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I believe one of the biggest time wasters is taking a problem to your boss. I know this from experience, mind you. There was a time, in the past, that I would approach my boss with problem after problem, expecting him to offer immediate solutions. After all, he’s the boss. He should be a big, bad problem- solving machine, right?

Wrong.

The truth of the matter is this: they don’t want to hear our problems. They have enough to worry about without our help. And, as much as it might pain us to admit, our bosses don’t know everything. In fact, many of the problems I used to take to my boss fell right back on my lap.

“What do you suggest?”

That was his typical response to a problem or issue I brought to his attention. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I should have those suggestions ready to go when he asked. Otherwise, I’d end up standing there, stammering away trying to come up with something off the top of my head. Or, I’d slip up and let my mouth move without thinking. And I’d say something stupid like, “I have no idea. That’s why I’m asking you.”

Believe me…this sentiment doesn’t go over well with a boss who believes he’s hired someone with a brain.

Most of the time, when I took a problem to my boss he wanted to know my recommendation for a solution. If I didn’t have one, I was sent back to go come up with one. So you see? It was a complete waste of time to even start the conversation. And it always made me feel incredibly frustrated.

So here’s the rule I live by, that I would suggest everyone follow: never approach your boss with a problem unless you also have a solution. Or, even better, a list of several possible solutions (this way, you can let him or her choose).

Use all of your analytical skills to come up with at least one possible resolution to the problem before you even consider taking it to your boss. If you absolutely, positively, 100% cannot think of a single reasonable solution, work backwards and list all the solutions that DON’T work and why. At least this way you can show your boss that you’ve eliminated every possible solution you could come up with.

This may seem obvious enough, but it can be very tempting to throw your hands up in the air and say, “I need help!” without ever really putting on the old thinking cap. Don’t let this happen. Your boss won’t appreciate it and 9 times out of 10, he’ll put the problem back on your shoulders to deal with. Research, ask others for help, test out ideas. Do whatever you have to do.

But heed my warning: bring solutions the first time…or you’ll have to do it later anyway!

Are you feeling bored with your job? Do you need more to do? Or do you just need a way to breathe new life into your same old daily routine?

Well, look no further! Below you’ll find 6 easy and effective ways to help you completely reinvent your job (or at least, your experience of it).

1. Redecorate Your Office

Don’t under estimate how much difference a new environment can make. Whether you work in an office or a cubicle or at a desk in the lobby, take some time to rearrange your space. Add some new flare – switch out the old photos of your family from two years ago and put up a few more current ones; get a nice, relaxing fountain to fill the room with the calming sounds of water; maybe spice things up with a few nicely framed paintings. Remember to add some vibrant color and a few plants too. The new vibe will reinvigorate you and the decoration process can be really fun!

2. Buy a New Suit

Ok, I know this sounds silly but here me out: a new suit can completely change the way you feel at work. Sometimes when I’m down on work, I stop putting in as much effort to “look the part”. I just sort of go through the motions. For me, a new suit can change my entire attitude. It makes me feel powerful and gives me a burst of confidence and poise. As silly as it is, looking good helps you feel good. Remember that a high quality suit can last a long time. Consider it an investment (that’s what I tell Mr. Toolbox).

3. Ask to Shadow a Co-Worker for a Day

Try to find a co-worker in a department different than yours and ask if you can help out with them for a day. Working side-by-side with someone new can completely shift your perspective, especially if they’re working on tasks you don’t normally do yourself.

When I was an Assistant Manager at the bank, I spent a couple of days at our loan processing center. On a normal day, I would ship a loan package off to this department and it would disappear for a few weeks, then suddenly come back all processed with paperwork to sign. I had no idea what happened in those weeks it was gone. Working at the loan center gave me a whole new perspective of the lending process. I learned the steps that took place in order to complete the loan, got to know some of the people I’d never met before who worked on my files, and also learned a few ways I could do my job better. The days I spent there also showed me that I did NOT like being a loan processor. I much preferred working in the branch environment! So I went back to my job with renewed enthusiasm and appreciation.

