Comments on: Ten Techniques to Take Control of Your Own Destiny at Work http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:34:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Ruth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-306908 Ruth Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:34:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-306908 Excellent tips for taking control of your career. I especially like points 1 and 2, when dealing with a pushy boss. I just finished a really great book -- <a href="http://www.dealingwithdivas.com/" rel="nofollow">Dealing With Divas</a> by Shelley Anderson -- about how to deal with celebrities and other pushy bosses, and those two tips really will help in making sure that the relationship flows as smoothly as possible. Excellent tips for taking control of your career. I especially like points 1 and 2, when dealing with a pushy boss. I just finished a really great book — Dealing With Divas by Shelley Anderson — about how to deal with celebrities and other pushy bosses, and those two tips really will help in making sure that the relationship flows as smoothly as possible.

]]> By: Loy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-211180 Loy Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:37:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-211180 This is an entirely good stuff! I've been able to use #8 to improve my communication pattern and inter-personal relationships. Thanks! This is an entirely good stuff! I’ve been able to use #8 to improve my communication pattern and inter-personal relationships. Thanks!

]]> By: Lenore http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-210840 Lenore Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:18:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-210840 One of your best articles yet, Trent. Wish I had read it when I was floundering at my old job. I passed it on to a friend who feels like the black sheep of the office, and I hope it helps her take action to improve her standing and/or attitude. There are definitely some difficult personalities (and outright sociopaths) in the workforce, but you hit on several tactics anyone can use to stand out or at least get along with most people. Isn't it great how separation lends perspective? Thanks for sharing, and best wishes for your new solo career. One of your best articles yet, Trent. Wish I had read it when I was floundering at my old job. I passed it on to a friend who feels like the black sheep of the office, and I hope it helps her take action to improve her standing and/or attitude. There are definitely some difficult personalities (and outright sociopaths) in the workforce, but you hit on several tactics anyone can use to stand out or at least get along with most people. Isn’t it great how separation lends perspective? Thanks for sharing, and best wishes for your new solo career.

]]> By: Gary http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-210212 Gary Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:51:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-210212 Trent this is all very good information and I intend to start using some of it tomorrow, thanks. Trent this is all very good information and I intend to start using some of it tomorrow, thanks.

]]> By: Heidi http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209899 Heidi Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:52:03 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209899 This is excellent advice, Trent. I follow most of these steps daily (I'm especially good at saying 'thanks' to those who help me along the way - recognition is so important). I had several rather frank visits with my leader before deciding to accept an offer for a position in another part of the firm where I work. That's how I knew that I was making the right choice. Well done. This is excellent advice, Trent. I follow most of these steps daily (I’m especially good at saying ‘thanks’ to those who help me along the way – recognition is so important). I had several rather frank visits with my leader before deciding to accept an offer for a position in another part of the firm where I work. That’s how I knew that I was making the right choice.

Well done.

]]> By: PEC http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209791 PEC Sun, 23 Mar 2008 12:38:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209791 Trent, I agree with all these points, I have integrated them in the past and present. I have noticed that supervisors if insecure will always find things that you need to work on. As a sales person, I generally do not interact with my peers mainly with external customers...I have been criticized by not collaborating...when the rare instance occurs, you cannot notify the supervisor..LOOK...LOOK...I am doing it....we cannot be blind to the fact some managers do not want their people to be their best...because it threatens their longevity. Trent,
I agree with all these points, I have integrated them in the past and present. I have noticed that supervisors if insecure will always find things that you need to work on. As a sales person, I generally do not interact with my peers mainly with external customers…I have been criticized by not collaborating…when the rare instance occurs, you cannot notify the supervisor..LOOK…LOOK…I am doing it….we cannot be blind to the fact some managers do not want their people to be their best…because it threatens their longevity.

]]> By: SuperSonicSuccess http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209514 SuperSonicSuccess Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:46:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209514 Excellent advice. The ones taking charge of their future rather than waiting around for something to happen are the ones who succeed. Talking to your boss about your weaknesses is a must. There may be something preventing you from being promoted that you don't even know about. Excellent advice.

The ones taking charge of their future rather than waiting around for something to happen are the ones who succeed.

Talking to your boss about your weaknesses is a must. There may be something preventing you from being promoted that you don’t even know about.

]]> By: Know The Ledge http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209402 Know The Ledge Sat, 22 Mar 2008 23:20:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209402 These are good points of advice. Being able to talk with your supervisor is crucial, it's unfortunate that a lot of people out there are either too afraid to discuss their status or do not have a good enough relationship to feel comfortable talking about it with their supervisor. It's one of those things that you should always make a point to do. The other two that I especially agree with are networking and keeping a resume ready at all times even as you progress throughout your career. Those are two things that I've been able to do really well, and it has worked wonders for me. These are good points of advice. Being able to talk with your supervisor is crucial, it’s unfortunate that a lot of people out there are either too afraid to discuss their status or do not have a good enough relationship to feel comfortable talking about it with their supervisor. It’s one of those things that you should always make a point to do.

