Blame it on globalisation, capitalism or on whatever sinister force, but we can appreciate the fact that change is inevitable and that we all must adapt…or perish. We also regretfully admit that often, you won’t get what you want due to circumstances beyond our control, such as a lingering recession or an operational crisis.
That is why in order to make objective decisions about whom we think should be elevated, rewarded or supported in our company, we constantly look for four non-negotiable habits in our staff.
Now, on numerous occasions, we have explained how desirable we find these traits. We have explicitly talked about them, ad nauseam, in our videos, on our intranet, in our newsletters, etc. Yet you don’t appear to be taking them seriously.
At the risk of sounding harsh, here’s your wake-up call: Don’t bother complaining to us, sending us anonymous threats, or sulking during staff meetings if you are unconcerned about improving your lot.
Develop the habits below and display them consistently. Then come talk to us and watch things happen.
1) Display superior communications skills
This information age demands that every professional display good communication skills. But we want you to go further by showing exceptional skills.
By the way, you’d need to be proactive in developing such skills to remain competitive.
It’s your call.
We’re in business to make money, using all our assets. That’s our primary goal, as uncompromising as it sounds. If we become bankrupt, you’ll have no jobs, so remaining lukewarm/indifferent to the company’s vision is no longer an option.
We know that we must do our bit by providing you with information about our operations and by encouraging a culture of communication. Moreover, we’ll consider your request about hiring effective organisational executives who will guide and inspire you to achieve our shared vision.
But go that extra mile. Use social media to tell people about us; volunteer for engagement sessions with the public; write articles; and offer opinions about how you could help achieve our goals.
Show us by your actions that you take us seriously. We’ll then return the favour and honour you.
3) Become competent team players
We want you to view your colleagues, even in other departments, as team players.
Consider yourselves as independent, yet connected parts of the productivity wheel which must continue to function for the company to thrive. So offer help when you recognise a need. We know you have busy schedules but do something, no matter how small, for the benefit of the company. Offer assistance to the loathsome Mr. X in the operations unit—regardless of how you feel about him—and especially during deadlines/crises.
Remember that you are constantly assessed, so be mindful about being relevant.
4) Demonstrate strength of purpose in duties
How do you work when your bosses are absent? With purpose or with a lackadaisical demeanour?
Could you be trusted to produce quality work with minimal or no supervision?
How do you handle sensitive information?
We need you to convince us that you want to work here. Let us see your passion for our company. We know when you are ‘tuned off’ or are simply marking time, because it will reflect in your attitudes and behaviours. You’ll also produce sub-standard work which will be time-consuming and costly to rectify.
Your work ethic and integrity are important to us as these are powerful indicators of how far you’d go in our organisation. If you are unsure of even staying here for six months, then do us both the favour and quit.
We agree with Dan Forbes, experienced leadership coach, who once tweeted:
“You can never pay someone enough to care”.
We refuse to waste time on people unworthy of our efforts.
Conclusion
So dear employees, note that we’re not the evil, opportunistic parasites out to drain you of your very essence.
In fact, we aim to become the caring, supportive management you desire and are willing to adapt to changes that will improve your welfare. However, we cannot provide the needful in a vacuum.
Thus, here’s our formula for a rewarding relationship:
Display the above-listed habits and we’ll become receptive to your demands because you’re providing undisputed value.
Specifically, your actions will enrich outputs, leading to higher productivity and ultimately, improved business results for our company.
Be advised nonetheless, that we’ll only celebrate and reward those professionals who are consistent in their delivery.
And that, in a nutshell, is how to get what you deserve.
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Need help with improving your communication skills?
Hire me for:
– Communications training sessions for your executives;
– Writing assignments (content creation, executive speeches, etc);
– Speeches and keynote presentations at your corporate events.
Let me help you get results. Contact me:
A) Send an email to: Lucilleossai@gmail.com
B) Call for a free consultation:
Nigeria: 0704 631 0592
International: +234 704 631 0592
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N.B: First image courtesy of Master isolated images; via freedigitalphotos.net. Second image courtesy of Sscreations; via freedigitalphotos.net. Third image courtesy of Stuart Miles; via freedigitalphotos.net. Fourth image courtesy of Jesadaphorn; via freedigitalphotos.net. Fifth image courtesy of Sira Anamwong; via freedigitalphotos.net. Last image courtesy of Kibsri; via freedigfitalphotos.net.