Don't Be That Guy (or Girl)
You've read those books about working in perfect harmony with that
insufferable coworker down the hall. But what if
you're the
insufferable coworker? In the forthcoming
You Want Me to Work
with Who? ($14, Penguin), Julie Jansen gives plenty of advice
about stroking egos and confronting blabbermouths. But she also
pulls the veil off her readers' own foibles. Never fear: Foibles
can be overcome. - Tracy Staton
Too Nosy? Think about questions before you ask them. Then
the words So, how much did you have to give your ex in the divorce
settlement? might never pass your lips.
Too Aloof? Point your heart in the direction of every person
you meet. Seriously. It gives you a "warm and approachable"
demeanor.
Too Serious? Watch a coworker you consider funny and take
notes (preferably without that person noticing, or you'll have an
entirely new problem). Do this for two weeks. Then imitate.
Too Conventional? If your creativity is hibernating, wake it
up by taking a hike in the woods, going
scuba diving, even
scheduling a brainstorming date with friends.
Too Negative? If something bad happens, try procrastinating.
Don't pass judgment on the news until you've had time to think
about the silver lining.
Too Clueless? If you're lacking in the self-awareness
department, get yourself lost. Literally. Then try to find your way
back. You'll observe yourself anew.
Survey Says:
More, More, More,
The placement firm Ajilon surveyed 500 hiring managers across the
United States about salary and career trends. Here's what they
found. - T.S.
61%-expect their jobs to get bigger over the next 12 months.
54%-say finding experienced staff is their biggest challenge.
39%-say training, recruiting, and hiring are their top
priorities.
True or False
It's all about the salary: Money is by far the most important
factor to people considering a new job offer.
False: Twenty-five percent said money comes first, but 22 percent
said lifestyle and the work/life balance are the deciding
factor.
Sales is the field to plumb if you want to make lots of money.
False: Human resources directors now make as much or more - up
to $17,000 more - than sales managers.
To get an exact salary benchmark for your job, in your region, at
the same-size company, visit
www.ajilon.com.
Still Chewing on Their Feet
You say something stupid at a party and have to avoid a coworker
for a few days. You're not alone. These people said something
stupid and paid - big. Try not to follow in their footsteps. -
T.S.
"People say, 'How can you sell this for such a low price?' I say,
'Because it's total ****.' "
Gerald Ratner, CEO of huge U.K. chain Ratner's Jewellry.
People stopped buying, he got forced out, and the company changed
its name to Signet.
"What a couple of flat tiresthey turned out to be."
U.S. Representative
Jo Byrns, after meeting King George VI
and Queen Elizabeth of England. He wasn't reelected.
"As opposed to … wasting time in a pickup truck? When you have to
drive 20 miles to buy a gingham dress or a Sears Roebuck suit? This
rural
America thing - I'm telling you, it's a joke."
Former New York City mayor
Ed Koch's response to a question
about the long waits New Yorkers face when subways are late.
Funnily enough, he lost his bid for governor the next year.
“Follow me around. I don’t care. I’m serious. If anybody wants to put a tail on me, go ahead. They’d be very bored.”
Former
Colorado senator
Gary Hart, to the
New York Times, on allegations of infidelity in his marriage. Unfortunately, the
Miami Herald had already been tailing Hart and had pictures of him with a woman other than his wife. The
Miami Herald story broke the same day as
the Times article. A week later, Hart pulled out of the Democratic presidential race.
For more lessons on what not to say, pick up a copy of
A Slip of the Tongue: Offhand Remarks that Derailed High-Powered Careers by Joel Fram and Sandra Salmans ($9, Running Press).