Your Career
Today we want to share tips on how to put your foot down in your career. Anyone who jumps into a workplace stamping their feet and demanding processes are handled a certain way will rarely last that long in any industry, especially as collaboration, teamwork and candor help professionals connect and grow in their field, but are still considered basic practices to align with.
That said, from time to time common courtesy or tolerance is not the best way forward. That might sound like a relatively odd piece of advice, because after all, if you can’t be formal and professional in a work capacity, where can you?
Of course, defending yourself, giving instructions, reporting, disagreeing, and standing by your convictions aren’t always opposed to the idea of professionalism. In some cases, this might be essential for the health of those around you and the wellbeing of the business. For example, despite its success as a slogan, the customer is not always right, particularly if they’ve been abusing the staff you’re charged with caring for.
In this post, then, we’ll discuss how and when it’s appropriate to put your foot down in your career, and how to do that appropriately:
Have A Clear Reason For Resistance
It’s true to say that putting your foot down when you feel like it’s important is valid, but it’s better to have clear reasons and goals for doing so. It might be that a manager is overly micromanaging you and stifling your work output, and that’s strangling your productivity. Documenting evidence with proof, knowing the correct channels, and responding in the right way but with confidence. This will help you avoid making a scene and then wishing you had a little candor later on. Composure will also give your account more credibility.
Establish Clear Communications & Negotiations
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It’s also essential to establish clear communications and negotiations where you can. Be very, very clear about what your problems are, and why they should be escalated. It might be that you’ve noticed harassment and racism at work. You can document these issues, and raise them. Perhaps your boss hasn’t properly equipped you with the safety gear you need, and is now kicking up a fuss because you refused to commit to a time-sensitive task without it. Make sure to refer to your contract and what your actual obligations are, and if you’re still being discredited, contact a work tribunal or the equivalent in your country.
Seek Additional Help If Required
Remember that seeking additional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you find yourself facing challenges beyond your expertise or dealing with situations where firmness alone won’t do, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Whether it’s consulting with a mentor for guidance, enlisting HR support for workplace issues, or using personal lawyers for a work related injury (you really do deserve to be compensated for this), you’ll be able to move forward with confidence and benefit as a result.
With this advice, you’re sure to put your foot down in your career, as and when you need to do that. You’ll look back and be proud of yourself for the effort.
Read more career articles at ClichéMag.com
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