Finding Success Even When Times Are Tough
Today, whether employed or unemployed, everyone’s feeling more stress due to the financial upheaval affecting the global economy. Employees and managers are worried if they’ll be the next to be laid off, while company owners are worried if their company will be survive. So more than ever there’s a need for conflict resolution to deal with the survival of the fittest game going on, while new types of professional development skills are needed to help survive and thrive in these rapidly changing and difficult times.
So what can you do to resolve any conflicts and adapt by developing new skills? Here are some possibilities.
- Do some relaxation exercises, so you feel less tense and anxious, which will enable you to better cope with everyday activities and perform at your best.
- Notice where the points of tension are at work and think about what you might do to smooth things over using conflict resolution skills, such as knowing when to compromise, accommodate, delay, collaborate, or make a firm decision.
- Be willing to work harder and take on extra responsibilities even if you are not being paid more — or are even being paid less. This is one way to increase your skills and develop new ones. Then, when things improve, people will remember and you will reap the rewards of professional development.
- Remind yourself that other people are even more badly affected by the financial meltdown than you, and consider volunteering to help those who are; you’ll feel much better for being of service to others.
- Create a wish list and imagine you have achieved your wishes. Then, imagine what you might do to achieve them – another aspect of professional development. Just thinking this way will help you not only feel better but put you on the path to getting what you want.
- Think of what you can do to brighten up your day and others’ day at work with some little fun activities. Then, seek to put these in action. You’ll help in dispelling the mood of doom and gloom that pervades many workplaces to day, and your initiative can help you not only stay on the job but get ahead at work when the good times come back.
For more ideas on how to achieve these ends, you can see some chapters from my books Want It, See It, Get It (www.wantitseeitgetit.com) or Enjoy: 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Everyday (www.enjoythebook.com).
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Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D. is the author of over 50 books and a seminar and workshop leader, specializing in work relationships and professional and personal development. Her latest books include Want It, See It, Get It and Enjoy! 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Everyday, both from AMACOM.
More on Topics: Conflict Resolution, Professional Development, Success, Unemployed, Work, Workplace
Tags: Conflict Resolution, Professional Development, Success, Unemployed, Work, Workplace
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