Ah, young people. A breath of fresh air, exuberance, energy . . . and ten very common workplace mistakes. Here, in summary format, are five of the Top Ten Mistakes Young People Make at Work and my advice on how you might avoid them. Print this out, highlight it and place it on that new guy’s desk. (Really. How else is he going to know?)
Curtain
The mistake is not remembering that you are “on” every minute that you are on work property or with coworkers or customers. People are watching what you do, listening to what you say and probably someone in IT is harvesting content of the e-mails, texts and IMs you send. While the curtain is up, you are being paid to play a role. Play it and stay in character.
My Way or the Highway
The mistake is not being open to the ideas of other people. Like the spoiled petulant celebrity (or child) who throws a tantrum when she doesn’t get her way, less mature employees see only one way forward in most situations – theirs. You’ll be most successful if you realize that your way is one way but there are other ways that might work too.
Blah, Blah, Blah
The mistake is not monitoring how you share your opinions with your colleagues. People of any age typically pay closest attention to what you say only when they feel your ramblings have something to do with them personally. Instead of droning on and on, frame your thoughts (concisely) by thinking about what matters to your colleagues. They’ll perk up when you show that you know it’s not all about you.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
The mistake is you believing that every coworker has your best interests at heart. Uh, no. That’s typically not how it works. Most of your colleagues are probably kind, honest and worthy of your trust. But chances are there is a handful that will use what you tell them to further their causes, not yours. Listen to your gut and watch who you trust. Don’t get in the middle of someone else’s power play.
I (Don’t) Wanna Hold Your Hand
The most common mistake business leaders tell me young people make is this one – not taking initiative but instead waiting to be told what to do. This tendency is predictable; after all, recent college grads have been taking orders from teachers for 16 years or more. But in the post-education work world, taking initiative wisely will set you apart faster than anything else will. Size up the situation, do your research but then move ahead and take action. Your coworkers will appreciate your tenacity; at least, most of them will.
That’s five of the Top Ten Mistakes Young People Make at Work. The other five are coming soon. Until next time, why don’t all of us, no matter what our ages, purge these mistakes from our work lives? Hey, I’m feeling younger already!
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Jean Houston Shore works with organizations that want their people to work together better. She can be reached at 770-643-9724, by email at jean@thinkbusiness.com or through her website at www.working-together-better.com. Ask for your free copy of her book Working Together Better.
Copyright © 2010, Jean Houston Shore, Business Resource Group. All Rights Reserved Internationally. No portion may be reprinted or used without prior written permission.
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