4. Ask to Shadow your Boss for a Day

This might sound strange but think about it: do you really know what your boss does all day? If you don’t, you might be missing valuable opportunities to help out. As an Executive Assistant, it’s important that I find small helpful ways to make my boss’s job easier. When I first started, I shadowed him for a whole day just so I’d see how he operated. If I did it again now, I’m sure I’d see new ways I could help. I would probably pick up a few new tasks just by watching him go through his everyday routine. There are many things that I’m sure he’d like to delegate to me, but he puts it on a list and forgets to do it. If I’m right there, he’d be a lot more likely to hand over some work.

Spending some quality one-on-one time with your boss is bound to shift your perspective of your own job as well. Perhaps you’ll make it your goal to take his or her place one day. On the other hand, you may decide that you’re perfectly happy right where you are.

5. Create a Project and Take Ownership of It

Does your company have a newsletter? Maybe no one’s even thought of it. Use your spare time (or a small window of appointed time) to create a sample of a company newsletter. Take it to your boss and ask if you can head up the project to send a newsletter out each month.

Nothing reinvents a job like a new, fun task. Find a project that you think you’d enjoy doing and get your boss’s consent to take ownership of it. This will not only give you something interesting and new to work on, it will also show your initiative and enthusiasm for taking on new tasks.

6. Learn and Implement New Skills

This is probably the most important thing you can do to reinvent your job. Take it upon yourself to learn as much as you can – both at the office and outside of it. As you learn new skills, be sure to share your knowledge with others and implement your new abilities into your daily tasks.

When I took an Intermediate Excel course a few years ago, I was able to completely reorganize many of the spreadsheets I had been using. My job became more interesting because I was utilizing new knowledge, and I became a more effective employee because I was using more advanced techniques. Each time you take a class, at least a small portion of your job can be “reinvented”. You’ll also find that each new skill increases your value to your company and your career growth opportunities as well.

As most of you know, I’m training to run a half-marathon in early May (support my fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society here!). This past weekend, I encountered the most brutal of training sessions: the 11 mile run. Yes, my friends, I was subjected to a torture no woman should ever have to endure – especially at 8 am on a Saturday morning. But I did it! And, as you might expect, I learned a few things in the process.

You see, you do a lot of thinking when you’re pounding the pavement for two hours.  And oddly enough, my mind wanders in the direction of career. So I thought I’d share some of my insights with you.

The First Mile Is the Worst

Every time I start a run, I wonder what the heck I was thinking when I decided to train for this half-marathon. That first mile is brutal – sheer torture. My lungs burn, my legs ache, and every step is a serious struggle. Getting through that first mile is often the most difficult part of any run. I really have to force myself to remember that things will get better. It’s like a mantra through that first mile – the first is the worst, the first is the worst…

I think this is a lesson that relates back to many things in life. We often stumble through any activity the first time, as we learn how things work. We can’t just give up because it’s painful in the beginning. How would anyone ever run a marathon if they just went by what that first mile felt like? At work, I’m often given new projects or responsibilities that, at first, feel a lot harder than they really are. In reality, my entire job was much more difficult for the first month or so. Once I got into the flow and had done everything a few times, it got much easier. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t any painful tasks! I just know now that the entire job isn’t like that – it’s just a small portion. Once you get through that part, things get better.  

Wait for the Breakthrough and Keep That Pace

Somewhere just after the first mile, I normally hit my stride. It’s like slipping my foot into a well-worn, comfortable shoe. It just fits. My entire body gets into a rhythm, my lungs open up and suddenly I can breathe. At that moment when it happens, I experience the greatest sensation of power and euphoria. I feel like I could run forever. The trick is remembering that I can’t. It’s about finding that ideal pace and sticking to it. Otherwise, I’ll overdo it and exhaust myself too quickly.

