Rising Above a Toxic Workplace

Regardless of whether you’re still going into work every day, or you’re carrying your duties remotely, working in a toxic environment can be a horrible experience.

In some workplaces personality clashes aren’t hidden, with colleagues being openly hostile or aggressive to each other.

In others, people’s contempt for those they work alongside can be more subtle with gossip damaging the personal or professional reputations of their intended targets.

Some people in positions of authority resort to bullying because of personal dislikes or because it’s their very poor attempt at a management style.

Possibly most damaging of all is when employees are shunned or ignored but those around them.

Such behaviours can be hugely damaging. The impact on anyone exposed to such a poisonous atmosphere can go far beyond not enjoying their work. Some people can be drained of confidence to the point that their mental health suffers.

For anyone who finds themselves in a toxic department or organisation, here are some suggestions on how to cope.

Don’t Join In

There is nothing wrong in confiding in a colleague when you are unhappy with something at work. If you disagree with a decision a manager has made or some feedback you’ve received, sharing your unhappiness with someone you trust is a natural move.

Indulging in workplace gossip is another thing entirely. Whether it’s face to face or via email, it may seem relatively harmless – but it’s not. The intended target can end up with a tarnished reputation, often based on a rumour that’s completely untrue. The consequences can be even more severe should the intended target find out what has been said.

And they may not be the only one to suffer. Colleagues may not trust you should you become known for making malicious comments about the people your work with.

Don’t Take Sides

There are many reasons why workplace grudges develop. Sometimes they are sparked by an individual incident or they can build up over time. Then, there are professional rivalries, where competitive colleagues see each other as a threat to their own career prospects.

Regardless of the circumstances, being caught in the middle of such conflict can be extremely difficult.

While it may be tempting to take sides, try to avoid becoming drawn into a situation that’s nothing to do with you. Instead, aim to maintain positive working relationships with everyone and remain neutral when it comes to bickering and squabbling.

Talk to Someone

When a team, department or organisation is so blatantly toxic, there’s a good chance that you won’t be the only one who notices.

Speaking with colleagues you trust about your concerns will hopefully result in you finding out that you are not alone. While it won’t make the problem go away, knowing that there are others who feel the same way you do will hopefully provide some short-term reassurance. If speaking to a stranger feels like a better option, consider contacting an employee assistance programme.

If the situation goes beyond an unpleasant atmosphere to bullying, then report it. Whether you’re the victim or it’s a colleague who is suffering, it takes courage to speak up – but it’s the right thing to do.

Think about your future

While you might be able to put up with a toxic atmosphere in the short-term, as time goes on even the most resilient and mentally tough individuals will feel it. And while working from home may offer some protection, don’t assume that it completely shelters you from whatever it is that is dragging your workplace down.

If there’s no sign of change, then it is time to move on. Your career, confidence and mental health could all be damaged if you don’t. If you feel able to be patient and wait for the right opportunity, then great. But if you’re struggling, try to get out as soon as possible.

While a negative experience may make you hesitant about moving and going through something similar again, it’s important to remember not every workplace is like this. There are plenty of positive, progressive and welcoming organisations out there.

When the Interviewer Hates You

The whole point of a job interview is to make a good impression. Every candidate wants to wow the interviewers with their skills and experience so that it’s almost impossible to reject them.

But it isn’t always plain sailing.

Sometimes, you get the sense that things aren’t going well. It might be that you struggle to answer, or stumble over, a particular question. Or, even worse, you don’t feel like you’re making a good impression with the people asking the questions.

Having a feeling that an interviewer doesn’t like you is horrible. It can dent your confidence and lead to a difficult experience where hopes of the job disappear in front of your eyes.

So, even if things get off to a rocky start, it’s important to keep the interview on track and ensure that you stay in contention for the job. Here are some tips for helping you to achieve just that.

