Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Learning From Observation


an unplanned nap
Originally uploaded by virginiaz

While at work today, I'll confess to doing some people watching. I made many observations in the process. Some positive. Some negative. Most of my observations were of the best and the brightest. As I observed certain aspects of their job performance, I wrote my thoughts down in my pocket Moleskine. I tried to write them in the form of professional tips. I'll share a few...

  • Remember to thank people when they assist you in anything.
  • Nobody likes meetings much, but you could still pretend to care.
  • Cultivate good telephone manners.
  • Ask relevant questions.
  • Introduce others when appropriate.
  • Take on new assignments with at least a little enthusiasm. Give the impression that you will get the job done. Oh yeah, and then get the job done!
  • Follow up when you say you're going to follow up.
  • When on the phone get to the point.
  • Get to the point even when not on the phone.
  • You're busy? There's no need to remind everyone every 10 minutes.
  • Be friendly.
  • Don't ask co-workers to lie for you on the phone. Free tip if you ever work with me: Don't ask me to, because I won't.
  • Firm handshakes are best. Hard handshakes just hurt. Limp handshakes are creepy.
"If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work." ~ Thomas J. Watson

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

in full agreement, drewmaniac. i'm particularly obsessed with the handshake bit. you don’t need to use the death grip unless you are purposely trying to threaten that person’s life. surely refrain from using the dead fish handshake. what's worse then the dead fish handshake?

good work. glad i found you on twitter!

Cantrell said...

Having worked at your place of employment, this conjures up all kinds of faces from the past.

I can't help but think you're talking about the "Wittiest Man in Joplin" when you mention faking interest in those morning meetings.

Andrew Weaver said...

Ita - What's worse than the dead fish handshake? The wet, just washed my hands in the bathroom, dead fish handshake. I suspect that's worse.

Andrew Weaver said...

Ryan - no. We all know he fakes interest. I actually meant those who call meetings and then pay very little attention to what is being said by checking e-mail, writing e-mails, talking to their neighbor, etc.