| Written by Jennifer Burger, on 20-08-2007 11:38 |
Five People to Know in the Workplace
Knowing the right people is half the battle, especially at work. Let us clue you in on which five people to cozy up to in the office.
For many women, work earns us a living as much as it defines our selves
and shapes our lives. It can be a source of fervent pride and intense
stress. Smart women know that by partnering with others, we can
accomplish more in our careers. Whether your workplace is an office, a
school, a medical facility or your living room – these are the five
people you need to know.
1. Administrative Staff – In many offices, the hub for all
people and tasks is the receptionist or administrative assistant.
He/she can be a source of time-saving help and insider knowledge. A
good relationship with a key administrator can get you on the boss’
calendar, ensure your UPS packages are out on time and help you tackle
the nitty gritty of important projects. Moreover, the receptionist can
be a valuable “gatekeeper” to screen your calls. As central
communicators in the office, administrators plan important meetings and
prepare for departmental changes , and they can pass along these
insider tips to you. Not that we’re condoning office gossip, but
keeping your ear to the ground can result in opportunities to advance
your career!
2. Mentor/Mentee - The stress of going it alone in your
career can lead to burnout. Recent college graduates, those who are
recently promoted and women who have changed careers should consider
finding a mentor. The advice and guidance of a seasoned professional
can enhance your experience – and keep you from feeling like you’re
losing your mind! An accomplished woman who serves as a mentor will
find that she also learns a great deal from the relationship. Not only
does she increase her confidence by sharing what she has garnered in
her career, but her perspective on technology, on her industry, and
even on her relationships with colleagues can be expanded by the
influence of a fresh mindset.
3. Tech Guru – When your technical gadgets stop working, your
productivity can come to a grinding halt. You need them fixed now, but
you find yourself at the bottom of the IT department’s “To Do” list.
Whether your technical support is in-house or through a vendor, take
the time to develop a personal relationship with your Mr. or Ms.
Fix-It. Not only will his response time to your S.O.S. dramatically
increase, he can teach you many tips to avoid the problem in the
future, or how to repair it yourself.
4. Food Service – Some of the most overlooked VIPs in the
workplace can be found working in the company food service department.
These folks work hard behind the scenes and are often ignored by their
co-workers. To have a partner in cahoots with you at the cafeteria may
mean the difference between getting a bowl of your favorite soup and
being left with the mystery casserole. Go ahead and swap stories about
children, pets, hobbies and great shoe sales. Not only will the social
contact brighten your day, but he or she just may save you the last
slice of chocolate cake!
5. Best Work Buddy – According to a 2004 Gallup poll, employees
who have a best “work” friend are much happier and more productive in
their jobs. They are able to work through stress and problems in a much
healthier way. Just because we want to look like we’re completely in
control at work doesn’t mean we have to put our emotional needs
completely aside. A confidant in the workplace can help us deal with
the emotional highs and lows of our professional and private lives ...
so that we don’t have to sob in a bathroom stall and hope no one
recognizes our shoes! If you are self-employed or having a friend at
work is simply not an option, develop a relationship with a colleague
in a similar industry. She can be a sounding board for your ideas and
can also offer realistic advice.
It’s important to develop relationships at work that help you excel in
your job. Remember: everyone has an important role in making a
workplace successful and should be treated with respect. Value their
contributions and show them the genuine appreciation they deserve, and
you will be treated the same way.
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