Don’t Panic

Easier said than done but failing to hit it off with an interviewer doesn’t mean that all is lost. The following points should be kept in mind:

Your belief that the interviewer doesn’t isn’t a fan of yours might not be true.
The remainder of the interview is an opportunity to turn any negative impressions into positive ones.
The individual concerned may not have the final say when it comes to who gets the job.

Try to Build Rapport

Even if the interview hasn’t had the best of starts, the aim of the candidate should continue to be to give the best possible version of themselves.

Smile and make good eye contact with the people across the table, or on the screen if it’s a video interview. Speak positively about yourself, your career and the role you are applying for.

Don’t Overdo it

While showing enthusiasm is usually beneficial when going through the recruitment process, be careful not to go too far if the interview isn’t going to plan.

Cracking jokes, talking too much, going off subject or focusing too much on the interviewer who doesn’t appear to be a fan won’t turn things around.

Learn from the Experience

If your application ultimately proves to be unsuccessful it’s important to learn from the experience. Did you say or do anything that could have offended the interviewer or left them feeling less than impressed by you as a candidate?

However, it’s also important to remember that a failure to connect with an interviewer is not automatically your fault. It could have been down to unconscious bias, a random dislike or a lack of people skills on the part of the other person or people involved.

Step up your Job Search in 2021

If you spent 2020 applying for multiple jobs, only to be rejected every time, then perhaps 2021 is the year for a different approach.

Here are eleven suggestions for improving your job-hunting process and, in turn, giving your career prospects a much- needed boost.

Update Your CV

Are you really detailing your skills and achievements, or just noting a list of tasks in each job? Also, ensure any recent experience or relevant training is included and use keywords to overcome applicant tracking systems.

Draft a Killer Cover Letter

Far too many good or great CV’s are undermined by a lazy, uninspiring cover letter. It’s another opportunity to tell a prospective employer about who you are and why they need to give you the job.

Use LinkedIn

There’s a huge difference between having a LinkedIn account and using LinkedIn to your advantage. Once you have tidied up your own page (suitable photo, engaging profile summary, etc…), then use it to network, blog and find work. This, from last year, is worth a read.

Contact Employers

If employers aren’t knocking down your door, then down theirs…well, not literally. But if there’s a particular industry or company you want to work for, contact them direct. You never know what might happen.

Upload your CV to Job Websites

Many of the big websites allow job hunters to upload a CV or CV’s. Make yours stand out and you may be headhunted.

Register with Recruitment Agencies

Many agencies specialise in particular sectors and may be able to put you in touch with suitable employers.

Think About a Portfolio Career

Perhaps you don’t need a new job…instead you need two or three or four. Think about what you’re good and make the most of your talents, working hours that suit you.

Consider a Qualification

Your CV or application form saying that you’re good at something is fine but backing it up with a recognised qualification can put you ahead of the competition.

Use Different Websites

Consider sector specific sites if you know what you want to do. Alternatively, visit the careers sections of large organisations or public services.

Work for a Charity

Good causes need admin, human resources, IT, maintenance and marketing staff as much as large, private organisations. Check out the likes of Charity Job and Goodmoves for vacancies that could lead to greater job satisfaction.

Practice the Interview

For some applicants, the CV or the application form is the easy bit. Their issues only start at the interview. Regardless of it’s down to nerves, lack of confidence or experience, practicing possible interview questions with a friend, relative or colleague could prove to be hugely beneficial.

6 Reasons to Take a Salary Drop

Not everyone is motivated by money but it’s still an important factor when deciding on a job or career. It’s natural that people want to be paid what they’re worth, and they will expect their salary to grow as they gain more skills and experience.

However, there are some situations where choosing to take a drop in salary is not only acceptable, but it’s actually the right move in the long-term. Here are some examples:

Career Change

Moving into a completely different line of work may mean that you must start all over again. Being at the bottom of the ladder may mean a lower salary than you are used to but at least you’ll be working towards the career of your choosing, if not your dreams.

