Seven deadly sins at the workplace
Posted on February 29, 2008
Filed Under Career, Personal development |
You have survived the last downsizing, but working this way is worse than you thought. Your morale is low and you are tired of doing the work of the people who have left. Every day is a new struggle to overcome the seven deadly workplace sins. And if you are trapped in your job, there’s no easy way out. It is as the Eagles sang, `You can check out any time you like but you can never leave.’Feeling trapped at work is not a new feeling for anybody. But there are positive and practical ways of overcoming the problem.
Sloth: Idleness can take many forms at a workplace. First of all make a list of not-to- do things. You can skip reading reports which no body has time for and also meetings where your presence is merely nominal.
Wrath: It is perfectly all right and normal to get angry at work. Ask yourself who is to blame for this negative emotion. You may have unconsciously contributed to that feeling yourself. Know your triggers so that you are aware what heralds the onset of this feeling. Also remember to direct your anger not at a person but at an issue
Vanity: With everyone whining it will be difficult to get yourself heard. Who wants to forgo the pleasure of whining about workplace wounds? However, accept the fact that sometimes your whining may not get you the wanted results. Be aware of all the areas/places where you don’t have an influence. And don’t think that you are God’s gift to the organisation: you aren’t!
Gluttony: Fight obsolescence. Enough cannot be said about investing in new skills and upgrading them frequently. Be a glutton as far as new learning is concerned. But, don’t hog the limelight and give credit where it is due
Envy: With the workplaces changing dramatically it is important to get regular feedback on your performance. Ask your superior whether he is happy with your work and what, if anything is lacking in your performance. And do not covet what is not yours
Pride: Are you too proud to network? Can you remember the last time you networked at your workplace? It is not too late. Make time regularly to meet up with people and stay connected. Getting along with your supervisor may also be a recipe for good health. Be enthusiastic and available to anybody connected with work.
Lust: Does your workplace feel like a dysfunctional playground? Try changing your attitude and you may be pleasantly surprised at how all the dysfunctional areas actually become productive. Do not give in to your base urges by asking for more than you deserve, but if its lust for work that you feel, then go right ahead!
Eliminating common defective practices from workplace will go a long way in improving profits. What you sometimes need to do is not to work harder but smarter. It would be a fallacy to assume that the most dependable way to increase productivity is to put in more hours. Get it right and you wont have to struggle with a guilty conscience anymore!
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