Running like a well-oiled machine.

I recently met a CEO of an international company that felt it was important to have a certain open door policy with the staff of the company. The environment he worked to create was one of respect for each other and a community where ideas could be shared without fear of harsh criticism. In all my days as an adult in the workforce, this was a first. Clearly, this CEO had no ambitions other than to provide an environment where his staff felt welcomed and valued. It amazed me.

I think there are many times CEOs of sizable companies think they are approachable and exude a welcoming persona. I also think there are several employees that report to those same CEOs that feel overlooked, under appreciated, or insignificant. It's important that we as professionals work to close that gap. It's clear that employees that feel they have a voice within the company and respect their leadership work willingly harder for the company and are happy doing so. A company that doesn't recognize that the more content the staff are at work, the more productive they are - is a company quickly on the edge of collapse. Hiring authority are smart to recognize that happy staff plus skilled staff equals better productivity, which ultimately equals more business. Every CEO dreams of running a company like a well-oiled machine. This is the answer. How well does your machine run?

It's not who you know, it's what you know.

In business, it's important to keep abreast of your contacts and relationships on a regular basis. For those of you looking to find that "dream position" fresh out of college, it's even more important to follow this practice. It seems like yesterday that I was working at the local mall as a recent college grad while working to meet the executives that would be dazzled by my ambition and skills and hire me on the spot. A good friend and I frequently reminisce about the professionals that would give me their business cards and tell me to call them after listening to me tell them of my ambitions to enter the world of communications and public relations.

My friend and I reminisce because so many of those people who said they were willing to have an informal meeting with me and said they were excited to help me along my journey ended up avoiding my initial emails and phone calls. To this day, I don't know why they ever offered their contact information if they were only going to avoid all contact.

I must say, as a college graduate with the ambition of no one I've ever met, I was eager to get my career going pronto. I was however, considerably considerate and never pressed anyone for meetings or contact information. If I ended up with a business card from the executive of a Fortune 500 company, it was only because they offered it to me.

Fast forward, I think I've done well so far. I'm comfortable in my current position and with my employer. I have good rapport with my director, and though I feel I bring a myriad of skills to the position, it is challenging and ever-changing. In business, the phrase, "it's not about what you know, it's about who you know" is so very popular, that sometimes recent grads have a difficult time trying to decipher the importance of focusing on their career plans and are busy out there "shaking hands and kissing babies". In my experience, recent grads sometimes make a judgement about how well a networking event went by the number of business cards they obtained. I can honestly say, no one from my past that has given me their business card has ever brought me in their office, given me the opportunity to wow them and offered me a position 1, 2, 3. It has always been a struggle.

The experiences have however helped me indirectly by fueling my drive and challenging my creativity in my approach. This entry is not to deter you, but to challenge your creativity. Don't ever let someone convince you that your success is solely dependant on who you know.

It's about you, your drive, your thirst for success, and your ability to stay on top of your game. That way, when you are at the point of achievement you can share the story of how you worked to gain leverage in your field. Many times, people have a dream of having doors opened for them and having everything handed to them. But there's no better feeling than reaping the rewards from your own time, sweat, and tears spent achieving your goals.

Re-work your network - quality relationships vs. quantity

In the business world, it's important to keep close those that will help you move along in your career. In general, it's a good idea to keep solid relationships alive and well. Though many people know several people, it's important to know the difference between quality and quantity when it comes to relationships. Of course, the type of relationships I am referring to are the kinds that are meaningful and reciprocal. It is good strategy to develop quality relationships in the office with those in a higher position than you and those on your same level. Unfortunately, the office environment can sometimes become an advanced version of high school. There are people searching for popularity amongst their peers and because they focus on this, they sometimes miss opportunities to advance within their career.

Developing relationships with the "higher-ups" is a good practice. It can help open doors that would not have been possible previously. Also, relationships shouldn't be created simply to get ahead, but it's good practice to get in front of the decision makers in a positive way. Supervisors will get the opportunity to know you as an important part of their team and will then use you as a resource and a source of information. They will have the chance to see you as a valuable key to their success and chances are, opportunity will knock on your door more than once.

Has the Downturn of the Economy Raised Awareness of the Three R's?

I believe the downturn of the economy has had a positive impact on the way people view consumerism. It's quite possible that since wallet's and purse strings have tightened due to recent troubling financial times, people are more aware of the wastefulness they may have previously practiced. Though children in school are taught the three R's, (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), I think adults whom are hard-pressed to save money by cutting corners are smart to try and get the most out of every item they have. In general, I believe that people have much more "stuff" than they need. I think the downturn of the economy is helping all of us realize the importance of shopping, spending, and using things in a responsible manner. I believe that people are digging a bit deeper in their pantries and closets at home to see what they can use for their needs instead of simply running out to the store to purchase more items. It's an opportunity to re-invent yourself and to find your creativity; both in your wardrobe, and in your kitchen.

