Tom Musbach's tips
* Take on challenges outside your job description. It's always a good idea to demonstrate that you are the type of person who can be counted on when things are tough. When addressing challenges, be solution-oriented. Bosses love to be presented with solutions rather than complaints about problems at work.
* Adjust your work style and communication efforts to better mirror those of your boss. Also, ask questions if you are unsure about what the boss or a coworker is saying, as we often have different meanings for certain words or concepts.
* Don't be stingy with compliments, especially with teammates. Let coworkers know when you think they did a good job, or acknowledge their accomplishments publicly in meetings. Who doesn't love genuine compliments?
* Check in with your boss frequently. Make sure you are on the same page about your performance goals. Also, try to make his or her job easier by learning about their performance goals.
* Reach out. Have lunch with colleagues from different part of the company, or take coffee breaks with some coworkers. Be intentional about these sorts of relationship-building activities, perhaps making it a goal each week.
* Maintain your poise during challenging times. Rolling your eyes or complaining about your job can hurt your effectiveness in the eyes of coworkers or bosses. Negativity is contagious and discouraging, and it could be a factor if you boss has to make a tough decision about making cuts to the team.
About Tom Musbach, Careers Expert and Columnist, Yahoo! HotJobs
Tom Musbach is a career expert and managing editor for Yahoo! HotJobs, where he directs the creation and production of editorial content focused on a wide range of employment topics, from resume and interview tips to salary negotiation and management issues. Through Tom's extensive background, he can also offer insights into the current employment landscape and hiring trends. Tom excels in sharing advice with individuals looking to find exciting new opportunities and to those interested in proactively managing and advancing their current careers. He earned an MFA in creative writing from the University of San Francisco and a BA in English from Yale University.
For more information, visit hotjobs.yahoo.com
