OFFICE TALK
Jan 13, 2009
IF you were not worried about how to find a job in 2008, you were probably obsessed with how to keep the one you have.
EXPAND YOUR JOB HORIZONS IN 2009
By Fred Ouma
IF you were not worried about how to find a job in 2008, you were probably obsessed with how to keep the one you have.
The simple suggestions below are meant to generate new ideas, stimulate you to think and act in ways that will benefit both you and the world.
Raise the bar
Silvia Nandera, a human and management consultant with The Point, suggests expecting more and delivering more. “Speak up!†she says. “Dress up! Raise your own personal standards.†According to her, you should not settle for the status quo and do not accept mediocrity.
Get connected
Patrick Okee of Real Surveys, a workplace research firm, advises that you get out of the office. “Turn off your fond digital gadgets and spend quality time with people, face-to-face.â€
Live true to your values
What is really important to you? Are your actions and communication in line with your core values? According to experts, clarity of purpose and intention catapult individuals to the pinnacle of their success.
Mentor someone
What about reaching out to a student, a budding entrepreneur or a new employee and support their efforts any way you can. Sarah Namirembe of Career Services says: “They will never forget you!â€
Ask for help if need be
Choose an advisory board, get a mentor, work with a coach or hire a consultant. Experts say the most successful business people are surrounded by the best and brightest. Find them and bring them into your circle.
Take care of yourself
“Use it or lose it†is absolutely true. You cannot climb the mountain to your personal pinnacle if you are out of shape, so resolve to get healthy so you can enjoy the journey and ultimate destination.
Learn
Planet Lubowa, a career coach, suggests expanding your knowledge and skills by taking a class, getting a degree or simply reading up on topics of interest. “Every time you learn, you create new neural pathways in the brain,†he says. Not bad for just reading a book, isn’t it?
Get passionate
What if you got fired up about something – a cause, a project, a new business venture or a political issue. You could just banish that complacency in 2008.
Innovate
If you are stuck in the “we’ve always done it this way†mentality, experts suggest there is no better time to get out of the dilemma and change your thinking. So try something new, even if it is just a different route to work.
Assess your career
Finally, ask yourself the following questions: Do you love what you do? Would you do it for free? If you cannot wholeheartedly answer “yes,†perhaps it is time for a change.
By Fred Ouma
IF you were not worried about how to find a job in 2008, you were probably obsessed with how to keep the one you have.
The simple suggestions below are meant to generate new ideas, stimulate you to think and act in ways that will benefit both you and the world.
Raise the bar
Silvia Nandera, a human and management consultant with The Point, suggests expecting more and delivering more. “Speak up!†she says. “Dress up! Raise your own personal standards.†According to her, you should not settle for the status quo and do not accept mediocrity.
Get connected
Patrick Okee of Real Surveys, a workplace research firm, advises that you get out of the office. “Turn off your fond digital gadgets and spend quality time with people, face-to-face.â€
Live true to your values
What is really important to you? Are your actions and communication in line with your core values? According to experts, clarity of purpose and intention catapult individuals to the pinnacle of their success.
Mentor someone
What about reaching out to a student, a budding entrepreneur or a new employee and support their efforts any way you can. Sarah Namirembe of Career Services says: “They will never forget you!â€
Ask for help if need be
Choose an advisory board, get a mentor, work with a coach or hire a consultant. Experts say the most successful business people are surrounded by the best and brightest. Find them and bring them into your circle.
Take care of yourself
“Use it or lose it†is absolutely true. You cannot climb the mountain to your personal pinnacle if you are out of shape, so resolve to get healthy so you can enjoy the journey and ultimate destination.
Learn
Planet Lubowa, a career coach, suggests expanding your knowledge and skills by taking a class, getting a degree or simply reading up on topics of interest. “Every time you learn, you create new neural pathways in the brain,†he says. Not bad for just reading a book, isn’t it?
Get passionate
What if you got fired up about something – a cause, a project, a new business venture or a political issue. You could just banish that complacency in 2008.
Innovate
If you are stuck in the “we’ve always done it this way†mentality, experts suggest there is no better time to get out of the dilemma and change your thinking. So try something new, even if it is just a different route to work.
Assess your career
Finally, ask yourself the following questions: Do you love what you do? Would you do it for free? If you cannot wholeheartedly answer “yes,†perhaps it is time for a change.