Returning to Studies

Going back to college or university (or going for the first time) may feel like a backward step, but it’s only a temporary measure. While you will have fewer opportunities to earn during the period of your course (due to studying, exams etc), achieving a new qualification will hopefully benefit you more in the long-term.

Dropping Hours

Creating the perfect work-life balance isn’t always easy and sometimes, something has to give. While some workers lose out financially by making a small reduction in the number of hours they work, they gain by having peace of mind and more control of their lives beyond the workplace.

Changing Shift

Some roles provide allowances for working ‘anti-social’ hours, such as weekends or nightshift. While the additional financial rewards will be welcome, permanently working such shift patterns can be mentally and physically demanding. Moving to a role with more ‘traditional’ hours may be more beneficial to some than the increase in their salary.

You Want Less Responsibility

There may be points in your career when you decide that it’s time to take a step back. It may be that a senior management role or some other demanding post that could also include long hours, high pressure or extensive travel. Amending some of your duties, or changing job altogether, could be the answer.

You’re Miserable

If you find yourself deeply unhappy because of your job, to the point where it impacts on life away from the workplace, then it’s time to act. Moving to another post may result in a lower salary, but if it benefits your mental health, then it’s for the best.

New Job or New Career?

“That’s it! I’ve had enough.”

After another awful working day, you’ve decided that it’s time for a change. You’re ready to move on and leave your current employer behind.

While there’s nothing wrong with that way of thinking, it’s important to know what type of change you need. Is moving to a new organisation for a similar role enough? Or is it time to consider a full career change?

The following factors will hopefully steer you in the right direction.

It’s Time for a New Job When…

You don’t like the organisation

It might be the culture, the terms and conditions or the actual working environment. Some people love their job while hating their employer.

You don’t like the people

Not every workplace is one big happy family. If you don’t get on with your colleagues or the boss is a nightmare, it’s time to move on.

Location is a problem

A long commute can be a nightmare, particularly with busy roads or poor public transport. For others, working from home can be the problem.

There’s a glass ceiling

You’re ambitious and want to progress but you always seem to be passed over for promotion opportunities. There’s only so much rejection one person can take.

It’s Time for a New Career When…

Boredom has set in

It’s Groundhog Day. Every task, every aspect of your working day feels like a chore. And you know you would feel the same performing that role at another company.

You’re not enjoying what you do

People change. As you get older your values may change and you could become less comfortable with what you do for a living.

You’ve seen something else

If your head has already been turned and you’ve seen a shiny new career that appeals to you, then you may already know where your future lies.

You’ve looked into the future

“Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?” If the answer isn’t where you are now, then it’s time to think about doing something else.

Becoming the Boss

Promotion to a supervisory or management position for the first time represents a huge moment in any career. There’s an increased salary, more responsibility and hopefully the first of many steps up the ladder – if that’s what you want.

Being the boss also presents many challenges. As well as an increased and demanding workload, there’s conflict, workplace politics and potentially overseeing people who you used to work alongside.

Now, the situation is further complicated by managing remotely due to Covid-19.

The following pointers will hopefully help anyone who is leading a group of colleagues for the first time.

Avoid Power Trips

Management, regardless of how high up you are in the organisation, is about so much more than handing out orders to those who report to you. So, don’t let any added responsibility go to your head – you’ll quickly alienate your team and create a negative atmosphere.

Get to Know Your Team

It’s difficult to manage staff when you don’t know what makes them tick. That doesn’t mean interrogating anyone, it’s more about showing an interest. Finding out what an employee’s hope, dreams and personal circumstances are will make it easier to motivate them and get the best from them.

Be Approachable

“My door is always open.” So many managers say it, but how many mean it? Anyone reporting to you needs to feel comfortable approaching you, for work issues or more personal matters. Encouraging an open-door policy builds trust and respect.

