Tuesday

What Might Be the Reason that You Struggle at Work?

There may be one major reason or many all wrapped up in one as to why some workers struggle more than others when it comes to the workplace.  Consider your history working with others as well as alone.  What was it like?  What were some things you hated about working and what were some things you loved?

Sometimes we find ourselves in strange predicaments at workplaces, because we simply don't bother to think about the future.  We rush to accept the opportunity, the money, and more without thinking about what we are giving up in the process.  Some of the most successful people in this world are often the most miserable.  They have many toys, connections and more, but after accomplishing much, they either wish for more, grow weary of what they are doing, pass on their legacy to individuals who aren't as passionate about the work, and do other things to distance themselves from what use to be a blessing which is now a curse to them.

Whatever your work might be, know this, you don't have to stay where you are!  You don't have to walk around with regrets while wishing for something else.  You can make a difference!  When you experience a myriad of emotions about your job that are more negative than positive, just know these are signs to make some changes; otherwise, someone will make adjustments sooner or later for you whether you like them or not.

Nicholl McGuire
YouTube channel: nmenterprise7
Nicholl McGuire Media

Monday

Covert vs. Classic Narcissist at the Workplace?

Too Much Talking - No Wonder Things Don't Get Done

It's Monday morning and conversations about the weekend spread around the office like wildfire, before long it is the end of the work day and only a few things have been accomplished.  Those guilty of spending much time socializing and less time working will start blaming, denying and minimizing about what they should have, could have done by week's end.

If you are in leadership or a worker, you can put a stop to the unnecessary conversation both on and offline early on before it catches up to you by Friday.

1.  Talk while you walk or perform other duties.

Although those who like undivided attention will grimace about this, you will need to do what you can to tackle that task list.  You can always invite the chatty one to help; otherwise, keep it moving!

2.  Interrupt those who are sharing details about themselves and others that are irrelevant to the issues at hand.

There is a time and place for everything, but is it really necessary to listen to someone who has a long list of complaints and no solutions?  Besides, how relevant is the subject matter to what you do at the workplace?

3.  Excuse yourself from meetings that are headed into insignificant discussion.

Fear keeps some workers sitting in rooms watching a self-absorbed boss perform.  So worried that they might look bad exiting a meeting early, workers will sit and sit.  Meanwhile, work isn't getting done.  Will your boss and other leaders be understanding when assignments aren't completed while you say, "Well it's because of all those long meeting you had me sit in is why I was unable to meet deadlines"?

4.  If you are behind in work, come in early or stay late.

Some employees hate the idea of doing this, but when you have no other choice and it seems that you are the one who is always being interrupted by someone who wants to talk your head off, you will need to do what you must.  The alternative is to come up with a better way to distance yourself from the socializing that takes up most of your time during the day.

5.  Avoid the temptation to lie, cover up and do other things to appear like you worked hard during the day when you know differently.

Employees that are repeatedly guilty of exchanging non-related work stories have an arsenal of reasons as to why phone calls were not returned, emails were ignored, and more.  Some leaders will throw workers under the bus when their bosses call them out on unmet demands.  Cover yourself and be sure you are not the one taking up time talking about frivolous things and remind your leadership in writing of what they said they needed to get accomplished by Friday and list what you have been doing to meet goals.

6.  Take responsibility for your inaction, slow responses, and time consuming socializing.

So let's say you or someone you know was busted in the act of wasting valuable company time doing other things.  Do you make excuses for the behavior?  Of course not.  But some will in the hopes of not getting written up or worse fired.  If you know that you should have done better managing your time, confess and do better next time.  For starters, set up a reminder on your phone, computer, tablet and elsewhere to keep you on task.  Set a timer that alerts everyone meeting is over.

7.  Notice what you are doing and not doing that is affecting work flow.

Think of everything you do each day and how much time it takes for you to get things done.  Cut back on some tasks, delegate others, and throw out the useless ones.  Sooner or later, someone will be asking you how you spend your workday.  Be prepared to answer and provide beneficial proof.

The less you talk about frivolous matters at work, while cutting meeting time about significant issues, the more time you will have to get things done and be home with your family.

Nicholl McGuire shares spiritual insight about work, relationships, faith, and more here. 

Sunday

The Trouble About Loving a Job...You Don't Love Your Family Quite As Much

A child's birthday celebration is coming up.  There are after school events worth checking out.  A relative is ill.  A friend hasn't seen you in awhile.  But your job and all that is associated with it, you will put in overtime even when it isn't necessary.  You will go above and beyond to assist the boss, team, and others affiliated with the company.  You will arrive early and stay late.  You will work holidays and weekends whenever called upon.  You love your job more than family.

The messenger isn't being judgmental when he or she calls you out on your "love" for the job, but a disgruntled family member or friend who barely sees, talks, or spends time with you is, and the "shut up" money and gifts are not working like they once did. 

Some of the most successful business owners have done quite well, because they were obsessed with their crafts, but what they won't tell you is that they lost their families and friends during the process.  There are sacrifices that are made and some owners and workers are all-too-willing to give up much to have a life that most dream of while they smile and act polite with the team and act mean-spirited and annoyed with their families and friends.

When one has found some sense of personal satisfaction at work and with family, he or she performs well with both.  A person, who has a love for job, but not so much for family, has to figure out how to make certain adjustments that will appease parties personally and professionally.  Will there be challenges?  Of course, but as long as one knows and accepts the truth that he or she loves that job more than family and is willing to make wrongs right, he or she will  do some things differently.

If you are guilty of loving work more than family, list what you can do to make life better on the home front.  If you know someone like this and you can clearly see he or she is losing his or her family, speak up, listen to his or her issues, and provide some advice.  Take the time to do research on how to balance workplace and home life effectively and share what you have learned.

To your happiness,

Nicholl McGuire has spiritual videos related to business at YouTube channel: nmenterprise7

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