Hard work sans appreciation
RISHI had been working in the organisation for long and was an acknowledged hard worker. So when his name wasn't considered for the team that was going to England on a prestigious project he and many others were taken aback. Praveen, who had hardly been for a year with the company, was the lucky one. Was it just luck or the gift of the gab that won him this opportunity, Rishi had often wondered. Such instances are not rare in any organisation. The `slogger' is more often the aggrieved and finds little justification for the choices made by the top management. Does it mean hard work is not valued? Certainly not! However, the parameters for selection vary.
Gone are the days when one could say, `Let my work speak for me'. Employees too need to sell their work in order to get noticed. Effective communication, excellent presentation skills, tact and social grace among several other factors count for one's position in a company.
De-motivation
The effects of negative motivation or de-motivation are worse than those of lack of motivation. When the efforts of an employee are ignored:
Employee morale takes a nosedive
Productivity takes a toll.
The employee is unhappy and depressed
He loses interest in working.
His loyalty diminishes
To be in the good books of the management and respected by peers, an employee should be able to gain recognition from them. Hard work alone cannot help one achieve this. One's demeanour and working style play a more important role today.
Some strategies to gain recognition
Communicate: Maintain a good rapport with your boss. Take opportunities to discuss /share your plans / project with him. Keep him updated about the progress of your work. If you have any queries or problems regarding the work, seek clarifications and suggestions from him. Discreetly find out what he expects from you. Seek constant feedback from him and implement the same in your work. More importantly,let it be known that you have done so.
Assert: Assertiveness is the key to success in the corporate world. Docility and meekness are signs of cowardice and weakness not strength. Try not to be unduly submissive. If you have the slightest of doubt that your work and you are not being recognised, attempt to talk things over with your boss. Clarify rather than suffer in silence. Avoid confrontation but if your grievances fall on deaf ears, then don't hesitate to meet your super boss. Most organisations believe in transparency today.
Present: Document your work details diligently. Make your presentations interesting and digitise them. Be smart in appearance and work. Being witty will add special charm to your personality. Nevertheless, be cautious in your approach.
Befriend: Mingle with members of other departments also. Make use of occasions like office parties and outings to know others. Even a smile at the coffee machine might lead to a new acquaintance.
Innovate: Think of new ideas and plans. Be creative and don't hesitate to take risks.
Claim: If you genuinely deserve a raise in the salary or promotion for the work you have done, voice your concern. It is every employees right to get what he or she truly deserves.
Connect: Co-operate and work amicably in teams. Inter-personal skills are critical for teamwork. Respect and appreciate others' work, as you would expect them to.
Remember you needn't be a workaholic to be recognised. Take regular breaks. Enhance your productivity and get what you deserve! Finally, acknowledge your own work and pat yourself for good work done. That's sure motivating!
SANDHYA UDDANTI
faqs@cnkonline.com
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