Employees, You Have the Power - Take it!
Who really wants to be told what to do? Many of us grumble about being “micromanaged”, “dictated to”, “preached at” and simply “bossed around” but we don’t do much about it. If we want to be given responsibility, we need to TAKE responsibility for ourselves. There are a great number of articles and blogs out there to help managers and leaders learn how to motivate and inspire their “team” but ultimately the ones who have the power to make this happen are you, the team members!
So, here’s how to take control (sorry, it’s not sugar coated):
1. Assess your value. Time spent at a desk is not equal to dedication. It’s about what you bring. What value are you adding besides the “honor of your presence”? Remember, quality is worth more than quantity.
2. Take action. Often we are afraid of taking action or making a decision because we will be held accountable for the outcomes. But who do you think is more admired? The risk-taker or the side-line sitter?
3. Ask questions. It may seem easier to just do nothing when we are not clear on what's expected rather than ask for more information or guidance. Doing that will result in nothing getting done, which will do nothing for your reputation.
4. Embrace your importance. Remember that no company succeeds with only "managers". It’s kind of like a team of coaches trying to win a tournament without players; not usually successful. Know that everything you do has an impact on the success of the business.
5. Be objective. Just like in a family, it's easy to let feelings get in the way. If management does something that upsets you, chances are they did not intentionally set out to spite you. Most often when management makes a move, it is with a positive outcome in mind. Ultimately their aim is to grow their company, which can only mean good things for those who are loyal employees.
6. Do the overtime. Many companies have a busy season when everyone feels like there is too much work and too few workers. But the reality is that if more hiring happens during those times, lay-offs are inevitable. And at lay-off time, it just may be the ones who spend time criticizing rather than digging in that get the slip.
7. Be grateful. Moment of truth; beyond your paycheque, your company does not “owe you” anything. That’s the agreement: you work, they pay. It is a tough job market out there and it is now easier for companies to find a replacement for you then for you to find a new employer. Doesn’t mean you So be glad you have a job.
8. Have fun. Really, employers don't want a team of miserable people. Sure there are times you need to be focused and professional but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun in between. In fact, the happier people are, the more productive they are.
9. Provide suggestions. Sure we all have complaints. But simply complaining doesn’t change anything. Go ahead and lodge your complaints, but have some reasonable solutions to present alongside. Managers are not opposed to change, sometimes they just don’t realize change is needed.
10. Be proud. Honestly, if you are not proud of where you work, why are you working there? Even if there are things you don’t like, there has to be some good keeping you there, focus on the good.
2. Take action. Often we are afraid of taking action or making a decision because we will be held accountable for the outcomes. But who do you think is more admired? The risk-taker or the side-line sitter?
3. Ask questions. It may seem easier to just do nothing when we are not clear on what's expected rather than ask for more information or guidance. Doing that will result in nothing getting done, which will do nothing for your reputation.
4. Embrace your importance. Remember that no company succeeds with only "managers". It’s kind of like a team of coaches trying to win a tournament without players; not usually successful. Know that everything you do has an impact on the success of the business.
5. Be objective. Just like in a family, it's easy to let feelings get in the way. If management does something that upsets you, chances are they did not intentionally set out to spite you. Most often when management makes a move, it is with a positive outcome in mind. Ultimately their aim is to grow their company, which can only mean good things for those who are loyal employees.
6. Do the overtime. Many companies have a busy season when everyone feels like there is too much work and too few workers. But the reality is that if more hiring happens during those times, lay-offs are inevitable. And at lay-off time, it just may be the ones who spend time criticizing rather than digging in that get the slip.
7. Be grateful. Moment of truth; beyond your paycheque, your company does not “owe you” anything. That’s the agreement: you work, they pay. It is a tough job market out there and it is now easier for companies to find a replacement for you then for you to find a new employer. Doesn’t mean you So be glad you have a job.
8. Have fun. Really, employers don't want a team of miserable people. Sure there are times you need to be focused and professional but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun in between. In fact, the happier people are, the more productive they are.
9. Provide suggestions. Sure we all have complaints. But simply complaining doesn’t change anything. Go ahead and lodge your complaints, but have some reasonable solutions to present alongside. Managers are not opposed to change, sometimes they just don’t realize change is needed.
10. Be proud. Honestly, if you are not proud of where you work, why are you working there? Even if there are things you don’t like, there has to be some good keeping you there, focus on the good.
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