if you were featured on a commercial during the Super Bowl, what would you want the millions of viewers to know about you?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Along with losing ten pounds, quitting smoking and getting organized, career advancement is among the most popular New Year's Resolutions. For the many of you who have set this goal in 2010, here are some tips on how to get ahead at work:

• When at work- WORK! I know it's tempting to search the Internet instead of working on that boring report, or to call in sick when you are not really sick (hey you have the time off, right). But these guilty pleasures only deliver short-term gratification. Being more productive at work will not only increase your value as an employee, but will ultimately make you feel better about yourself and your career. It gives you the focus and confidence that you need in order to get ahead. So rather then procrastinating or putting off what can be done tomorrow, get it done today!
  


• Think like the boss. In today's workforce it is not enough to simply come in, do your job, and clock out at the end of the day. Those with staying power are the ones that add value to the company. Always be on the look out for ways to do your job better. Can procedures be streamlined and done more efficiently? Are there ways to cut production costs and bring in larger profits? Think through your ideas, consider the details, how it impacts other departments, and then share your idea with your supervisor.
  


• Pay attention. Active listening can be difficult, but it's something that all employers value. Most of us think we are good listeners, but truth is that we only remember about 30% of what we hear; so it's easier said than done. It requires you to pay attention to what people say and what their body language is telling is saying. When listening give the speaker your undivided attention and be engaged in the conversation. And, my personal good habit, take notes whenever possible.

• Talk the talk. Use terminology that is commonly recognized in your industry, as this will show that you are knowledgeable in your field. Pay attention to buzz words that are used within the company or initiatives that are taking priority within the organization. If you can exemplify and support the company's goals, you will definitely stand out.

• Be nice. This tip is open for debate, as many believe in the cut throat approach to getting ahead. But I believe that showing kindness can work to your benefit. It ensures that you will make a difference by making a slight improvement in everyone you meet. This not only makes the workplace a better place to be, but also makes you someone people want to be around. The next time you are up against a deadline and need assistance, or working on a project that requires teamwork, do you want to be regarded as kind or cut throat?

Job Interviews: The new first date

You spend hours in front of the mirror deciding what to wear, analyzing your options and asking yourself, how do I look in this? Is this color too bright? Knowing how important first impressions are, you rehearse conversations starters, your smile and perhaps your handshake. You are nervous and excited at the same time because the possibility of a great future is within reach, yet there are so many unknown factors that determine whether this will be a prefect match.

This may sound like preparation for a first date, but what I’m describing is a typical night before a job interview. Interestingly, the rules apply to both, and that is why interviewing for a job is a lot like a first date.

In both situations you show up looking your best and on your best behavior. To make a good impression you exhibit your best qualities to the other person. So as they begin asking you questions about yourself your replies are positive, upbeat and put you in the most positive light.

Chances are that you have done some homework too, finding out about the other person’s interests and qualities. Not only does this show your interest in them, but it’s also your time to determine it THEY are what you are looking for. Interviews, like first dates, work both ways, the match has to be good for both parties. Considering the amount of time we spend at work, it truly is an investment of our time and future; you want to make sure the company is going to offer you the professional environment, challenges and opportunities that will keep you active and engaged. We all have our mental checklist of qualities that we are looking for in a mate and an employer, so whether the interrogation is over dinner or across a desk the interviewer is deciding whether you meet their requirements, and vice a versa.

The following is my advice for scoring a second interview . . . or a second date:

• Dress to impress
The key is appropriateness for the occasion. In the case of an interview that usually means a suit, but it can vary among companies and industries. Do not wear any clothing, accessories or fragrances that are overpowering or distract the interviewer from what you are saying. Your clothes should be clean, ironed and fit properly.

• Don’t look desperate
Showing up too early can read desperation. At an interview it can make hiring managers uncomfortable or feel rushed. It’s best to arrive 15-20 minutes early; this sends the message that you are punctual yet appropriate. Arriving late is a definite DON’T! It is disrespectful and irresponsible and will hurt your first impression, and most likely destroy your chances of a second interview . . . or second date.

• Maintain the mystery
On a first date, you would never announce that you snore or bite your finger nails. These truths tend to come to light as a relationship progresses, and by then they can be classified a quirks rather then character flaws. The same goes for an interview. While of course you never want to misrepresent yourself, do not display all of your negatives, but rather highlight the positives. Always display your greatest attributes and if you lack experience in a specific area, acknowledge it and present your skills that are closely related or your ability to learn quickly.

• Let them know you had a good time
If you feel that you hit it off and are interested in continuing the relationship, let them know that you had a good time and that you look forward to seeing them again. Companies are more willing to offer the job to someone they think is interested in them. Before walking away, take the time to let the interviewer know that you enjoyed meeting with them, like the job and why you think you would be a great fit. And follow up with a thank you note, chivalry is not dead!

Although our personal and professional lives are very different, dating and interviewing are both about people trying to impress one another. I hope my tips are helpful in your job search, or love connection whichever you are searching for!

Online Profiles as Resumes

Cover letter? Check. Resume? Check. LinkedIn profile? Huh?

Long gone are the days when a grammatically perfect cover letter and a resume brimming with action verbs and key phrases, such as, team player and ability to multitask suffice for a successful job search. As many know most job openings are filled by word of mouth. This trend still holds true in today’s job market, but what has changed is that word of mouth now extends WAY beyond a friend of a friend whose company is hiring.

With the growing success of social networking sites the ability to network, search job openings and be seen by employers has exponential possibilities. There are hundreds of internet sites that are used to connect with friends and people who share similar interests, but for the purposes of seeking employment, I think that LinkedIn has the most to offer. With over 15 million members, it is among the largest online social network for business professionals.

Tips for using your LinkedIn Profile as a Resume

• Create a profile that includes your employment history, education/training and industry. Include key phrases and professional achievements from your resume to highlight areas of expertise and accomplishments.
• Include keywords from your resume to increase opportunities for your profile to appear in search results.
• Set Contact Settings to let others know what opportunities you would like to be contact about (career opportunities, expertise requests, consulting offers, business deals, new ventures, personal reference requests, job inquiries, request to reconnect).
• Make your profile public so that it can be viewed by everyone. With that said, remember that everyone includes colleagues, potential employers or business contacts so keep it professional.

To the All things Workforce readers, please share your experience, insights and social networking best practices. And for those of you who are interested in learning more about effective social networking, I suggested Inner Architect. Susan and Dean are the social networking gurus and have tons of ideas on how to maximize the use of this media!

Can’t wait to read your comments!