This can also work in a business environment. Think of your supply room. Office supplies, including printer paper, ink, pens, paperclips, staple removers, staplers, calculators, etc. can be inventoried, and re-used. It saves money for the company and sets a good example for all employees - an example that the company is not only financially responsible, but also environmentally responsible. How can you make good use of the items you already own?

Are you an instant expert?

I've found in my recent experience that when challenged with a situation within the workplace, co-workers and peers can sometimes automatically assume expert status when they can do one thing relatively well. If there is a person in an office that has just one special skill, or knows even a little about a software program - they can be automatically be seen as "the expert". Assumed the expert unknowingly, you might have a skill that no one else in the office has. Although you may not know it, and although you may not feel 100% knowledgeable about a certain skill, others will come to you simply because you know even just a little bit more than they do. Don't panic, don't downplay the issue, embrace it! Learn more about the program and enhance your valuable skills. What better way to display your value to the department and company!

A Tip for Hiring Managers: Clarity in Job Descriptions

I have recently read various job descriptions. I was reminded of a time where the descriptions were so vague at a company where I once worked - that most times, the new employees were confused about what it was their jobs actually entailed. Recently, I gave a piece of advice to a former colleague of mine. I advised her to edit the job descriptions by improving the clarity of position description. Also, I urged her to include the day in and day out duties for which the new hire was responsible. Once a new hire is comfortable with the duties they are given, they have guidelines to follow that will increase their sense of self esteem regarding the position; and then, their accuracy with the tasks.

I have seen many job descriptions that are written in more of a "big picture" way and exclude the job duties in detail. The best thing a hiring manager can do to help get their new hire going is this; provide the exact tasks and expected outcomes for the position. This lessens the time needed for employee training. Also, even at the very beginning of the process, the employer will receive inquiries that are more closely fitted to the description since applicants have a clear understanding of the duties involved. All in all, clarity on the part of the employer is key; both in the beginning of a search through the training process.

Make that resolution work!

It's a new year; the time when people select and attempt to create and follow their resolutions for the new year. We've all heard about people who do this. Most, if not all of us have probably attempted it. I've asked a few of my friends and colleagues what they have chosen to be their resolution this new year. Most of them told me that their resolution was "to lose weight". Sometime a few years ago, I have either read a great article from a magazine, watched an inspiring television show, or had a fruitful conversation which brought some wisdom to me regarding changing your habits. Allow me to share.

Looking at this from a communications angle, the statement regarding a New Year's resolution could use a little work.

For example when someone says their resolution is "to lose weight" there is one incredibly narrowing statement that can change the entire outcome of the situation for the better.

Read:
Weak: My resolution is to lose weight.
Strong: My resolution is to increase the number of days I work out, so I can lose weight.

Of course, losing weight is a goal, however when the statement is broken down and you change it to reflect the way in which you will alter your habits - it becomes more of a proactive statement vs. a passive one; and it will become a more attainable goal. In order to obtain your goal, you must change your lifestyle. It's a simple science formula; you cannot possibly obtain different results if you keep doing the same practices. Change your habits and make that resolution work!

Hiring a culturally diverse team, two skill sets in one.

As the first post of the year 2010, I'm inclined to write about something that has come up in conversation several times recently between myself and my colleagues; ethnically diverse staff and the unspoken strengths they bring to business. What most people who do not have a diverse background may not understand, is that people who have a different background culturally or ethnically have an entire other audience they can tap into when it comes to business deals. People who are African American, Italian, Greek, Polish, etc. are at a strong advantage when it comes to reaching and developing business with audiences of people who find that they can relate to the person due to their similar backgrounds. For example, African Americans can speak two types of English. In business, it's the professional, the college educated language they use around co-workers and colleagues. However, if they are entering a potential business situation with a group of people who, at the most have only a partial high school education, they can alter the way they speak English in order to make the audience feel more comfortable. It's still English, only altered with a heavy use of slang which is common for the neighborhood or culture. From what I have learned in my life, people will decide if they like you in merely minutes - if not seconds. For a professional who can reach not only one main market, but can also tap an entirely new market for business, it's a skill that not many understand. An audience of Greek individuals will more likely give their business to someone of Greek decent. It may sound odd, but it's true plain and simple for most culturally diverse groups. As a savvy business professional, you must understand that there are places that someone like that can and will go that others may not. There is an entire market that diverse business people can reach that others cannot. Use this information wisely to advance your business goals.