I’ve experienced this in my career as well. There have been times when I felt like I had the ability to climb that corporate ladder at lightning speed. But what good would that do me? Sometimes, it’s more important to pace yourself – learn all you can at every level. Don’t get in a rush to get to the finish. If you overwork yourself, push yourself to the limit, you might run out of steam before you get there. Instead, find that comfortable pace where you’re challenged but it’s manageable and sustainable.

Metal Preparation Can Never Be Over Valued

In running, the value of mental prep can’t be overstated. I think it’s just as important as physical prep. There are days when I really look forward to my training run. I think about it all day, imagining all the nervous/anxious energy I’ll be able to burn out. Those days are like magic. On the other hand, there are some days when running is the last thing I want to do. It’s either too hot or I’m really tired or I’ve just got too many other things I need to do. Those are the days I can literally feel my feet dragging the whole way. How you think about what you’re doing can actually impact the reality of what you’re doing.

The same thing is true for your career. It’s all about attitude. Mental prep – confidence, knowledge, self-awareness – can truly change the course of your career. How you view yourself and your position will change your reality. If you’re an administrative assistant and you go into work every day thinking, “Oh, I’m just a lowly admin. I have to do all the boring stuff. I hate my job,” people will respond to that energy. You’ll be seen as negative and not valuable. Your responsibilities will soon reflect that. And, even if your job wasn’t so bad to begin with, it will become exactly what you imagined it to be. On the other hand, approaching your job with a mindset of positivity, a willingness to learn and grow, and a strong sense of self-confidence will help your career tremendously. People will respond to your attitude by giving you more responsibilities, teaching you new skills, and you’ll find opportunities pop up all around you.

Everything Changes on Mile 8

During an 11 mile run, something happens around mile 8. It’s pretty dramatic in fact. Miles 2 through 7 weren’t all that bad (1 was awful, but always is). So, for the first leg, my running partner Shannon and I talked and laughed, shared stories and chanted “Go Team!” to our teammates passing by. A good time was had by all. And then, as mile 8 set in, it suddenly dawned on us that this was serious. It started hurting. We no longer wanted to talk because we suddenly had to concentrate on telling our legs to keep going. It became clear that others around us were experiencing the same thing. The jubilant shouts of “Go Team!” became mild, forced grunts at one another. It became clear that the darkness was upon us. And the temptation to just stop and congratulate myself on a nice 8 mile run was almost overwhelming.

I liken mile 8 to that point in your career where you just want to give up and get a nice barista job at Starbucks. Don’t we all have fantasies like that? A job where we get free mochas and our biggest responsibility is remembering to smile at people who haven’t had their caffeine for the day? Getting through mile 8 is a challenge we all face at some point in our careers. It’s a matter of concentration – remembering the end goal and why you started this thing in the first place. You can’t just give up all that hard work when things get tough. If I had given up my run on mile 8, I’d have given in to my natural instincts – that trigger in your brain that says, “Ok. I’m tired. Let’s stop.” But I never would have known that I could push through that. And I never would have experienced the best part…

Exhaustion Feels Good

There’s something surprisingly soothing about the feeling of pure and undeniable exhaustion. In our society, we so rarely push ourselves to those kinds of physical extremes. We have no reason to – we’re not trying to outrun bears for survival. We jump in our cars, go to work, and get back in our cars to go home. Sometimes we forget what it really feels like to be completely physically spent. I have to say, I felt proud. I felt strong. The nap I took later that afternoon was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. And the glass of wine I had when I woke up, was the tastiest treat ever.

In my career, I’ve put my heart and soul into projects. I’ve given everything to see something I believe in succeed. When you’re really invested – when you’re truly passionate about what you do – it’s not about work/life balance at that point. It’s about doing what you love for all the right reasons. If you’ve ever been there, you know what I’m talking about. It’s exhausting but it’s also the greatest sense of accomplishment.

Of course, it’s not something you want to do all the time – I’m not planning on running 11 miles every weekend just so I can enjoy a nap and a nice glass of wine afterwards. But occasionally, pushing yourself to the limits, pushing past your comfort zone and into the murky, unknown waters of mile 8 and beyond, can be a very rewarding experience.