Be Assertive

Too many people equate assertiveness with raising their voice and being forceful, behaviours which are aggressive. Instead, an assertive manager can stand up for themselves, and put their point across, while remaining calm and composed. They do this while recognising the thoughts and feelings of others.

Communicate Effectively

A manager must ensure staff know what’s expected of them and keep them up to date with any information that’s relevant to their role. But it’s a two-way street, so a good leader will also try to listen, and act upon, the thoughts and opinions of those who report to them. Deciding on the correct method of communication is also vital.

Make Decisions

One of the biggest changes many new managers notice is the amount of decisions they have to make on a daily basis – particularly those that impact on others. Sometimes they are routine, while others have a bigger impact on a team or department. Trust your judgment and you’ll be fine.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

Despite what said above, that doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. If you genuinely don’t know the answer to a question or how to deal with an unusual situation, look to experienced colleagues for advice. Saying “I don’t know” isn’t a sign of weakness, it shows that you are self-assured enough to realise that nobody knows everything.

Lead by Example

When you’re in a management post, the way you conduct yourself will influence the way others behave. If you want a team that’s positive, hard working and able to deal with challenges or setbacks, you have to be all of those things. That doesn’t mean pretending that everything is always wonderful – it’s about having the right attitude.

Making the Most of an Appraisal

Appraisals, Performance Review Systems or whatever they are called by your employer, are treated very differently from one organisation to another.

Some firms take appraisals seriously, fully utilising them to the benefit of both employer and employee. Other companies, however, view the whole process as nothing more than a ‘tick the box’ exercise.

Regardless of how your organisation views it, your end of year review can be an important part of your career development. Here are some ways in which you can use your appraisal to your advantage.

Find Out How You’re Doing

While you won’t know what your line manager is going to say word for word, your appraisal meeting shouldn’t have too many surprises. If you’ve been receiving regular performance updates, you should have a fair idea of how you are progressing.

However, different managers have different ideas about feedback and how often it’s delivered. So, if it isn’t always easy to pin your boss down during the course of the year, use the meeting to find out exactly how well your are performing and what he or she thinks of you.

Highlight any Concerns

Any good appraisal meeting should be a two-way street. So, while any positive or negative feedback should not be new to you, the same should apply to any issues you have.

However, sitting down with your manager is an opportunity to discuss any problems or worries you have in more depth. It’s also a chance to push for an answer on any concerns you have raised during the course of the year.

Use Supporting Evidence

As mentioned above, you should be kept up to date regarding how you are performing against any targets set for you. Being aware of your results during the year puts you in a far stronger position as your approach the meeting with your boss.

If you want to challenge your appraisal grading, ask for a pay rise or show that you are ready for more challenges or responsibility, you can back up your claims with cold hard facts.

Plan Your Career

While an appraisal is largely a review of the year just past, it is also about looking ahead. If you are interested in progressing within your organisation, use the process to your advantage.

You can agree with your manager on objectives or targets that you can help you to move forward. This could include training (online, in-house or external), secondments or additional tasks. Seeing a clear route to the career you want can be a real boost to your confidence and motivation.

Formalise Any Requests

How often have you asked your supervisor about going on a training course or being allowed to complete a specific task? They agree and tell you they’ll sort it…then nothing. Your request has gone in one ear and out of the other.

By raising any issues of this kind at your appraisal, the manager involved will not only be obliged to record what you have asked, they’ll also need to revisit it in twelve months’ time. And if you haven’t been granted what you asked for, you’ll be perfectly entitled to query why not.

Delivering Presentations

So, you’ve designed your presentation. Your slides are clean and crisp, and you know exactly what you’re going to say and when. All that’s left now is to get out there and do it.

If only it were that easy. Public speaking, even if it’s only in front of a couple of people, can be hugely challenging. In the second of two posts, we look at how to handle the nerves, and any other challenges, in order to deliver your best possible presentation.

Practice

The only way to confirm that you’re happy with how your presentation sounds, and how long it lasts, is to practice delivering it.

