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Image makeover for increased productivity at work

Leave a Comment / Blog, Careers and Concerns / HR Footprints / 13/02/2015

In our previous blog, we have discussed about two professionals Mini and Ravindra who were wondering what others think of them at workplace. When seen keenly, knowingly or unknowingly, both have created an image at the workplace. Many of us may face this situation and we may not even realize. What contributes to such image building? Does it happen automatically or is there something that we can do about it? Can we alter the image that is once created? Let us try addressing some of these questions. Each one of us carries an image at workplace Whether we are aware or not, all of us acquire an image at workplace. By watching the way people around us respond or relate, we can gauge our image. One needs a keen eye to notice the same and make out what the image is. What contributes to such image building? This is a very important aspect to understand. It all starts with our behavior, which forms a pattern. For example, if one engages into excessive talking in every context without checking the relevance, if one tends to dominate everyone else in every meeting, if one tends to share with superiors details of small talks among colleagues, people tend to see a pattern and prepare their response. In other words, people tend to form an opinion after seeing a pattern of our behaviors and frame an image around us. It may be labeled as “fun guy”, “endless talker”, “show-off guy”, “boss’s spy”, “senseless comedian”, “intense guy”, “cunning guy” and so on. What is the impact of having such image? Our image influences the way others respond to us. It will surely have a bearing on our work and efficiency. For example, Mini (in the first example) will struggle to drive any point seriously because many may not take her seriously. Perhaps she would have belittled herself in the earlier interactions or joked about her own mistakes; or she would have openly said, “bear with me, I talk a lot”. A stage comes even if she wants to make a sensible point, others will discount the same. How to work towards image makeover? Image makeover is certainly possible, but not easy. It involves curbing those behaviors, which contributed to the earlier image; staying cool and patient with others who still see you with earlier image and consciously demonstrating newer behaviors. A sustained effort is required to undo and redo the image! But it is certainly worth the effort! Article – “What image are you creating for yourself at workplace?”By: Dr.Raj, Published in HR Mirror, Hans India.Follow Dr.Raj on Twitter @drraj29

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Don’t expect your colleagues to be like you!

Leave a Comment / Careers & Concerns / HR Footprints / 25/02/2014

Of late, Rukmini has been getting frustrated at work. She feels that things are not moving as much as she wants; it is getting increasingly difficult to get any cooperation from colleagues within and outside her department. She made several attempts in recent times, but all in vain. Being a passionate individual, Rukmini gets restless when others do not match her passion. She is also an aggressive individual, which may come across as imposing on others. She also finds others to be lethargic and at times casual in their approach and particularly gets annoyed when others do not acknowledge or reply to her mails. Out of anger, she shoots out another mail with a stinker. Suresh also experiences similar feelings with colleagues. He considers himself to be organised; he prefers to have things in place, daily schedules well planned and projects well managed. However, he often finds himself ending up in delayed meetings, cancelled schedules, missed deadlines and endless excuses from colleagues. Suresh wonders why they cannot be organised. As much he expresses his disappointment, others find him to be insensitive to their challenges; in some occasions, others even felt as if he was trying to expose them in front of others which resulted in ruptured relationships. Why do you think Rukmini and Suresh are having a tough time? Both of them are well-intended professionals. Why are they not able to get through others? They both continue to wonder why others are not like them! Keep tracking this space for the next part of this article which describes the problem of both Rukmini and Suresh. This article was published in: HR Mirror, Hans India Follow Dr. Raj on Twitter @drraj29

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Statements that can harm your image

Leave a Comment / Blog, Career, Careers and Concerns, Growth, Learning and Development / HR Footprints / 03/10/2013

Have you realized how we adopt some ‘standard’ statements as a part of our day-to-day communication at workplace? Try and notice how such frequently used statements build and project your personality at workplace. Do you believe that such projection can have positive as well as negative impact on your image in the eyes of those who work with you? However, the specific individual may not know that these statements are frequently occurring in his or her workplace vocabulary. These statements can harm your image. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the negative sounding statements and their implications at workplace. One can read through and reflect if you have any of these as a part of your daily conversations. Once you are aware of what you wish to avoid, you can work out a conscious plan to avoid the same. Before we enlist those statements, it is important to note that these sentences per sec are not negative; they need not be banned. What we are referring here is to the excessive and improper usage of these commonly used statements that can harm your image. It is not possible; it can’t be done: For some, this statement is at the tip of their tongue. It surfaces during the meetings internally or with the clients; the moment something is asked of such people, the instinctive reply will be “not possible”. One must note that others ask for help because they need it or it is of some value to them. How better it would be if one spends more time understanding what others want and striving towards making it happen? In the process, one can use all the functional or domain expertise to come with ideas of making it work. After a sincere attempt, it may be OK if one were to go back and announce that it is not possible. Be mindful of your language. Let your spoken and written word communicate a positive and can-do attitude That doesn’t work here: During the discussions with colleagues or team members, one gets to hear many ideas. In such situations, for some, the programmed response is “Oh, it doesn’t work here”. Such sharp responses will not only create negativity in the meeting atmosphere but also create relationship issues. Instead, how would it be if you acknowledge idea and seek clarity if needed? Your conversation will help in sharpening the idea and also encourages the other person. There is a problem: Often we come across people who approach seniors or bosses and say, “We have a problem”. The tone will be such that “I have informed you of the problem and my job is over”. Imagine how you would be perceived among all your colleagues or bosses if you keep highlighting problems on a daily basis. Instead, it will be a more professional and positive approach if you were to go with possible solutions. Of course, in case you have run out of ideas to solve the problems, you can always ask of help. The question is: what do you do more often? Highlighting problems or coming up with solutions as well? He has attitudinal issue: When someone asks why you could not get some work done from others, the often-heard statement is: “he doesn’t cooperate; he has some attitudinal problem”. If you are stating this several times, do you think the problem is in others or in your attitude? How come so many people do not behave or cooperate with you properly? It sounds easy to place the blame on others; but in the process, one could damage self-image seriously! Watch out! I don’t know; I can’t do this: Some may think it is safe to be ignorant. It may work occasionally. When you wanted to escape or avoid taking some responsibility, you may say, “I have not done this before; so, I can’t do this”. What happens if you adopt ‘ignorance is bliss’ kind of philosophy? It will surely slow down your growth and people will not approach you for anything new. It is therefore important to realize that “I don’t know” attitude can offer some safe zone for some time, but in the long run it is sinking sand! Be honest; reflect on your daily conversations; spot if you are using any of these sentences too often; be mindful of your language; let your spoken and written word communicate a positive and can-do attitude! Do not let these statements harm your image. This article was published in: HR Mirror Hans India

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