It’s no secret that effective workplaces produce quality services and products and satisfaction, while bad ones produce waste and frustration. To help make your workplace a work in progress, here are 15 observation-based tips.
- Work with the clock. The goal is not to get to the end of the workday. It is to accomplish something before that time comes.
- Lead by example or inspiration. Leave intimidation to playground bullies and other contemptibles.
- Respond to all legit emails with at minimum Got it or Thanks. This simple courtesy buys you time and gratitude.
- Do not allow collaboration to become an excuse for no one assuming responsibility or being held accountable.
- Groupthink isn’t always best. Creativity by committee makes as much sense as team chess.
- Never confuse the most vocal person in a meeting as the majority.
- Sycophants stunt progress — and are liars or imbeciles or both.
- Remember, no one is indispensible. Things will carry on without you, maybe differently and not as well, but they will continue.
- No matter what a departing employee says about being available to help with the transition, don’t count on it. This happening is about as likely as exes remaining good friends.
- Retain a private consultant to solve HR problems? Why not also get a cow to breastfeed your baby?
- You flesh out a good idea. And flush a crappy one.
- You are what you do, not what you say.
- If you don’t care, don’t say so.
- Stay curious. What you don’t know is far more interesting.
- And finally, and most importantly, never confuse humility for lack of confidence, or conceit for performance.
