Three Ways to Stay Sharp at Work
By: Bean Jones
Go by the book. Pick a book to help keep you informed about what's hot and what's not in your industry.
There's nothing better than starting your year by being as productive as you can be. Shake off the holiday hangover right this minute and hit the ground running come Monday with a burst of renewed energy. Here are three ways to do it:
1. Learn to prioritize. "If it's not important to your boss, it isn't critical to your job," says Cynthia Shapiro, author of What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here? So, stay on top of your paperwork, as well as your management and correspondence tasks before you decide to make sure that you have color-coordinated push pins or update the company's employee birthdays list.2. Update your knowledge. Each day, make it a point to read a couple of work-related news articles. You could also pick up a book about the industry you are in. If you have time to spare, attend some seminars or take some crash courses on subjects related to your job. Make sure your knowledge isn't stale.
Take the lead. If you want your bosses to know that you have leadership potential, dare to take on a tedious or an unpopular assignment such as organizing a meeting or dealing with an extra-fussy client. "Either way, the higher-ups will take notice," state Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever, authors of Ask For It.
Remember that it always pays to be on your toes at work. If you keep up your energetic momentum, then you're well on your way to your most productive year ever.
Credits: Photo by Petr Kratochvil, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.
Suggested Resource: Complement your zest for work by signing up for Simpleology 101: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want. The course will help you stay focused for the rest of the year.
Comments
Step one step at a time and always keep abreast!
I agree with the statement
"There's nothing better than starting your year by being as productive as you can be"
I will add one more way-To always find creative ways to do the task in hand in less time and at low cost.
Once again these techniques work, however your job may decide to give you extra work since you are so good at what you do...and make sure raises are mentioned....and mandatory.