How to Stay Organized at Work

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It is not a secret that recruits and hiring managers are looking for an individual with strong organizational skills. For them, productivity is everything. The more you can do in less amount of time is something that speaks loudly to the efficiency and effectiveness of your day-to-day logistics. That is why it is imperative that you take control of your day and focus on these two segments of your life: 1. Time and 2. Mindset.

Time: “Having a clear mind and a clear space allows you to think and act with purpose.”

One of the biggest flaws to a person’s professional career is getting acclimated to the workload. While you may be new to the job, you will be expected to quickly organize yourself in the most optimal and professional manner. For some people, it can take days. For others, it will take weeks. Whatever is the case, make sure you are able to hone the logistical operations of your day. To do that, you need to be cognizant of your time.

Start the day by structuring your time by either creating a work ‘to-do-list.’ As minimal as it may seem, that will allow you to map out a holistic overview of your day. For many successful professionals, they usually go through their emails and social media updates at the beginning, middle, and end of the day so that they are not overloaded and overstressed. In addition to your emails, make sure you commit to a specific time period when coordinating and scheduling your task. For example, if you have a report or a task due, try and give yourself a particular deadline so that you can continue on to the next task. This will allow you to hit your objectives while also adjusting anything within your schedule as your day continues.

For meetings and breaks, make sure you note that in your schedule. At many companies, they will usually have weekly meetings at specific times. To help get you on track, enter those dates and time in your calendar. One useful tool many people use is Google calendar. Google calendar will help you stay on track while also notifying you of any upcoming deadlines or meetings within the week. Remember, the more logistically sound your schedule is the better. This will eventually give you a specific routine within your day to work at your best with minimal effort.

Mindset: “Never underestimate your strength, never overestimate your weakness.”

When it comes to the job at hand, you have to understand that a majority of your success comes down to your confidence and awareness of a situation. Rather than allowing the situation to overcome your day, take control and focus on doing the right task for the right moment. This will require you to manipulate your schedule when need be. In turn, you will be able to reduce the feeling of overload and procrastination associated with taking on big jobs. To do this effectively, make sure you understand the importance of each day-to-day task. If you have a big project on the line along with a report, try focusing on the more pressing issues. This will give you back the power, even when your schedule may seem overbearing. Try and utilize your checklist as a way to order (or reorder) your day-to-day objectives by importance and priority. That mindset will allow you to stay organized and confident as you accomplish each task on your list.

Now there will be times where things may seem a bit overbearing and downright daunting. Whatever is the case, do not allow this to psych you out. Instead, utilize your list and organizational skills to take control of the matter. That type of confidence will allow you to overcome the hurdles that may potentially block you from succeeding day in and day out.

What to do When you Start a New Job

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Starting a new job is an opportunity for reinvention. Unlike your previous job, you are able to establish a new positive perception that can solidify your personal and professional brand within the office. For this to be beneficial, you have to of course think about the person and employee you want to be. As much as you can be the entertaining guy at the office, you want to make sure your actions and thought process are geared towards career success. To do this, align your actions with your goals. This type of mentality will allow you to clarify and foster the person you are meant so that you are ready for your big first day.

Now as exciting as it may be to enter into a new position at a different company, you have to understand that you are still technically on a probation period. To secure your job and establish that positive presence within the office, you want to provide a strong first impression amongst your peers and management. Unlike college, a quirky joke or a favorite sports team will not be the saving grace in establishing that positive image. Instead, being thought provoking, strategic, and hardworking will help specify your presence within the office

To help you through this process, I have provided various helpful tips that you can utilize on your first day. Like it or not, first impressions do matter. And if you are looking to grow and succeed at this new company, you want to make sure you start things off on the right foot.

1. First one In, Last one Out

As stated above, your first few weeks within this position is more of a probation period than anything. During this time, a majority of your coworkers, especially your managers, will be observing your work ethics and your work behavior. With that being said, embody the phrase, ‘first one in, last one out.’ Now I am not saying that you have to be the first one in the office. But if you are looking to make a positive impression on your managers and higher ups, try arriving earlier than most. In addition, just don’t hang out in your cube or relax in the break room. Instead, try talking with some of your colleagues and start working immediately.

2. Ask a lot of Questions

Remember, you are the new kid on the block. As much as you want to showcase your strengths, you have to understand that you are still miles behind the rest. To help you with this, make sure you ask a variety of questions. Constantly asking will allow you to learn more about the culture and overall role of your position. In addition, try going beyond the parameters of your position and connect and network with other departments. This may lead to something more positive in the future.

3. Network, Network, Network!

Regardless of your position or your field, network will never stop. In fact, the concept to connect with another person should be a natural tendency if you are looking to move and grow with your company. To learn more about the office and your colleagues, make sure you are connecting both in and out of the office. In addition, try networking with some of the higher ups. This can possibly provide them particular ideas, especially with promotional talks.

4. Do the Dirty Work

Like it or not, you are still the newbie and as much as you want to tackle the bigger clients or the more lucrative campaigns, you have to understand your place in the totem pole. During your first few months, make it a priority to volunteer your time to your team, especially if you are done with your work. This will, in turn, allow you to gain a stronger insight about your position and propel you to where you need to five months down the line. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. So why not start by engaging and learning from those around you.