Everyone knows there is a bit of a taboo about having a relationship with somebody you work with. There are a number of different reasons for this, but there are also a number of ways you could manage it in order to make it work.
1. Keep it quiet
This is not to say you should keep it a secret. The main reason you would need to keep it a secret is if it is forbidden. However, by keeping it quiet, it can be easier to manage. So what is meant by keeping it quiet?
Ask people not to talk about it at work. Let them know that it is personal, and has nothing at all to do with the workplace. If you hear people gossiping, tell them to stop. Also, refrain from any intimate interactions in the workplace. Keep things strictly professional.
2. Keep your work and social life separate
Make sure that you are both aware of this. By keeping them separate from the start, you minimise the chances of any strain in the relationship taking over at work. This is linked to the first point, and is just as important. If you work with friends that you like to gossip with, make sure they know that the topic of you relationship is not allowed. Likewise, make sure you don’t broach the topic yourself.
3. Stay professional
If you are in a position where you are the boss of your partner, then make sure this does not affect anything. Let it be known that they are not getting any privileges or special treatment just because you are in a relationship. If they do something wrong, they must have the same consequences as anyone else.
Likewise, if your partner is your boss, keep to this strict code. Make sure they don’t give you any special privileges, and don’t get upset when you are treated just like everyone else.
4. Don’t bring arguments to work
If you are having problems at home, make sure they stay at home. Don’t bring that strain into work, as it will have a negative effect on everyone. The atmosphere will be tense, and your fellow colleagues will feel like they have to tiptoe around. Your clients will also pick up on it, and this won’t seem very professional.
The workplace needs to be as relaxed and stress-free as possible, so make sure it stays that way.
5. Don’t bring work issues home
The above point can be true the other way round. If you are having issues at work that are building stress and arguments, keep them at work. Don’t bring them home with you. By bringing them home you will just be putting extra unnecessary stress on your relationship, and this is likely to just get worse.
Ultimately, don’t take it to heart when people tell you that having a relationship with your colleague won’t work. There are risks with all relationships, you just need to know how to manage them properly.
How To Improve Your Chances For Promotion
Looking to start the New Year with a bang? Then there’s no better time to start working towards that all-important promotion.
Every year thousands of hard working employees resolve to step up the career ladder. But there’s a lot more to it than simply asking the boss. For if you’re looking to make an impact you need a failsafe promotion plan in place right from the very start.
The beginning of a New Year is a great time to take stock of where you are in your career. Begin by evaluating your current responsibilities and performance.
Ask yourself how you come by your current position and what your key strengths and weaknesses are. Not only will this give you a confidence boost, it should also highlight any areas you may need to work on.
Next, have a think about where you want to be. This may sound simplistic but asking for a promotion is pointless if you have no idea what position, department or even branch you want to be in.
If you have a specific job title in mind, find out as much as you can about the position. The more you know, the more you can impress management and show them you’re the right person for the job.
Thinking about what you would want to achieve in your new position is also a good idea. So if your boss asks why they should give you a promotion, you’ll be ready with a list of goals and a practical explanation of how you can achieve them.
Talking to your immediate supervisor or manager is another step in the right direction. Too many people assume their boss knows their career plans and never discuss them openly.
By explaining you are interested in a promotion they may be able to tell you about upcoming opportunities or give you a good idea of what management are looking for.
Similarly, they could highlight possible problems or challenges you may have to address. For instance they could give you feedback on certain aspects of your performance or let you know of any skills or qualifications you may need before you can jump up the career ladder.
Act on everything they bring to your attention and put real effort into doing your job well. You want to prove you’ve got what it takes to move up – which means taking on more responsibilities, having pride in your work and gaining the appropriate skills required for promotion.
View work challenges as opportunities to prove how hard working and dedicated you are. Bosses love people who solve problems – even when they are not their own – and it’s those workers who end up being promoted.
Think too about what you wear to work. It may sound obvious but your appearance has a big impact on how your work colleagues and management see you. One good tip is to dress for the job you want, not the job you’re currently in. When you look the part, it’s far easier for you to fit in when you do land that promotion.
If you work in a large company it can sometimes be hard to stand out from the crowd. But networking and making a conscious effort to meet new people in your industry can pay real dividends.
Not only could you learn of upcoming job opportunities or meet someone who already holds the position you’re going for, it raises your profile within the company itself. So next time someone brings up chat of promotion or a new job, your name will spring to mind.
Volunteering for inter-departmental projects or joining other work-based groups are great ways to get noticed and help raise your profile. This will also let your boss see that you are a team player and enjoy working with your colleagues.
If you don’t already keep a record of your work achievements, it’s time to start writing everything down. Whether it’s record sales figures, a boost in productivity or fantastic feedback from clients you need evidence of your continual success. Spending just a few minutes each week updating your records will save a lot of time later on.
Finally, timing is crucial when asking for a promotion. Think about where the company is financially and whether or not there are opportunities available. If not bide your time and continue working hard, building up your portfolio until the time is right.
By concentrating on doing a fantastic job, getting noticed and above all having a plan your chances of promotion will greatly increase.
