This isn’t going to be about buying the latest fashion trend, wearing makeup or “managing up” disguised as brown nosing. Forget those outdated tips about firm handshakes, that went out the door when COVID had us fist pumping and standing 6 ft apart.
Let’s dive in.
1. Mind Your Business
My mom always said to me, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". In the workplace, gossip spreads faster than a viral cat video. What to do? Stay in your lane!
Imagine this: Your coworker Janet is ranting about the new person, the annoying coffee machine or anything else unrelated to work. Instead of joining in, try this technique:
Say you need to head to the restroom
Say you have a deadline you’re working towards and need to get back to work
Mention prep for an upcoming meeting
These are fail proof.
2. Be Kind
Did you know that being kind actually increases serotonin and immunity for everyone involved? It's like a workplace pandemic, but the good kind!
Try this: offer to help a coworker in anyway. At one of my favorite companies Fletcher Knight , I was super impressed when the intern didn’t know what to do but would always start the day asking the team “How can I help?
Just remember, don't overextend yourself. We're aiming for "helpful colleague," not "office doormat."
I love this article from the Harvard Business Review on kindness at work.
3. Set Boundaries
I no longer use work-life balance which, to me, implies something is up and something is down. I now use work-life harmony where what I do in and outside of work cohesively flows together. I’ve felt an unmatched internal peace. The biggest component of this is setting the right boundaries. It's actually essential for long-term success and happiness!
Take breaks, leave on time, and—focus on being in the moment, enjoying your time at work and outside of work to the fullest.
Remember, a well-rested you is like a supercharged, productivity-boosting machine. Plus, people respect you more when you respect yourself.
4. Be Reliable - Do What You Say
This has been more and more important to me over the years. I require the people in my life to have their words match their actions, along with myself. There is sometimes a false sense of urgency that exists but you need to gauge, ask questions and understand when something needs to get done without procrastination and delay.
If I volunteer to do something or someone asks me to do something, I don’t expect them to have to follow up with me again on it. I provide proactive updates as necessary. I asked about deadline needs and ensure it gets done. If I hold others to a words match actions standard, I will do my best to strive towards this as well.
Consistent follow through is important. If something changes and you can't deliver? Communicate early. That’s it.
5. Stay Calm Under Pressure
In my first full time role, there was a lot of chaos, deadlines, high security and a lot of money at stake. I had to constantly reach out to stakeholders internally and externally every day. My manager would comment how calm under pressure I was. Maybe was the years of dealing with a wide range of personalities haha but that job was a piece of cake as far as navigating the daily chaos and pushing everyone towards an end goal by end of day. Curling up in a ball isn’t going to help anyone. Just tackle hard things head on and pull in support as you need them. A clear head can get much more done.
Your colleagues may be in awe of your zen-like composure and then come to you when things start to go sideways.
6. Take Ownership of yourself
Own your work. Noone is there to think for you or do your work for you. We can all agree the most annoying thing is having someone who is not your boss delegate work to you that is obviously not your work.
Showcase your integrity and problem-solving skills.
7. Be Humble
Let your work speak for itself. My mom always says “self recommendation is no praise”. Don’t be a silent achiever, but have a trusted group of sponsors and mentors that consistently elevate and speak about your work. If you’re good, you don’t need to constantly flex your accomplishments.
8. Keep a Growth Mindset
You don't know everything and we’re all on the journey of life. One of the things I hate the most in people and what I’ve tried to stop in myself is stubbornness and pride. There’s so much out there in the world. The smartest people have the ability to change their minds once new information is presented to them.
Be the person who says, "I don't know, but I’ll find out!". This is how I got the nickname, “Team encyclopedia” because through these actions, I got to know my team and the inner workings of other teams thoroughly.
Looking good at work isn't about power poses or strategic hair flips. It's about minding your own business, spreading kindness like a workplace flu, and setting boundaries like you’ve never set them before.
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With love,
Sasha Mack