Lesson three

A sense of style

Now that you are actually working, and have got the feel of things, let’s get to specifics.

One of the keys to success at work is your sense of style. The edge that a stylish woman has over a smart woman cannot be over emphasised. Style sans efficiency will get you nowhere. But efficiency coupled with style will take you places.

Dress for the job that you wish for. If your assignment is clerical but you would like to be an executive, dress like an executive. You’ll get there.

Winning contacts

You are who you know.

Careful! Name-dropping is not what we are talking about now.
It’s authentic connections.

Take the trouble of making more and more contacts wherever you go. Get to know the people your family and friends know. Be aware of who is who in your chosen field of work.

Attend meetings and parties whenever you get an opportunity. Make new friends and stay in touch with them.

Using people is not what this is about. It’s knowing the right people. A well-connected person is an asset to any organisation.

Shying away from gatherings, not bothering to file away business cards, forgetting names and faces …these are not what a person who wants to get ahead would do. So don’t do it.

Keeping time

You do want to march ahead. So, mark time; keep time…
and it’s not left-right; it’s right-right all the way.

You are expected to be punctual at work.
It’s not a favour you are doing anyone by 'getting there on time'.

Always try and arrive a few minutes ahead of time, settle down and start your work on time. Arriving 'on time', taking half an hour of 'personal time' and then starting off may sound very clever. It isn’t. It’s downright wrong. Never be guilty of that.

Punctuality deserves respect. Try it and you will be respected too.

Similarly, walking out on the dot    regardless of what is done or undone    is most unbecoming. Closure is important. Wrap up what you are on, think of the continuity for the next day and then leave.

Make sense of absence

Heard of the man who applied for sick leave to watch a match, just because he was entitled to it?

Absence from work should make sense. Use privileges carefully. You may be entitled to a certain number of days off. But do use your discretion in availing of these. Make sure your work doesn’t suffer. Or your colleagues inconvenienced.

In genuine situations however, do inform ahead of time and avail of your permissions to be absent. In emergency situations, call or have someone responsible call.

Plan long term vacations ahead of time, seek permission well ahead and organise your work accordingly.

Availing of leave is like using a free left turn at the traffic signals    It’s a free left turn, so are you entitled to run over someone who is in the way? Frequent absences from work will establish one major fact… you are not indispensable. You can be replaced.