10 Workplace Tips - From Our DOGS!!

Okay, sounds absurd? We've seen articles about things our dogs teach us that we never seem to take notice of. Having read through them, I assure you, those lessons reflect on the workplace as well. These are some of the lessons you might learn:

* When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
Choose your battles. Some discussions at work can be time wasters. If the decision came from the top, it is in your best interest to follow.

* Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
Learn to set your boundaries with peers, supervisors and yes, even clients.

* Run, romp and play daily.
All work and no play...blah...blah...blah...you know the drill.

* Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
Voice out complaints and criticisms, but only if they can produce positive results. If all it'll create are hurt and pain, keep the lid on it.

* When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Appreciate the good in your workplace. Celebrate the achievements, no matter how small. If it was your achievement, savor the triumph.

* No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
Things won't always be fine and dandy. Errors are made, emotions may sometimes run high. Deal with it, stay friends and move on. Never never burn your bridges.

* Be loyal.
Love the organization you work for. What the heck are you there for?

* Never pretend to be something you’re not.
Be yourself. Know your limitations and admit to them. Then, do something about those limitations - take courses, get a mentor, read up on it.

* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
Be persistent.

* When someone is having a bad day be silent, sit close by… and nuzzle them gently.
Do not be quick to judge. Be tolerant of your co-workers. You do not know what they are going through.

We learn from everyone and everything. Every single thing in this world is here for a reason.

By the way, that is my baby doggy on the picture. :-)

A Shrinking Violet??

Are you a shy person? Do you tend to be a shrinking violet and prefer to be mum most of the time? How can an introvert show his value in a work environment where extroverts are viewed as the 'better-performing' employees?

There are the 'introverts', and there are the 'assertive introverts'. Assertive introverts may not have the power of glib and the engaging persona that extroverts seem to project, but they are equated with being thorough and deliberate.

Now then, how can you make sure that you become an assertive introvert and get 'recognized' in the workplace? Here are some tips:

1. Determine the setting where you are more at ease with and utilize it often. An example is if you prefer small meetings rather than large group presentations, then aim to achieve your specific goal in such settings.

2. Inform your supervisor and peers what your 'style' is. If you tend to not talk too much in meetings because your style is to digest everything being discussed first before reacting at a later time, if you prefer to mull things over and think things through on an in-depth basis before providing a response or making a decision, then let it be known.

3. Take charge of how your peers and supervisors perceive you. Describe who you are, why you are how you are, and stand by who you are. Prove to the rest that your being quiet does not mean that you are dis-engaged, but rather that you are being deliberate.

4. What 'pseudo-extrovert' activities are you most comfortable in? Playing basketball? Then join a work team! Fund-raising activities? Then volunteer for your organization's United Way committee! Show this side of yourself more often.

Always keep in mind....being an introvert does not make you a less effective employee.