Six Lessons I Have Learned At A Great Place To Work

by Shamna Shaduli, Production Administrator - biz-group

It was with major excitement (and some trepidation!) that I joined biz-group. As human beings, we are quite resistant to change, even though it is inevitable. But little did I know that this turning point would bring such wondrous changes. Here are six of the best work-related lessons that I have learned over the past few months:

#1 You Are Not Just Your Job Description 
What is your job title and description? Take it, acknowledge it, and (most importantly) perform it, then toss it. Don’t be anchored down with the mindset that something outside of your domain is not your problem. HELP where help is needed. Not only will your employer see and appreciate your motivation to learn everything, but you will also have a better understanding of what and why it happens.
 
#2 Share Ideas That Are Different (Or Even Weird) 
Don’t be afraid to think differently and try something new. Too often, people who have been with the same company or position develop something called “stale eyes”. It is the condition where you no longer try something new or go about it in a different way. A pair of fresh eyes can bring forth ideas that can be most effective in goal accomplishment. This can sometimes lead to you suggesting a possible improvement in the current methods.
 
#3 Questions Are Made To Be Asked
If something doesn’t look or feel right - go with that gut instinct. Nobody has all the answers, and sometimes people, even those in authority, are misinformed without realizing it. Even if it may be difficult to find the right answer and pass it on, it’s still a far better alternative than to continue to work with incorrect information. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers. You can comfortably say “I don’t know” because that phrase means there is room for growth and development.

#4 Leave Room For Change In Plans
No matter how much you plan, sometimes it is impossible to know exactly how something will go ahead. Too often, reality does not align with the original concepts. Being prepared for last minute changes –mentally/physically- will bring you peace of mind and make you even more organized.

#5 Be A Risk-Taker 
When you see any potential opportunities heading your way- grab them. Even though it can be scary at first, the potential outcome is worth the risk. Don’t have any opportunities heading your way? Make them. Take the initiative and make yourself available when needed. If you see an important but neglected project that is vital to the company, volunteer your time and energy to tackle it. As aptly said, a pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, and an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. The only way to avoid mistakes is to do nothing.
 
#6 Help Others
Help others and you help yourselves. If your colleague wants to learn some of the things you have acquired, be generous, offer guidance and share resources. The act of teaching is a learning experience on its own. Some people may feel that sharing their skills may hurt their job security, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Such employees are not team players and can hurt the overall development of the company.

About The Author
by Shamna Shaduli, Production Administrator - biz-group

biz-group has worked with hundreds of leading Middle East companies to provide measurable corporate training and development programmes, performance management courses, teambuilding events and strategy workshops spanning more than 20 years in the region. Please contact us here if you would like more information on how we can help you.