How to Handle It When You Are Asked to Do More
Today companies and employees are adapting to doing more with less. In the midst of continuing economic uncertainty, companies are trying to find ways to control costs while sustaining competitive position. This pressure is acutely felt by employees who may have greater responsibility with fewer resources. So, what do you do when you are asked to take on even more work? With so many in the U.S. still struggling with unemployment, you are thankful to just be working. Do you remain silent and find a way to juggle it all? This question was the subject of an article by Beth Braccio Hering at The Office Professional.
The economy and job market may have changed, but there remains a need for communication in the workplace. At work, as in any human relationship communication is the key to developing acceptable boundaries and agreeing upon mutually acceptable outcomes. When your plate is full and you’re asked to do more, a conversation with management can eliminate stress and frustration. Communicate your willingness to pitch in but your dilemma with your current work load. Ask if they can change priority on your regular responsibilities to allow you to help. Clearly outline your current priorities and the time requirement. Be clear about deadlines. Work with management to establish a clear plan for accomplishing tasks and the priority assigned to each.
A quick 20 minute conversation will prevent overwhelm and keep you and your career on the fast track.
Using Influence Skills in Career Development
When you have a clear understanding of what you bring to an organization, you become an empowered individual who uses today’s projects to build tomorrow’s skills. Using the influence model in career development will give you an extra, powerful tool to achieve your career objectives. Continue reading
4 Tips for Influencing Teams
“Effective influencers have a good set of communication behaviors and know how and when to use them. They strategize which to use based on their assessment and the result they want. They are flexible in developing an approach and responding in the moment.” —- 20 minutes to a Top Performer – by Alan Vengel.
As an influencer, you assert your needs and make specific suggestions to others about how they can meet your needs. Influence is not manipulation. These behaviors should not be exercised aggressively, or else the team or group you’re seeking to influence may resist or withdraw. Below are four specific do’s of effective group influence. Continue reading
The Art of Influence
Harvard Management Communication Letter
A Newsletter from Harvard Business School Publishing Tools, Techniques, & Ideas for the Articulate Executive; Vol. 4, NO. 9 September 2001 Continue reading
3 Steps of Career Development
When you have a clear understanding of what you bring to an organization, you become an empowered individual who uses today’s projects to build tomorrow’s skills. In today’s work place career development skills are as essential as your knowledge and ability to to do the job. Professionals in today’s market place must set their own career objectives and actively manage outcomes. Continue reading
The HR Professional: Gaining The Influence Edge®
Ever get the feeling that when line mangers hear someone from HR is coming to see them about something, they immediately start grousing? You can just hear them: ” What does HR want now? They are just going to get in my way, and tell me I have to do this or that.” Continue reading