If you are really planning to build a career, whether with a single employer for a long period of time or several employers over a lifetime, the steps you take and the decisions you make during the first few months or years of your first job will have long-term effects on your career success. If your decisions are positive and productive, the benefits to you will reach far into the future. Unfortunately, the negative ones can reach just as far. When you move on to another company or up in the same company, your early decisions will follow you. They are in your record, on your resume, and in the impressions you leave with everyone who meets you. How can you make the impact positive?
- Look for a Mentor. This is not something to rush. It takes some time and some astute observations to find a mentor who can help your career. You are looking for someone who knows the system and who is willing to share that information with you. However, keep in mind that any relationship needs to be reciprocal. Your contribution can be a sincere interest in learning and demonstrations that you are applying your new knowledge to your performance on the job. A little flattery, as long as it’s not overdone, is another way to hold up your side of the relationship.
- Develop relationships. In general, treat every encounter with others in your company as an opportunity to make a good impression. Remember names and use them whenever you can. There is also the old standby – good manners. Perhaps I’m showing my age when I say that I remember fondly the days when “thank you” letters (not emails) were common, table manners were practiced and even studied, and good service was appreciated and recognized. If you practice simple courtesies like letting others finish their sentences, holding doors for people behind you, thanking people for helping you and smiling at people when you greet them each day, not only will you improve your position in the company, you will begin building relationships that will last throughout your career.
- Do not burn your bridges. This one can be difficult. This means that no matter how badly you want to tell someone off, not matter how unfairly you think you were treated and no matter how stupidly someone else has behaved, you may just have to bite your tongue – forever. Sadly, this means that even as you are walking out the door on the last day of your job – a job from which you were unfairly dismissed – you do not get to tell everyone what you think of them or the company. You also cannot vent your anger at your next job. Why? First, because it will almost always reflect badly on you. People cannot help but wonder what you might have done to contribute to the problem, since they were not witnesses and since they know they are hearing only your version of the story. Second, future employers who check your references will be contacting your former employers. An angry departure will only hurt you. A professional, courteous departure at least has the potential of helping you. We all know there are exceptions to this rule in cases of discrimination, sexual harassment or other illegal activities. However, in most cases problems on the job are more likely to be little more than personality conflicts. For those, you can write your angry thoughts to yourself in a letter, read it and then tear it up.
- Pick (and plan) your battles. At times you will find yourself at odds with someone else in the company – over procedures, handling of problems, promotions, or any number of other issues. Knowing when and how often to fight for your position is tricky. You do not want to err on the side of excess in either direction. If you hold your ground on every issue, no one will want to work with you and you could become known as the company trouble-maker. Conversely, if you cave in on every issue, you will not be able to gain respect as someone capable of making independent decisions and therefore capable of leading others. When you pick a battle to fight, know the facts, consider all angles of your argument and have confidence in your position. You should also be prepared to consider reasonable compromises. And if you happen to lose the argument or fail to make your opinion accepted, do so with professionalism and dignity. The same is true if you win.
If you have ten or more years’ experience working for a company or even working for yourself, you probably have some advice of your own on this topic. I hope you will consider sharing some of that wisdom here.
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