Shelter Chieza Change Management
When I was still starting out in management some time ago, I made a decision to be at work 15 minutes early and to work an extra hour after knock-off time. I was one of the first managers to arrive and the last ones to leave. Although I might not have been the most strategic manager the company had ever had, my decision left a lasting impression on my other colleagues and bosses.

They all thought that I was a hard worker and a diligent individual. It is good for one’s career to strive to endear themselves to colleagues and bosses.
I always tell junior managers that when they get into a company, they should not bother their strong areas but should focus more on their weaknesses to be effective.

Technology is not an area that interests most people yet it something that should be embraced.
The world has become flatter and the more you know about the latest trends out there, the more you get ahead.

What kind of a manger would you be if you have no knowledge of what is happening on the internet <http://www.aarp.org/technology/how-to-guides/social-networking/>.
These are basics that a manger should know.

Whenever something needs to be done, you must be the first person to volunteer. This makes you indispensable and will come handy in future, for instance if the country decides to retrench.

Make sure you record your personal accomplishments at work, be it emails or acknowledgements that clients send in appreciation of the service that you offered them, or the thank you notes from the boss for doing an extraordinary job, and keep them, this may be just enough to make you look valuable.
In my quest to become indispensable, I have also learnt to work beyond what is expected of me.

Don’t mourn about your job, your salary and working conditions, create something tangible, when you do, put it out for the world to see.
I recently created a crossword puzzle for our internal newsletter and our humour column gained the most votes last year.
Suddenly I became useful to someone, the things that we create contain a little part of us, a spark of who we are – a spark that much of our society conspires to shy away from.

No matter what your area of expertise is, there are people out there who may want it so they can have more power over their own destinies.
If you are in the marketing department and know a thing or two about procurement, volunteer to be part of their team whenever there are big projects and make your presence felt.
Be an income generator, If you are generating income or in the department, especially if you are meeting your targets, you will not be the first one out the door when retrenchment s or job cuts are effected.

Even if you are not in the marketing and sales department, there is no harm in suggesting ideas to increase income.
Creating systems or implementing income generating policies that enhance your organisation’s ability to be competitive is equally valuable.

If you are in a job that gives you a budget, keep the spending under control. Find ways to cut costs while achieving your objectives, and make sure your supervisor know you have taken action.

Be the best in what you do. Go on, excel. It helps if you know the area that you are good at.
If you figure out the thing that is most satisfying to you and learn how to do it better than anyone else, it will help you stand out from the crowd at your workplace
A lot of people need to be taught how to interact at the workplace. It is beneficial if you get along with other peers even those younger than you. You meet different age groups with different tastes and attitudes; learn to embrace individuals despite their differences.

You may be working with someone that is 10 years younger than you. Learn to get along with different age groups.
Respect their opinions and find ways to connect your interests. Avoid treating younger professionals as incompetent children.

Make a deliberate plan to become indispensable to your organisation. You might be surprised by the result.
Till next week, may God richly bless you.

Shelter Chieza is an advisor in management issue. She can be contacted at [email protected]

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