Pennwriters Conference

I'll be heading to the annual Pennwriters Conference tomorrow. This yearly event always recharges my writing batteries and inspires me to create. Find a way to recharge your batteries that will open up your creativity and zest for life. It's a great way to "spring" into summer.

It's Spring!

Spring is in full swing. This is a great time to do some spring cleaning, not just at home, but at the office.

• Purge old files
• Toss out all those old, unread journals
• De-junk your email
• Tidy up your office.

It’s also a good time to spring clean those relationships. Make peace with coworkers, family, and old friends. And, finally, get out and enjoy the beauty spring has to offer. It's a great way to renew your spirit.

By the way, I just finished a hectic three months of writing to finish 101 Ways to Get Ahead on the Job to be published by Cengage next month. Cengage rushed this project, because people need help with jobs in this economy. Look for more information next month.

Keep Learning

In this time of economic downturn, consider going back to school if you lose your job. A layoff could be the perfect opportunity to pursue your dream career. There are many scholarships, grants, and loans available to full-time students.

If you are still working full time, you might still consider taking a refresher course, learning a new skill, or pursuing a degree. Many companies pay for job-related seminars and workshops and also have tuition reimbursement plans for employees who take college courses.

This may be the best time yet to increase your skills and knowledge in the area of your expertise.

Let's Get Along at Work

One of the biggest reasons people get fired is because they do not get along with others at work. You must get along with everyone, even if you do not like him or her. Follow these tips:

• Be easy to get along with
• Support your supervisor and coworkers
• Value customers
• Respect everyone
• Treat everyone as equals
• Be patient and kind
• Respect the fact that people are different
  

Keep That Job During the Recession

Today I am giving more job retention hints as the economy continues to lose jobs at an alarming rate.

• Take personal responsibility for all you do at work (and elsewhere).
• Be extra customer-friendly.
• Follow directions carefully and produce error-free work.
• Maintain a sense of humor.
• Be extra kind to everyone--we all need it these days.
• Pull your own weight.
• Manage stress.
• Learn something new each week.
• Be a good listener.
• Be a good communicator.
• Take on extra responsibilities cheerfully.
• Remain in control of your emotions.

Keep That Job

Continuing in last week’s vein, here are some more tips for keeping that job:

• Give a good day’s work every day
• Anticipate your supervisor’s needs and pitch in to help
• Follow the company policies and procedures
• Don’t waste company time on the phone and Internet
• Keep personal business out of the office
• Produce error-free work
• Manage your stress
• Learn something new each week that will help you grow professionally
• Keep up on the latest industry information
• Develop a sense of humor
• Be kind

Job Value

As February moves in and the job market is eroding, here are some ways to make yourself more valuable in your current job.

• Do more than is required; volunteer to take on extra responsibilities.
• Be flexible.
• Update your skills and/or certifications.
• Offer to assist your supervisor and/or coworkers.
• Show up for work every day and be punctual.
• Avoid gossip and the rumor mill.
• Get along with everyone
• Be quality conscious.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Look for ways to cut costs and balance budgets.
• Contribute in meetings.
• Take personal responsibility for your behavior and decisions.