I know that no one likes to be criticized. Personally, I’m pretty sensitive and criticism of any sort – constructive or otherwise – tends to upset me. However, in business you have to be able to take it. I’m not talking about insults or rude behavior. I’m talking about negative feedback – criticism that is meant to prevent problems, help you do your job better, or ensure things are done correctly.

As an Executive Assistant, my boss has to be able to tell me when I’ve done something wrong and correct me on it. How else would I ever improve? I know this and yet, I still have a difficult time handling it. It’s a necessary part of the job, but it still feels bad. If you’re like me, here are a few tips that might help you out:

1. Recognize Constructive Criticism

Negative feedback is not the same as an insult. Sure, it feels just as bad. But most of the time in the professional world, if someone is giving you criticism it’s not meant to be rude – it’s meant to help you improve. Try to remember that the person giving you the feedback is not an enemy. Even if the criticism is especially brutal, it shouldn’t be a personal thing. Of course, if you’re dealing with personal attacks, that’s a different story. If you’re in that situation, stop reading this article and go read How to Quit Your Job.

2. Put on Your “Big Girl” Pants

Ok, it’s fine to be sensitive. But we’re all adults here. People shouldn’t have to walk on egg shells to give you some feedback. If it makes you cry when someone tells you a project you worked on is not correct, you need to hike up your “Big Girl” pants and be strong. This is business. If you’re not 100% perfect 100% of the time, it’s just fine. But people have to be able to tell you what needs to change – otherwise, you’ll continue doing things wrong and you’ll be a menace to work with. It might be painful, but it’s for your own good. Like broccoli.

3. Make Use of It

When you get criticism, don’t just let it roll off your back. Take it to heart. Make changes and try to see why the criticism was given. More than likely, it was given as a way to help you. So, if suggestions are made, give them a try. Personally, I find that criticism is a lot easier to take when I realize that it’s useful. And the only way you’ll know that is by listening and being open to suggestions.

4. Let go of the Ego

This is my biggest problem. I have a hard time putting my pride aside. When someone offers criticism, even in a helpful way, my initial reaction is to get defensive. I have to work hard to remind myself that the criticism isn’t an attack on my character. And I have to bring myself back down to earth and say, “Self – you’re pretty great. But you’re not perfect. And the good news is: no one expects you to be.”
5. Consider the Source

I don’t want to paint with a broad brush and say that all construction criticism should be accepted. Sometimes, people are going to offer feedback that they think is helpful but, in reality, simply isn’t. A lot of times, you have to consider the source of the criticism. Is it your boss – whom you respect and want to please? Or is it a co-worker who is doesn’t really know what you do all day but thinks she’s got the answer to everything? I hope this doesn’t sound negative, but we all have those kinds of people in our offices: the people who think they know it all and have an opinion on everything. Sure, they might have some helpful constructive criticism once in a while, but don’t get too wrapped up in those kinds of things. Concentrate on the feedback that comes from people you respect, who know you, your job, your skills, and your work ethic and truly have your best interests in mind.

Company culture is an interesting thing. It’s intangible and yet it has a huge impact your job. Generally speaking, it’s defined as “the shared values and practices of the company’s employees.”

Have you ever noticed that companies can seem to have a personality all their own? That’s a reflection of the culture. Certain companies tend to attract a certain type of person. And people excel in companies that match their personality.

So what is the culture of the company you work for? Look around. What’s the atmosphere like? Is it stuffy and stiff or is it energetic and playful? Look at the employees. Are there certain character traits that are common amongst them? Think about the leaders. What image do they project? What is the long-term vision of the company?

Compare your company’s personality to your own. Do they work well together or do they clash?

An Example of a Great Match

Mr. Toolbox is an athletic and energetic guy. He loves the outdoors and being playful. The company he works for truly matches his personality perfectly. It’s a company that makes outdoor sports equipment. The people there are all athletic and high energy. They laugh a lot, have an after-work volleyball team, and often get caught flying model helicopters around the hallways. He bought his first suit a few weeks ago (and mind you, he’s worked there for 7 years). All in all, the company is a reflection of him and his co-workers.