A series of trial runs will increase your confidence and hopefully help you to sound more natural on the big day. If you’re not a confident presenter, then start off in an empty room before including a friend, relative or colleagues. They don’t have to understand everything, it’s about you being familiar with your content and speaking in front of others.

Position Yourself

So, you’ve arrived at the venue and you’re minutes away from beginning your presentation. It’s at this point that you make those final preparations – like where to stand.

Make sure that you are not blocking anyone’s view of your slides and try to avoid nervously pacing across the floor. Instead, stand in a prominent place (that isn’t too close to your audience) and be in a position to easily move onto the next slide without making it obvious.

Pace Yourself

That point, where you first start to speak, is huge. All your hard work and preparations have led to that moment. It’s likely that you’ll feel a mixture of nerves and excitement.

So, don’t be surprised if you find yourself speaking far too quickly. Don’t be hard on yourself, it’s perfectly natural. Instead, try to be aware of your delivery and, if necessary, take a breath and slow it down a bit. After all, a fifteen-minute presentation shouldn’t be over in five minutes.

Have Some Water Nearby

One other ‘side effect’ of delivering a presentation is that, as time goes on, your throat will dry up and your voice may start to sound just a little bit croaky.

To avoid this, a little sip of water now and then will be a big help – particularly during lengthy deliveries. Keep a glass or bottle nearby and grab a quick drink at convenient points. Don’t stop mid-sentence to guzzle half a litre, no matter how tempted you are.

Enjoy Yourself

Now, this may seem like strange advice. It’s difficult to have fun when you’re public speaking and there’s a job, or something else of equal importance, on the line.

But if you’re friendly, positive and perhaps even manage a smile along the way, your enthusiasm for the subject matter will shine through and make a lasting impression on other people in the room.

Welcome Questions

Many presenters are glad when it’s all over and they can make a hasty exit from the room. But they’re missing out on an opportunity.

Inviting questions from the audience is another chance to show those in attendance what you know and what you are capable of. If it’s at the end, you’ll feel so relieved that the presentation is over that any questions thrown at you will be a breeze. Or, if it’s more appropriate, allow questions during the course of your delivery.

Designing Presentations

Presentations are scary. Standing in front of an audience and speaking for any length of time can be hugely challenging, even for confident, experienced professionals.

It doesn’t matter if you’re applying for a job, managing a project or telling another organisation about what your company can offer, presenting can be intimidating even if it’s only for a couple of people.

But before you get that far, you must make sure that the content is spot on. Having confidence in what you’re about to say and show is essential for any successful presentation.

In the first of two blog posts, here are some pointers on designing your presentation.

Focus on the Content

Many presentations contain slides with fancy graphics, animated characters, and all sorts of other gimmicks. Unfortunately, in many instances, the presenter has spent more time working on how the presentation looks, rather than what it says.

Most audiences will quickly be able to tell if your content lacks substance. So, spend more time getting that right and less time on colour schemes, graphics, and animation. And remember, the presentation comes from you – slides, flipcharts and booklets are just aids to help you deliver it.

Stick to the Brief

If a presentation is part of the process for a vacancy, then the recruiting agency or organisation will normally set a brief which outlines the subject or area around which the content should be focused.

When you’re trying to make a good impression, it may be tempting to drift off into other topics and let everyone see how talented and knowledgeable you are. Big mistake – not only will it make your presentation seem disjointed, it will also show the recruiter that you haven’t been able to follow instructions.

Make Slides Easy to Read

Assuming that you are using a presentation package, you will have at the least a few slides to refer to as you speak. A common rookie mistake is to cram these with as much information as possible. That approach means the slides are less than pleasing on the eye for your audience and there is a danger that you have nothing additional to say and your whole delivery is you reading from a screen.

Instead, keep the slides looking clean (using a suitable font) with a few bullet points on each. You then use these points to lead into the message you want to put across. If you want to use a quote or some stats, do it on a separate slide.

