- Acknowledge What You Do or Do Not Know
Do not be afraid to say you do not know. However, this should not be the end of the dialogue. Make a point to let the other person know that you will investigate, and then try to find out the answer. Especially if it is related to your area of work. Always look for ways to improve. Perfect your craft. Be willing to grow. Oftentimes, it is not what you know, but your attitude and willingness to learn that grants you promotion. Quick share: Years ago, I was called about a position with a competing organization by a coworker I previously worked with. I did not realize she even knew my name. We were not on the same team and had not worked in the same department that long before she left the company. However, an opportunity was presented, and her new company needed someone reliable. She remembered my work ethic from the prior company – watching me from afar – and referred me for the position. I stayed at the new company for years and received much growth and promotion. Always know that someone is watching what you are doing, so always present your best self.
- Invest in Social Talk, Listen
It only takes a few minutes to ask someone how they are doing. “How was your weekend?” “How was the event yesterday?” Engage with your team regardless of your position. Then, listen to their response. A few minutes of small talk can mean a lot to your coworkers. With such a large, remote workforce, Zoom meetings and once or twice-per-week visits to the office may be the only opportunity some people get to interact with others. You never know what you have that could help someone else. Or how a small effort can go a long way. Take a few minutes to show interest in someone other than yourself and what you need to do. You will realize it causes others to invest more in you as a person and as a professional.
- Give Respect and Treat Others Fairly
Encourage feedback from your employees. Help them to understand it is okay to have an opinion and speak up. Celebrate the wins of others. When employees know they are valued, they are more willing to do what it takes to help you out. They just want to know their sacrifice will be noticed. Appreciated. Say “Thank You”. It costs you nothing. Even if the person was only doing their job. You can still say “Thank You”. Small acts go a long way. Employees get discouraged when they feel like their work goes unnoticed. They start to think no one cares, and then they no longer care. Or they leave for an organization where they will receive feedback. Employees are more willing to stay with a company that is ‘not the best’ if they work with a good team, and better yet, a good manager than they are willing to stay with a good company with bad leadership. Take a few minutes and help someone other than yourself.
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