New Workplace Realities Part Two

By Joyce Weiss February 11, 2011

If you don’t change with the times, then the times will change without you. And that means you could be out of a job fast, with few prospects for new opportunities. The fact is that today’s business landscape is changing more rapidly than it ever has. The rules of yesterday no longer apply, and many people are finding it tough to adapt.

In part 1 of this article series we looked at 4 new workplace realities that you need to adopt. In part 2 we’ll examine 4 more realities that will help you make the most of your workday so you can be on top of the changes as they occur.

• Hold yourself accountable for outcomes.
  You must adopt the mindset that you and you alone are responsible for your outcomes. Even if other people help with a project, tell yourself that the project’s success or failure rests on your shoulders. This is not meant to cause undo stress on you; it’s simply to cement in your mind the idea that you are accountable for whatever transpires. So ask yourself, “What am I doing to show that I am accountable?” and “How are my outcomes measured?”
   
• Add value.
  You have to go above and beyond the normal in order to stand out. While this is not a new concept, it is more important than ever to abide by it. Therefore, think about ways that you can add value to your current role. And remember that added value does not mean putting in more hours or even doing more work. Sometimes it’s about sharing your expertise with co-workers, connecting key people together, or just doing some self-improvement work that can reflect in your job. So ask yourself, “Why should the company keep me?”
   
• Manage your own morale.
  Only you can dictate how happy or unhappy you are at work. Regardless of what’s going on around you – the economy, your co-workers, industry changes, etc. – it’s up to you to decide how you’re going to respond to those external factors. You can either respond in a positive or negative manner, and both outcomes are entirely in your control. Always remember that it’s not management’s job to deal with individual morale issues. So ask yourself, “What am I doing to increase morale?”
   
• Stay positive during constant chaos.
  The reality is that it’s tough to stay positive amidst constant chaos, but it’s something you must do. Often within chaos lie the seeds of endless opportunities. Think about it…how many times have heard that after someone experienced something devastating, something positive came from it? Getting that dream job after being downsized…finding true love after getting a divorce…starting a profitable online business after closing a traditional store…these are just a few examples. Look at every situation as a learning experience, and ask yourself, “What opportunities have come from change?”
  

The more you adapt your thinking and work style to today’s reality, the happier and more successful you’ll be in all areas of your life.

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