Get ahead in the modern workplace

Working conditions have changed considerably over the last few years.

Today's employees have to contend with a faster pace of work, higher expectations of them and greater demands for flexibility than their counterparts of twenty years ago.

In order to thrive in today's working environment, many people have to change their attitudes and the way they do their jobs. To achieve these changes – and, ultimately, success – requires effective planning and use of time, outstanding communication skills and the ability to accept change and uncertainty.

Plan and use working time effectively

Prioritisation and planning are crucial for efficiency. Identify the most important tasks and concentrate entirely on them. The most important tasks are almost always the ones that generate the highest yield for the company, though they may not always be the things that we want to do first or most fully. It's also helpful to identify time-wasting situations and activities. Typical examples of these are unstructured meetings, a disorganised desk and a tendency to tendency to put off doing certain jobs.

Improve communication abilities

It's worth learning how to avoid misunderstandings, as these can be both time consuming and stressful to sort out. Our speaking skills can be improved by:

  • making the effort to be as short and to the point as possible
  • checking that others have understood by asking appropriate follow-up questions
  • summarising the conversation to reinforce key points.

Our listening skills can be improved by:

  • taking care not to be a selective listener asking questions to verify that you have understood things correctly
  • avoiding defensive reactions – just listening and drawing conclusions
  • concluding the conversation by summarising your understanding in your own words.

Resolve conflicts constructively

Conflicts are inevitable, but they are not necessarily destructive if they are carefully and sensitively managed. Conflicts are best resolved by :

  • talking face-to-face with the person with whom you have the difference of opinion
  • avoiding aggressive or confrontational behaviour
  • keeping the discussion on a professional level without making personal attacks
  • giving the other person the chance to explain their view of things
  • trying to arrive at constructive solutions together.

Accept change and uncertainty

The nature of work is changing fundamentally. Industrialised society is being replaced by an information-led world. Global markets with infinitely more players are being opened up through new technologies.

To be successful in this new working environment, employees have to learn to accept change and the uncertainty it brings.

To do this it's important to: let go of the past, be inquisitive about what's going on around you, make an effort to learn new things and take steps to bring about change.

News & Tips