I GIVE THANKS FOR OUR COLLEAGUES
I’m sure some of you are saying YES whilst others are
pulling faces and saying- Jaz you don’t know what I have to put up with,
believe me! We all have experienced working with difficult colleagues at times
and there have been occasions when I’d rather have stayed home than face a
difficult day, but teams are the real deal and personalities are part of the
package.
Fortunately most of us meet many great people and I am including
the self-employed here who have the job of forming their own networks as we all
need other professionals to work with if we wish to progress. Working within a
team gives us so many opportunities to learn new skills within a relatively
safe environment. When new skills are required most work places provide free
training and with new skills often come new responsibilities and increased pay-
at least, that’s the idea. Even if you do not undergo official training courses
you may well pick up tips that make your job easier as we all have different
ways of doing things and new procedures and technology are often implemented-
bring on Windows 10!
Work is what you make it and our attitude towards our
colleagues can make or break our day. When there is a good atmosphere at work
people tend to put energy and enthusiasm into their jobs and in this situation
teams can come up with exciting new ideas. Even in fairly mundane jobs some
people have a really upbeat, caring attitude and clearly have a natural ability
to provide excellent customer service. I love the programme, ‘Undercover Boss,’
and this gives owners a great insight into their company with the opportunity
to make changes so that people’s work is easier for them to undertake. The
people on the shop floor so often have excellent ideas that if implemented make
life simpler for their colleagues.
Colleagues often become friends, especially as they spend so
many hours together. These friendships can provide a great support network for
people both inside and outside the workplace. We need to be sensitive to the
needs of our colleagues and hopefully are aware when they appear unwell or
troubled. A little understanding goes a long way so when someone is not pulling
their weight, ask yourself why before entering the blame culture. Although we
do not require the details of our colleagues personal lives we do need to be
sensitive towards their needs and be as supportive as possible. Obviously some
people have a genuinely poor attitude to work and little consideration towards
their colleagues but this is something that needs to be addressed by management
or, if you are self-employed, you may choose to take your business elsewhere.
Yesterday I went along to a London Achievers seminar which
was celebrating entrepreneurs. I just loved the interview we watched with
Richard Branson. It had been recorded several years ago but Richard’s values
remain true. Work should be fun and when you think about it laughter starts
within. If people in the workplace are cheerful the work gets done and time
flies by. The other really interesting point Richard made is to lavish the
praise and hold back criticism. His view is that people are aware of their
performance and there are other ways of dealing with things. Richard takes a
similar approach to dishonesty and believes in discussions rather than
admonishment, saying that this approach often generates more loyalty for the
person concerned. If the man at the top can take a sensitive approach to his
employees, we as colleagues should be able to deal sensitively with our
workmates. Steve Jobs is also an inspired team leader and encourages the best
from his team, always keeping them on target.
How do you feel when you go into work? I find that when I go
into work expecting a great day and having some objectives to achieve it
usually runs smoothly. We are all familiar with the expression, ‘life is what
we make it,’ but how often do we apply that to our daily jobs? If you do not
like your job, that is no excuse to be miserable at work. You chose your job
and are paid for the work you do therefore, despite your feelings, you should
be giving it 100% until you find an alternative. Maybe there are ways of making
your present work more interesting. If nothing else be grateful you have a job
and give thanks for your colleagues. As always, attitude of mind dictates
results so stay thankful and positive, expecting great opportunities to unfold
and guaranteed they will.
Jaz McKenzie
Professional writer/Word Magician!
Contact me and we'll add a little spice to your image- includes CV’s, Bio’s,
Press releases, Reviews, Website content, Blogs, Business communications and
more: itsbraap@live.co.uk
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