By Grace du Prie for Emotional Wellbeing

09/03/2011 SUCCESS AT WORK

After you have been successful in finding your job (whether paid or volunteer), there are steps to take to ensure that it will be a positive experience. During the first phase you will go through an induction and probation period. No matter what your experience, any new job can be overwhelming as you begin. Everything is new and there is much to learn. You will also be meeting many new people. Plan for this change by allowing enough relaxation time and by taking care of yourself.

If you are coming back to work after a time of unemployment, this will be a time of change and adjustment. While having a job gives you a chance to put into use what you have learned and to earn income, it also brings many challenges and lifestyle changes. You may find that you have to work harder the first year. Be open to learning both about your actual work and about the broader company. The following principles are useful as you are on your way to success.

Control your thought life.

What we think is what we become. The glass really is half full or half empty and you make the choice what it is going to be.

Set a goal

We must have daily goals and long-term goals. It helps us to achieve. If you have used goal setting to while looking for work, don’t stop, put it again in practice while at work.

Make it also your goal to work well with others and to maintain a good relationship with your boss and co-workers; avoid confrontations

Make your goals:
S Specific (detailed and exact)
M Measurable (assessable and quantifiable)
A Attainable (possible, within reach, manageable)
R Realistic (practical, reasonable)
T Tangible (actual, concrete)

Assume responsibility

Do it now – don’t put things off. Don’t blame others when things go wrong. Be prompt in getting work finished - excuses are not acceptable.

There is no gain without pain

Ask questions or research answers if you're not sure so as not to proceed in error. Be courteous – be kind – encourage people

Enthusiasm

Create a positive first impression. Do not make criticisms about the job or your bosses in public. Admit and learn from mistakes and accept suggestions for improvement. Be strong and courageous and never give up!

Overcome your problems and hurts (there is no gain without pain)

Accept problems and hurts as part of life. The world will not end just because there are some problems that are coming up. Meet problems as a challenge, which will be your teacher to learn new skills from.

Befriend good men and women

Surround yourself with people that will give good support and advice. ‘My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.’ Be sensitive to others and do not gossip.

Do more then expected

Go for excellence! Work hard – go the extra mile. It is a good investment and you will see a return. Volunteer for committees or projects to become noticed and recognized

Don’t give up – go on – hang in there!

Don’t quit when things don’t go as expected. Look for long-term results. Remember to ask for help when you need it. And most importantly, have realistic expectations about the job before you start.

In summary:

• Don’t quit when things don’t go as expected
• Set achievable goals
• Look for long-term results
• Remember to ask for help when you need it
• And most importantly, have realistic expectations about the job before you start.