Working Woes ......

Do you look as though you mean business?

Grooming is very important in the business world. This is a statement of plain fact. Whether we like it or not, grooming very definitely affects our success or failure in business. Well-groomed people do not get any direct compliment; they are taken for granted as part of the natural business enviroment. But ill-groomed people invite comment. So, dress neatly in the mode that is prevalent in your place of work. It is also an excellent idea to pay attention to other aspects of the way you look. Today, successful business people are more likely to be those with lean and trim bodies. Many studies have demonstrated this. One particular study revealed that there is a distinct relationship between high income and a flat belly. It was found that the more overweight a man is, the lower the salary is likely to be. On the other hand, a remarkable corelation between slimness and success was noted in the world of women in business - fat women are almost as rare as they are on an Olympic track. Besides, continued education and training are excellent medicines against boredom. Remember, you score points by showing an eagerness for growth.

Can you justify your salary?

This is another question that you should ask yourself as often during your career. It is perhaps the most difficult question of all, for the answer is usually more than half subjective. It is a feeling. If this feeling hits you strongly, that is a good sign. But there are also some ways to get at the question objectively. Some kinds of jobs can be evaluated financially more easily than others, of course - sales jobs, for example, or certain jobs that involve collecting money. But other jobs are less easy to measure in that way. Service-oriented and general management jobs commands salaries that often seems to arrive at arbitrarily. Finally, you know more about your job and your own performance than anybody else. If you aren't delivering, you aren't going to fool yourself. If you don't get that feeling - "I am worth every cent." - then you should be seriously asking yourself, "Why not?" You can fool others for a short time, but not forever. 

In my conclusion on this Series, 'Working People: Taking Stock Of Yourself,' please bear in mind: rarely is anybody's job security being threatened or career damaged by just one mistake. What puts you in jeopardy is a long history of making mistakes. By regularly taking stock of yourself and keeping your strengths, you can greatly improve your chances of keeping your paycheck and eventually winning bigger ones.

Happy Working !!!