Once in the workforce 8-10 years you've experienced various situations, cultures and personalities. This is when those those longer term
Performance
Performance is more than having technical skills to solve a problem. Traits and attributes such as communication, networking, corporate politics and ability to apply constructive feedback are important to the ultimate performance ranking. The aspect probably most overlooked is the ability to attain the right mentor to provide you timely insight into the dynamics of work performance and your own skill set. Lesson learned:
A business mentor can be extremely beneficial when navigating your way through new territories and circumstances and climbing the corporate ladder.
Communication
Communication methods are changing and evolving. Advancements in
In the "old days" communication meant face-to-face meetings or formal memos. Now, a great deal of daily business is conducted via email. Some see email as the evil of all communication. It allows for speed of transmission of a message but can create an atmosphere of mid-understanding or lack of accountability. Professionals sometimes use the tool very liberally and find out later the message sent was interpreted differently than intended. Lesson learned:
Face-to-face communication is still the most effective process for important and sensitive issues. Remember, you can't read body language and facial expressions through email.
Teamwork
Universities are utilizing teaming concepts within curriculum assignments. In school the team is working towards a joint goal of a grade. In the workforce, the team may have a shared goal but there are underlying dynamics which may create political sensitivities. Lesson learned:
Teamwork can be perceived and viewed differently dependent upon project outcome, organizational culture, structure and team make-up. Don't assume the "we have your back" approach. You are accountable for your own actions as a team member.
Key learning
There are many dynamics of the workplace. Listen, observe and learn how those dynamics impact your overall performance outcome. Just because you made the honor roll in school does not guarantee future success. The workplace is a continual learning environment....it is important to treat is as such.
By Lynn Fountain, CGMA, CRMA, MBA