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Surviving Corporate America: Winning in the Workplace

Jungle

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Posted Tuesday, August 14, 2012 3:12 pm

By Michele Towers; President, Strong Tower Coaching- Parker

The rules of the game are simple: Every day people are placed on a beautiful, isolated location. They are each given a series of challenges, which they are
expected to complete with exceptional speed and accuracy.  They must outwit, outplay and outlast the others in order to remain in the game and move
upward in the ranks.  Although they are at times expected to work as teams, they each know that when it really comes down to it, it’s every man/woman
for himself.

The competitors are all very different, from various backgrounds and experiences.  But what they all have in common is one specific goal:  To be crowned
as the winner, with an award that comes with great fame and fortune.  But if not careful, they just might be voted off the ‘island’ and out of the game.

Sound familiar?  No, I’m not describing that reality TV show.  What I’m actually offering to you is my own spin on Corporate America.

Of course I’m being facetious, but we can’t deny that there are distinct similarities between the two scenarios.  I think that there is much we can learn
from this TV show to help ensure success in the workplace.  Let’s take a look at some important principles you can implement to guarantee that you are
indeed a corporate “Survivor”.

Determine and Set Your Goals

Professional goals are unique to each person.  Make sure that your goals align with what you truly want in life.  Are you in the corporate game to win at
the highest level?  Or are you satisfied with the opportunity to gain further experience and to provide for your family? 

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Defining your goals will help you determine how to play the corporate game.  How willing are you to work long hours?  How willing are you to travel? 
How much networking do you want to do?  Are you a risk taker?  How much family time are you willing to sacrifice?    Plan for yourself how you will
design your life and stick to what matters to you.  Determining your goals early in the game will save you stress, disappointment and frustration in the
long run. 

Find Out the Rules – and Play by Them 

There are two types of rules:  Spoken and unspoken.  Most of us are aware of the straightforward rules, such as:  Show up on time, be a team player,
complete your work on time, attend meetings, etc.  These spoken rules are usually easy to decipher and execute.

Then there are the unspoken rules.  These can often be tied into the corporate culture, and can therefore be more elusive.  Unspoken rules can revolve
around many issues, such as loyalty, protocol, trust, or work ethic.  Let’s take for example an employee at a company I provided training for.  When
running into conflict with his boss, he complained to his boss’s supervisor instead of dealing directly with his boss.  Although other factors were involved,
he eventually was fired – partially because he had broken the unspoken rule of the importance of establishing trust.  

Recognize That Not Everyone Plays by the Rules

Don’t let naivety get the best of you.  It is so important to give others the benefit of the doubt, and to work hard to establish trust and a sense of
teamwork.  But, if a colleague looks, sounds, and walks like a duck, then he or she just might be.  Use discernment and trust your intuition when it comes
to joining forces with others. 

Know and Be True to Yourself

You are a distinctive person, and it is important to maintain your unique individuality.  In an environment where pressure exists to fit into the norm, it
can sometimes be difficult to hold on to what makes you special. 

Start by acknowledging and appreciating who and what you are.  What is it about your personality style that makes you highly effective?  What talent or
skill do you bring to the game that causes you to stand out?  Identify what makes you different from others, and laser in on your strengths.  Knowing and
celebrating “you” can provide insight about how you approach your job, deal with stress, and build workplace relationships.

For professional women, appreciating “you” is especially important.  As you become more comfortable blazing your own path of uniqueness, you’ll see
your confidence increase along with it.  Don’t hide your uniqueness, but instead let others see what you value about yourself and what you’ve got to offer. 

Build Strategic Alliances

Establishing partnerships with the right people is a key ingredient for success in the workplace.  An ideal strategic alliance partnership is one that
connects two individuals who have similar goals, but at the same time are not in direct competition with each other.  These alliances are built through:

1. Networking (yes, networking both inside and outside of your workplace is still important, even though you have a job!)
2. Making a point to help others to accomplish their goals.  Others will go out of their way to support you when they see that you are willing to do the
same for them.
3. Remain humble and respectful to everyone your work with.  You never know who might be the person to put in a good word for you, or stand up for
you if needed.

When You Want to Give Up, Don’t

True success in Corporate America does not always come easy.  It often requires dedication and shrewdness; and you can expect a few disappointments
along the way a well.  But by remaining true to yourself, acknowledging the value that you bring to the corporate workplace, and exercising wisdom to
navigate the waters, you will more than likely find the reward that you are looking for.  You will be a “Survivor”!

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