Link Slides/Topics together

If you’re a natural when it comes to presentations and you can ‘wing it’, thinking up what to say on the spot, then good luck to you. For the rest of us mere mortals, it’s essential that we know what we are going to say and when.

This is particularly important when it comes to moving from one slide, or one subject area, to another. If you don’t plan how you will achieve this, the transition can be very clumsy as you hesitate and ‘um’ your way through it. It only takes a few words to bring things together and ensures your delivery is smooth and seamless. Examples include

‘I now want to move on from customer service and discuss sales.’

‘So, that’s some of the challenges faced by a new manager. Now, let us consider some possible solutions.’

Decide on Extra Materials

As articulate and charismatic as you are, it may be wise to consider other ways of providing information to your audience, rather than just the spoken word. This is particularly important in longer presentations (to keep your audience interested) or where there are complex processes involved.

Whether it’s a single sheet of A4 paper or a longer brochure or manual, a good presenter will also know the right time to provide their audience with these materials. If you’re trying to land a job you may want the audience to focus on you and finish off by handing them a booklet summarising your key point. In other situations, allowing others to refer to a guide or manual as you speak might help them to understand the content.

Consider Time Constraints

It’s possible, or highly likely if it’s part of the interview process, that your presentation will have a time limit. If you’re nervous about speaking in front of a group of people then you might think the shorter the length of time, the better. But that’s a very negative viewpoint – the longer the presentation, the greater the opportunity to make a good impression.

Other than a brief introduction and a summary at the end, the rest of your time should be spent on getting your message across. Regardless of how long you have, prioritise your key points and topics of discussion.

11 Transferable Skills for Career Change

Transferable skills (sometimes referred to as ‘portable skills’) are abilities, behaviours and knowledge that can be used in multiple situations, such as working in different jobs.

They are essential for anyone who wants to make a successful career change. When you don’t have experience in your target role or industry to fall back on, being able to demonstrate that you still have the necessary skillset is a must.

The importance of each transferable skill depends on the job. However, the list below highlights some examples which are vital for a variety of occupations.

Written Communication

An obvious place to start. Report writing, blogging, emails, presentation creation, newsletters, press releases…the list goes on. Being able to express yourself on paper, or on screen, is vital for so many roles.

Verbal communication

As above. Whether you’re a call centre advisor, a newsreader or a car salesperson, being clear and articulate can lead to many opportunities.

Negotiating

It could be arranging for a debtor to pay back money, ironing out the terms of a large contract or arranging to second staff from another department within the same firm. Regardless of the circumstances, being able to show that you can negotiate will make you a more employable candidate.

Complaint Handling

Every organisation gets it wrong sometimes. And even when they don’t, some customers are still unhappy. So, the ability to either resolve issues or explain why the customer isn’t always right can prove invaluable.

Customer Service

Whether they’re referred to as customers, clients or any other term, the way they are treated is vital to the wellbeing of any organisation or industry. That goes from the basics of a warm and friendly greeting on the phone or face-to-face, to going the extra mile to complete an order or keeping the customer happy.

IT Skills

Word processing packages, spreadsheets, presentation programmes, databases, content creation systems and customer relationship managers. All used daily by a wide range of companies.

Adaptability

A quality that’s always been important, but never more so than in 2020. Coping with changing tasks, roles and working environments is a huge advantage for any career changer.

Time Management

When you move into a completely different line of work, it may take time to settle. Being able to prioritise your workload while meeting deadlines will be a massive plus in the early days.

Leadership

While the job itself will be new, many of the qualities required to be a successful supervisor or manager will be the same.

Numeracy

It could involve counting cash, bookkeeping, budgeting or carrying out calculations. Mathematical skills are important for so many careers.

Data Analysis

Linked to numeracy, the ability to interpret data and then use it for the benefit of your organisation is a huge asset when looking to change careers.