An Example of a Personality Clash

I used to work for a very high pressure sales company (in the financial field). The people there were all consumed with money and numbers. They were ultra competitive and if you didn’t play the game their way, you were completely left out. Being named the “top” sales team was the only concern – and people would do just about anything to get there. Integrity was a joke. Work/life balance was a distant dream. I was out of my element. But I tried to force myself to make it work. And every day, I grew more and more unhappy. I was dragging others down with me. I wondered if it was just me. But then it dawned on me: my personality was all wrong for this company. It was like a bad marriage – I kept taking the abuse because I thought someday it would change. Of course, it didn’t and I eventually left. (You can read more about this adventure in my life in Sometimes, 1 Step Back = 2 Steps Forward)

I think company culture plays a huge role in job satisfaction. It’s an important thing to keep in mind when searching for a job. And if you’re not happy where you are, look at your own personality and how it matches with that of the company. Sure, company cultures change and shift with time, but don’t try to force yourself to fit into an environment that doesn’t work for you. It can be an exhausting and unproductive endeavor.

The idea of being a “team player” is such a cliché. It’s like one of those corporate buzz words that gets thrown around so much, people forget what it actually means. And yet, everyone considers themselves one. In interviews, it’s the first thing candidates will say – “I’m a real team player.” But strangely enough, a lot of people aren’t.
 
So what makes someone a team player? It isn’t just about doing your job well. It’s a mindset – an overall belief that what’s good for the team is equally (or more) important than your own individual goals. Consider the following 5 tips and ask yourself: Am I really a team player?

1. Offer Assistance to Co-Workers

Team players see their co-workers struggling and offer to help. You never hear a team player say those dreaded words, “That’s not my job.” If they can help get something done, they will.  Of course, this shouldn’t come at the expense of your own job duties. But a true team player is willing to make some occasional sacrifices to help keep teammates from getting overburdened. They understand that they are just one part of the whole. If you focus solely on just doing your job and ignore the needs of your teammates, the whole group will suffer. Team players know this.

2. Keep the Company Vision in Mind

Being a team player means that you understand (and believe in) the overall goals of the company. Your job is just a small part of achieving the company’s vision. If you don’t buy into what your company is selling, you’ll never be a team player. You have to have the desire to see the company succeed.  A team player understands that their success is dependent on the success of the company as a whole.

3. Be Willing to Compromise

If you’re trying to be a team player you have to be flexible. A team player never says, “It’s my way or the highway.” Compromise is a requirement. In a team environment, everyone has a voice. Share your thoughts and opinions freely but listen to others as well. Allow yourself to be persuaded by good ideas and don’t get too attached to your own.  If someone has convincing reasons why your ideas don’t work, you have to be able to hear them. And realize that you may have to make some sacrifices. If you’re outnumbered and everyone else wants to go in a different direction, you’ll have to suck it up and jump on board with them. Fight for what you believe in but know when to accept the decision of the group and go with it. If the decision is one you simply can’t get behind, you need to reconsider your position on the team.

4. Take One for the Team

Every once in a while, something comes along – a certain job or task – that no one wants to do. I’m sure you’ve experienced this. Every office has one – that thing that just annoys everyone. Whether it’s changing the toner in the copier, cleaning the break room or handling a difficult customer, it can bring down the whole group as people try to pawn it off on one another. A true team player will recognize when it’s their turn to take it for the team. They’ll put aside their personal preferences and do the task that no one else wants to do. Sure, it’s not a good idea to always do this – after all, everyone should take one for the team once in a while. But when it’s your turn, don’t complain about it. Just recognize that it’s part of being on the team.

5. Share the Glory

A team player understands that success is not the result of an individual effort. It’s a team achievement. When you score a big win, share the glory with your team. Everyone should celebrate one another’s accomplishments.  Share credit where credit is due and don’t be afraid of letting others know you had the help of your entire team.  You know it had to be said at some point: remember that there’s no “I” in “team”.  It’s always a group effort.

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