In a previous post I asked, As a CAD User, What Are Your Issues? Several of you expressed a lack of respect, or understanding as to what you bring to your firm with your skill set as a CAD User. I have experienced this as well as the opposite. It is much more appealing to be treated with respect and to be viewed as a valuable employee. Respect is easy to deal with. But how do we, as CAD users, meaning non-licensed professionals, deal with supervisors that don’t appreciate what we do?
This question is asked by every employee in every industry. Here are some general guidelines to help you build your reputation at work in a positive way.
Speak to your boss frequently. BUT don’t be annoying! And don’t talk so much that your boss feels you talk more than you work! Balance. Discuss your boss’s expectations of your work and make every effort to reach them, at a minimum.
Seek a mentor. Somebody at your firm has probably worked there longer than you have. Glean from their experience.
Ask for Advice and take their criticism. Nobody knows everything, no not even me. Don’t act like you do. You don’t know what you don’t know. When given instruction, follow it. I the given instructions cannot be done, explain that in a positive way. Demonstrate the issues that make the request unable to be accomplished. These actions will help to build a relationship with you and your boss in a positive manner. If you take instruction then your boss will feel you can be trusted and will give you more.
Demonstrate Leadership Qualities. Be proactive, confident and assertive. Do not be aggressive or arrogant. Be brave. If you are unwilling to make an attempt, you could be labeled as timid and will not be respected. Look for ways that you can improve.
Exceed your boss’s expectations. Remember that your job is not your job, or at least not all of it. When asked to do a task that needs done but nobody wants to do, do it. But don’t be taken advantage of. Take on more responsibility when the opportunity arises, even if your pay does not increase. Think outside of the box (even if you work in a cubicle.) Look for ways to increase your skill set. Volunteer to assist a different department. This will make you more valuable to your employer.
You are a professional, act like one. Remember that you are at work, not a friend’s house, and not your house. Keep your workspace neat and organized. Keep the pets and toys at home. Dress accordingly and speak like a professional.
I am sure that most of you are doing these things and more. What other tips do you have that have worked for you?
This question is asked by every employee in every industry. Here are some general guidelines to help you build your reputation at work in a positive way.
Speak to your boss frequently. BUT don’t be annoying! And don’t talk so much that your boss feels you talk more than you work! Balance. Discuss your boss’s expectations of your work and make every effort to reach them, at a minimum.
Seek a mentor. Somebody at your firm has probably worked there longer than you have. Glean from their experience.
Ask for Advice and take their criticism. Nobody knows everything, no not even me. Don’t act like you do. You don’t know what you don’t know. When given instruction, follow it. I the given instructions cannot be done, explain that in a positive way. Demonstrate the issues that make the request unable to be accomplished. These actions will help to build a relationship with you and your boss in a positive manner. If you take instruction then your boss will feel you can be trusted and will give you more.
Demonstrate Leadership Qualities. Be proactive, confident and assertive. Do not be aggressive or arrogant. Be brave. If you are unwilling to make an attempt, you could be labeled as timid and will not be respected. Look for ways that you can improve.
Exceed your boss’s expectations. Remember that your job is not your job, or at least not all of it. When asked to do a task that needs done but nobody wants to do, do it. But don’t be taken advantage of. Take on more responsibility when the opportunity arises, even if your pay does not increase. Think outside of the box (even if you work in a cubicle.) Look for ways to increase your skill set. Volunteer to assist a different department. This will make you more valuable to your employer.
You are a professional, act like one. Remember that you are at work, not a friend’s house, and not your house. Keep your workspace neat and organized. Keep the pets and toys at home. Dress accordingly and speak like a professional.
I am sure that most of you are doing these things and more. What other tips do you have that have worked for you?
