Your personal brand as an employee is what people say and think about you before you walk into a room. It’s what they feel when you shake their hand. It’s what they whisper about long after you’ve closed the door and left the room.
Do you know what others say about you?
Even if you are the best at what you do you, not delivering what was agreed upon, pushing back deadlines, hogging the glory or gossiping — all of it can negatively impact your brand and your career.
Do you know what others say about you?
In 2019, shine at work by taking control of your brand. Just like the Jackson 5 song, it’s easy as A, B, C with these 26 behaviours you can improve.
In a rush to shine at work? Focus on the letters of your first name.
Whether it’s an email, a text or a phone message, let the sender know you received it. You don’t have to act on it immediately. A simple “thank you” with the expected date of action is all that is needed. In the era of ghosting you will be recognized as responsive.
Think, act, walk, talk and dress like the next title you are seeking. Come an opening, you will be the natural choice for the promotion.
Email is not always best. Consider your message, its sensitivity and the level of urgency. Don’t forget about the receiver’s preference or ease with technology. Effective communication only happens when your recipient “gets it.” Perception is reality. If he or she did not understand your message, you did not communicate effectively.
Manage priorities with the 4 Ds technique. If it can be done in less than 30 minutes, now is the time to act. If it is not your focus, assign it to later. If someone is better or more efficient, pass it on. If it is not relevant, don’t do it; delete it.
Make it easy to collaborate with you. Believe. Bring out the best. Be enthusiastic. You will be recognized as an activator instead of a drainer.
Few of us are ever 100 per cent confident in what they are doing. Yet, most of us know what confidence looks and sounds like. When you have the knowledge, skills and abilities, pretend. Soon you will be confident, and that leads to credibility.
Don’t hoard information or credit. When asked, freely share your path and past experiences. Make introductions to your network. Mentor recruits. Give the gift of your time and talents to people and causes that you care about. This attitude is contagious, people will reciprocate.
Do what you said you would when you said you would. Most people forget, are too busy, delay, or… whatever. Do as promised and you will be recognized as having integrity.
Along with a sincere smile and direct eye contact, it makes you memorable. Not sure what messages your handshake sends out? Get feedback.
Don’t sit on the sidelines or be a wall flower. Accept invitations. Raise your hand. Volunteer. Connect to learn, grow or increase your visibility.
This simple two letter word favoured by two year-olds is often hard to say at work, especially to your boss. Don’t delay saying no, it gets harder over time. Don’t lie, you could get caught.Be empathetically creative, by presenting options. Find out solutions to different scenarios in this article.
Using your head, remember that whether you conduct business B2B or B2C, in the end it is always H2H — human to human. A person with values, likes and dislikes is on the receiving end. Connect with what is at the heart of that person.
Take control of your reputation by aligning your words and actions with what you want to be known for, what you do best. Embrace your unicity. Invest in your talents.
Don’t think “selling,” think “helping.” This attitude of service will remove the stress of pushing yourself, your services and your products onto strangers. Focus on what their needs are first, and then offer your expertise or that of your network.
Without losing focus on results, step out of your comfort zone. Accept challenges and look for opportunities, even under tough circumstances or amid failures.
Just like coffee, give your thoughts time to come to the top. Relax. Sleep. Let them simmer. You will be amazed at the creative connections that are made while you carry on with your business. Once your ideas are defined, filter them with focus including sharing them and receiving feedback.
There is no such thing as a silly question. It is best to admit ignorance than to be caught in a lie or making assumptions.
In the era of globalization where cultures collide, seek to understand before being understood. Be curious with an empathetic perspective. Don’t assume or take anything without asking.
Even if you do very serious work, what people want most is to be acknowledged and recognized. Smile when entering, leaving and especially when crossing paths with collaborators. This is the basis of harmony at work. Plus, it will put you in a good mood.
Plan backwards. Detail actions. Work to completion one small step at a time. Schedule assignments based on your personal productivity preferences.
Assemble and lead with similarities instead of dividing and focusing on differences. Seeking and recognizing commonalities strengthen organizations and communities.
Recap, summarize and officialise. It saves time and can save you from making a mistake.
Gossip has exponential powers. From a secret told to one and so on to another and another, it can result in loss of trust by peers, being perceived as being exclusive or even intimidating. It contributes to lower morale and loss of productivity. The targeted one looses time thinking about what others are saying, may take time off and eventually even quit. In the end it even affects the bottom line.
Google yourself. Know what others are saying about you online. Remove undesirable photos. Freshen up friendships, positions, affiliations and recognitions.
Embrace you, your talents and accomplishments. Take your place in the sun. This is not about arrogance nor vanity, it is about confidence. Celebrate privately and modestly.
Put energy and enthusiasm in everything that you do.
Are you in a sticky situation? This blog is at your service. Write to me at julie@julieblaiscomeau.com. Your situation may enlighten other readers.
+613.292.9526
julie@julieblaiscomeau.com
I’m Julie Blais Comeau, Canada’s bilingual etiquette specialist. My mission is simple: to give you the know-how to shine positively at work and in the community.
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