This archive report was first published on 23 June 2021.
Secrets Your Employer Won't Tell You ¶
Are you damaging your career without realizing it? Many high performers get tripped up by common stumbling blocks, but with the right mindset and skills, you can overcome them and advance your career.
According to Ruth Njuguna, a Human Resource Manager at Kenyans.co.ke, accepting criticism in stride can help individuals grow their careers. "Criticism is pivotal in your career and even personal development. It offers you a different perspective from your own and once you’re able to process the criticism, you’re able to improve yourself and do better at your job," she said.
Ownership is also a crucial part of growing in any workplace. Once you’re able to own up to not only your success but also your failures, you adjust the way you work factoring in any challenges you might have and in this way, your results will be different.
Here are some secrets your employer won't tell you but you need to know:
- Never be late to meetings. Being late tells your boss that this isn't a priority for you.
- Own your mistakes. The two things managers can’t stand are if an employee makes excuses for, or blame a client for a problem.
- Despite what your parents told you, you are not a special snowflake. Expecting to always have your work lauded or to get special favors isn’t realistic and is setting you up for some uncomfortable confrontations down the line.
- Learn to take criticism. Bosses aren’t giving you criticism because they hate you and they enjoy pointing out people’s faults, they’re doing it because it’s their job.
- Your emails might make you sound unprofessional. When writing an email avoid using a harsh tone which is likely to invite conflict.
- Covering up your mistake is the worst mistake you can make. We all make mistakes, but what they don’t expect is for you to lie about it.
By following these secrets, you can improve your communication skills, take ownership of your mistakes, and advance your career.