The other two that I especially agree with are networking and keeping a resume ready at all times even as you progress throughout your career. Those are two things that I’ve been able to do really well, and it has worked wonders for me.

]]> By: The Innovative Traveler http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209394 The Innovative Traveler Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:47:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209394 Step 5 is definitely important. Networking has gotten me 99% of the freelance work I have. I think people actually have an innate desire to help others if they can. Step 5 is definitely important. Networking has gotten me 99% of the freelance work I have. I think people actually have an innate desire to help others if they can.

]]> By: Eric http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209388 Eric Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:22:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209388 Trent, I think you are right on with this. You would be surprised how sending a quick "thank you" email to someone and adding a CC to their boss works out. If you are shy you can of course do a BCC to the boss. I've done this with people as low on the totem pole as administrative assistants and as high as department chairs at my college, and it is universally appreciated. One of the administrative assistants told me that she included some of my emails in her paperwork when she applied for promotion. I wouldn't say to overdo it, but if someone goes out of their way, saying thank you is the right thing to do. Trent, I think you are right on with this. You would be surprised how sending a quick “thank you” email to someone and adding a CC to their boss works out. If you are shy you can of course do a BCC to the boss. I’ve done this with people as low on the totem pole as administrative assistants and as high as department chairs at my college, and it is universally appreciated. One of the administrative assistants told me that she included some of my emails in her paperwork when she applied for promotion.

I wouldn’t say to overdo it, but if someone goes out of their way, saying thank you is the right thing to do.

]]> By: lorax http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209360 lorax Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:16:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209360 I agree with most of these points, particularly talking with the boss. But be aware that even your boss may not know exactly what you need to do to succeed. He can give you an idea, but you often need to be flexible. A constant dialog with the boss really helps here. I agree with most of these points, particularly talking with the boss.

But be aware that even your boss may not know exactly what you need to do to succeed. He can give you an idea, but you often need to be flexible. A constant dialog with the boss really helps here.

]]> By: RC@ThinkYourWayToWealth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209343 RC@ThinkYourWayToWealth Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:54:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209343 #7 -is one that can turn a good place to work into a bad place to work. Related to this is listening to co-workers gossip about others' work habits in a negative way. Avoid getting involved with those conversations. Regarding #9, what is your opinion when the volunteering is of a political nature? I am not a huge fan of this, but many professional service companies try to maintain relationships with local politicians (for obvious reasons), and sometimes ask employees for help @ election time. (I'm not talking about monetary donations, but assisting with the campaign-like helping out on election day for a few hours). I do know that the upper level management at work appreciates, so I have done it a few times. #7 -is one that can turn a good place to work into a bad place to work. Related to this is listening to co-workers gossip about others’ work habits in a negative way. Avoid getting involved with those conversations.

Regarding #9, what is your opinion when the volunteering is of a political nature? I am not a huge fan of this, but many professional service companies try to maintain relationships with local politicians (for obvious reasons), and sometimes ask employees for help @ election time. (I’m not talking about monetary donations, but assisting with the campaign-like helping out on election day for a few hours). I do know that the upper level management at work appreciates, so I have done it a few times.

]]> By: Michael http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209340 Michael Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:52:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209340 I worked two years without a review because I assumed my boss would bring it up. I worked two years without a review because I assumed my boss would bring it up.

]]> By: Ben Dinsmore http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209298 Ben Dinsmore Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:36:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209298 #1 is definately talking to your boss. I learned long ago that the semiannual reviews were the most riculous waste of time for all parties involved! Why wait for up to six months to tell the employee were he/she can make improvements! Tell them now!! #1 is definately talking to your boss. I learned long ago that the semiannual reviews were the most riculous waste of time for all parties involved!

Why wait for up to six months to tell the employee were he/she can make improvements! Tell them now!!

]]> By: Andy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/comment-page-1/#comment-209253 Andy Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:38:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/03/22/ten-techniques-to-take-control-of-your-own-destiny-at-work/#comment-209253 Thanks for the advice. I just decided on a career (at least for now) in accounting, so this will definitely come in handy. I am going to read Never Eat Alone soon after hearing you talk about it so much. Maintaining relationships is a weak point of mine and I know networking is important. Thanks for the advice. I just decided on a career (at least for now) in accounting, so this will definitely come in handy. I am going to read Never Eat Alone soon after hearing you talk about it so much. Maintaining relationships is a weak point of mine and I know networking is important.

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