Want To Bulletproof Your Job And Get Ahead?

Want To Bulletproof Your Job And Get Ahead?

There's no doubt that there's a new kid on the block when it comes to workplace behaviour, particularly if you are looking to get promoted. To forge a successful career path, Author of From Me To We Janine Garner says it's all about engaging with others and understanding that there truly is no -I' team. She says there are five key things that you can do to succeed as a team player and future-proof your career:

Be willing to share credit when credit is due: the temptation to take all the glory for your team's success can be overwhelming when you have led a project. Understanding that everybody needs to be given accolades, no matter how insignificant their part in the eventual win may seem to have been is critical.  This leads to greater engagement and therefore trust.

Be brave enough to share your weaknesses: too often in the workplace, we see admitting a lack of knowledge or understanding as admitting to failure. What it is in actuality is a form of strength, because it shows our peers and our subordinates that we are willing to seek help and show vulnerability. This engenders trust, and encourages others in return to admit the same issues.

Appreciate the value of intellectual currency: not everything is about the bottom line. Focusing inwards and seeing only your own KPIs and bonus targets means that you miss out on banking others' knowledge. Skills are an increasingly valuable currency for both corporates and entrepreneurs alike. Suggest to a team mate that you -swap' a skill for a skill – teach each other something you previously had no knowledge of.

Stand up and be counted: part of teamwork is the ability to change situations that are not acceptable. If you think that an idea could be bettered, or that your workplace has unacceptable conditions for members of your team, then don't just sit there. Collaboration rather than isolation can be uncomfortable in the short term, but the long term rewards benefit your team.

Finally – don't be afraid to network: yes, you may see it as a dirty word; but if you network effectively it can provide a truly collaborative workspace. Professional networks are essential to give support, encouragement and knowledge along the upwards progression path. This isn't the whole -have as many people as possible in your email list' type of network; but like-minded thinkers who understand what you want to achieve and whom you want to support in kind.

Teamwork and collaboration is the only way to stabilise and stand firm in a shifting and unsteady work environment. The -Me' thinking space doesn't get you very far. Make the change to thinking -We' instead, and flourish! Janine Garner is now available for interview. She's a businesswoman and entrepreneur, and author of From Me To We – Why commercial collaboration will future-proof business, leaders and personal success, published by Wiley. 

For more information visit http://www.janinegarner.com.au