The unfortunate truth is that not every business has Mike and Carol Brady at the helm. Bad workplace behaviour will also ensure that the Brady Bunch values are nowhere in sight.
In reality, there’s good, bad and ugly in every work environment.
But what defines us is the sum of all the experiences we encounter along the way. As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
With the festive season delivering us tidings of comfort and joy, it’s timely to reflect on lessons learned.
Does success have to mean a trade-off between personal integrity and a win-at-all-costs mentality?
The 12 days of business will be a starting point for those who still believe in taking the high road.
- The 2-way street
The old maxim of “treat people how you want them to treat you” still stands. It means developing a mutually respectful work environment that fosters care and concern for each other’s welfare.
Outcome: the absence of a two-way street philosophy establishes a general lack of compassion and inflexibility that breeds a hostile culture.
- Getting Culture to Work
The lowest common denominator of what’s acceptable in the workplace defines an organisation’s culture.
A toxic culture can stem from both bad management and employees.
A toxic employee makes the office a living hell by exercising manipulation and deceit. On the other hand, poor management fuels toxicity by being reactive, rather than proactive.
Outcome: having the courage to speak up can be extremely challenging, but remaining silent is an untenable option.
- Stay Positive
No matter how unpleasant, heated or strained a situation is, remain professional and stay positive.
Recognise that emotional well-being directly impacts the work environment.
Holding onto negativity destroys attitude and the ability to perform. Staying positive demonstrates tenacity and professionalism.
This means don’t hold grudges, leave meetings with a smile, say good morning every day and, most importantly, don’t talk about colleagues behind their back. Mud-slinging achieves nothing.
Outcome: reboot and rediscover your professional core. Find an activity that will generate clear thoughts and remove negative energy such as yoga or swimming.
The alternative is abject misery for the majority of your working week.
- Listen & Ask
Lack of effective communication is a limiting factor in any career. Even the most brilliant technician will hit the ceiling when they fail to connect with colleagues and clients.
The first lesson is to listen carefully to what you’re expected to achieve, under promise and over deliver. In business, a deadline isn’t a deadline to make yet another deadline.
The flip side of listening is asking questions, which displays intelligence and maturity. It also creates a level playing field of understanding between you and your colleagues.
Outcome: the ability to dispel assumptions by communicating effectively and efficiently can make a difference. That’s when goals become achievable.
- Reputation is Everything
Warren Buffet once said: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently”. Warren was spot on the money (pun intended).
Once you lose the respect and trust of your peers and co-workers, it’s an uphill battle trying to win it back.
Also be aware that unacceptable behaviour outside of work can backfire on you through social media.
Outcome: find a trusted mentor to help with tough decisions and protect your reputation like a newborn.
- The Four F’s (Fit in or fly off)
Recognise that you’re the one who has to fit in with the existing team and not vice-versa. Every organisation needs a tough gatekeeper whose job is to identify and keep out candidates who will disturb the force.
Outcome: it can be difficult on both sides to accept that the wrong person got through the gate. Careful and ongoing management is needed to get the best result for everyone involved.
- It’s not always about you
When a colleague fails to say good morning or appears grumpy, it’s not necessarily about you.
An argument with a partner, stressing out about paying a bill, a sick child at home can all contribute to what appears – at face value – as rudeness.
Acting out of character may indicate there’s a problem. Check in and ask your colleague whether everything’s okay. They may not share their troubles but will certainly appreciate the concern.
Outcome: being in tune with the emotional well-being of your colleague shows empathy and understanding.
(It goes without saying you shouldn’t have to tolerate outright rudeness)
- The Micro Managing Myth
Micro managing is stifling, boring, tedious and a colossal time-waster. It creates resentment and sets up bottlenecks in business.
In most situations, micro-managing is all about the person who’s doing it, as they’re the ones who feel better by being more dominant.
Outcome: treating your colleagues like they have no aptitude for their job negates the reason for their employment. There’s no incentive for anyone to do their best knowing it’s never going to be right.
- Work-Life Balance Matters
The chains of technology now bind us to the office 24/7 which can mean never spending quality time with family and friends.
When you reach for the mobile phone as the alarm goes off in the morning to check emails – that’s work.
Remaining plugged into the grid while you’re on holidays – also work.
Outcome: switch off, tune out and don’t become a victim to work burnout. If it’s urgent, someone will always phone.
No-one ever died saying they wished they worked more.
- Be a Champion
Champions aren’t born; they’re made. Gain goodwill and experience by ‘volunteering’ to spearhead projects and oversee their implementation.
Learning new skills, researching, liaising with service providers and training staff provides tangible benefits to everyone in the firm.
Outcome: stepping outside your comfort zone may present other opportunities as a result.
- Why You Won’t Get Ahead by Doing Your Job
Continuing to strive for perfection in your current role won’t necessarily catapult you to the next level. That’s your job.
Getting on the promotion path requires additional skills to differentiate you from the rest of the pack such as:
- Business acumen
- Strategic acumen
- Financial acumen
Outcome: focusing on how you can add value to your company by concentrating on these areas is an important key to success.
- Cutting Your Losses
The frustration of being a round peg in a square hole is exhausting and will take a toll on your personal life.
However, there’s no point moving from one train wreck of a job to another. Take your time, do your research and NEVER criticise your current employer at an interview.
Outcome: recruiters have an uncanny radar that detects desperation as you walk through the door. With a large pool of talent to choose from, it’s not a good fragrance to wear before an interview.
Choosing the high road is not always easy, particularly when there’s so many who prefer to take the low one. Sitting on the sidelines and staying silent doesn’t let you off the hook either, as this implies agreement when unacceptable behaviour wins.
Putting together your own roadmap will help guide you to your destination. The 12 days of business is just a beginning.
Shelley Banton, director, SuperAuditors
