Have you ever sat back to think how many times a day you say “I”?
I can’t do this today.
I don’t have time for this.
I just did X at work.
I think that it should be done this way.
I’m the best at this.
Have you ever sat with a communications person outside of work? For communicators, some suck at just talking to another person. Many can’t convey their thoughts, turning it to themselves and coming across as pompous. It’s this insane thirst for finally putting their needs ahead of someone else.
The professionals that stop and still put others first are those that are doing well in and out of the office. They know how to network. They know how to balance work-personal. They know that for every time they say “I”, that’s two times they should be saying “you” or “we.”
How can we as an industry work to improve the mentality?
1. Participate in Twitter chats, such as #pr20chat or #u30pro, to provide thought leadership to others and students. This is a form of paying it forward in a professional manner. Give up that Happy Hour and spend time providing thought and learning from others.
2. Actively participate in movements such as #12for12k. We all know that social media can drive more awareness quickly. Why not join in with a cause you care about? Use your network for good, instead of the greater gain of your own. There are a lot of different things you can participate in, such as #beatcancer.
3. Share twice as many blog posts as you do your own. I’m all for sharing your own work, accomplishments and posts. Try this on for size: Every time you tweet something about you, tweet about two other people. It could be a blog post, a call-out for awesome work they are doing, or even just connecting them with someone else. Make it about them, not you.
4. Volunteer in your community. Working in the non-profit/association world, I know how hard it was to get
volunteers. But, even if its just two hours every week, or every other week, you’re helping out. Local or national nonprofits will find a way to put you to work. Not only are you giving back to others, but you’re helping out on a larger scale. And, hey, it’s not about you. You could even join organizations for professional development.
5. Recognize and applaud other professionals recognition and awards. There is always going to be someone who works harder, has more accomplishments or is just plain kicking butt. How do you react to it? We see it all the time: professionals that berate others out of jealousy. Buck up and find your own path. Those that actively applaud others always stand out.
6. Take a colleague for lunch or coffee on you. I know, I know. You’re busy. Colleague is busy. But, taking time to show you’re interested in what your colleague thinks and getting to know them goes a long way. Don’t alienate – corporate culture is a lot more important than you think.
7. Send an office-wide email with a colleague’s accomplishments. At Fleishman-Hillard, we routinely recognize efforts in the social media space, publications or community. Our office is pretty modest, so it’s been our mission (me and my boss Justin) to actively share their articles or accomplishments. Peer encouragement has our office participating actively in the community and the social space for thought leadership. This only benefits our office and helps with new business.
Tell me: What would you add?
