Whether from college or university, we can rarely be certain that graduates will enter the workforce and workplace fully prepared. They will be enthusiastic, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, full of dreams, with good intentions, and certainly, uncertain.
Even in this enlightened age of employee voice, of legislated respect and tolerance, equality, and diversity, however, these graduates are still embarking on a journey of discovery, as much of themselves as anything, so I’ve looked at what skills and knowledge they may need to make their journey less intimidating.
Of course, first things first. Ben Franklin once said, “For every minute spent organising, you earn another hour.” Dress, and present yourself entirely appropriately attired for your work. Most employers will have a ‘dress code.’ Don’t flaunt it! And arrange transport that gets you to work, not only on-time, but early. It is an expectation that you will always be on time, so don’t be tardy, and don’t think about leaving early either. On the wider spectrum, they will need to be organised, to have personal goals and objectives, but to individually take responsibility for their learning and development, which means they must use their initiative, ask questions, and seek assistance when unsure, or uncertain.
Communicate with those around you professionally and in a manner that is appropriate to your position. You will be gradually assimilated into the environment at a pace of the employer’s making, so don’t push too hard for praise or recognition, as the reality of most work environments is that you must ‘do your time,’ and if you are good enough progression will occur. Be a good listener, which you can’t do while you’re talking! And when asked for your opinions, be clear and concise. Communication is not only a life skill, but an even more essential work skill. Communication, whether positive or negative, is either a growing or healing experience that has value far beyond what it appears to embrace.
Collaborate effectively, professionally and emotionally within the diverse nationalities, personalities, and work environments, and learn to work effectively as part of a team, often being pushed beyond your ‘comfort zone.’ It will show you have drive and the determination to succeed. Your personality may be who, and what, you are, yet it is through your behaviour that others will recognise and evaluate you. Learn to adapt and persevere. Things will not always ‘go to plan.’ Pick yourself up and go again, with greater determination. Take pride in your work, be ready for criticism, as it will surely come, and deal with it professionally, and a collaborative truth is that you cannot play a symphony alone.
Whether personally or professionally, be ready to reflect on each task, and each day at work, until it becomes something you do of habit. That way, critique, and feedback can be better, more effectively taken on board. You must be compassionate and constructive in both giving, and taking performance feedback. Be strong, even brave in the moment, because no workplace is ever going to be all you wanted it to be, or all you expected, but with resilience, both it, and you, will be better than you ever imagined. Reflection is something that, if we move forward without it, we are in danger of perpetuating an erroneous assumption that can be harmful to your professional progress.
Show respect to your management, colleagues, customers, and yes... even the cleaners and support staff. Why? Well, you should anyway, as a humanitarian and one of the fortunate to have had greater opportunities, but also you never know who’s watching, or who sees you, in a moment of kindness and compassion, of strength and resilience, or remarkably indicative of your positive qualities. Every moment, of every day, should be seen as an opportunity... don’t waste it!
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