Office gossip. It's as common as a cup of coffee. And, almost everyone of us has taken part in it at some point or another.
Some people would argue that workplace gossip is an excellent bonding opportunity; a chance for co-workers to come together on a casual level to discuss, well, gossip.
Whether it's cruel and catty or just plain benign, the effects of gossip in any form are almost always NEGATIVE!
That said, if you can't resist sharing the news about a colleague's latest gaff or escapade, here are some things to keep in mind about gossiping at work.
1. Weigh the consequences.
Ask yourself if what you're saying can hurt someone's career?
If a colleague has committed a serious violation of company policy, then it may be better to go to HR or talk to a partner than to talk about it with your coworkers.
2. Choose your discussions wisely.
Let's face the facts. A zero-tolerance gossip policy is just unrealistic. Everyone is bound to share a little gossip now and then, but the key is to choose what you discuss wisely. Keep your topics light and upbeat.
Be sure to also keep in mind that if you want to get promoted, you need to be seen as trustworthy. If you can't keep your coworkers' secrets, then can you keep company secrets?
3. Assume your gossip will spread like wildfire.
Very few people can keep a secret, and, once those words are out of your mouth, you can't take them back. Even worse, those words might change as they are passed from person to person, and you might not recognize what you said once it gets back to you.
4. Don't put it in writing!
Do not spread gossip via email. And, more importantly, if you are upset at a co-worker, no matter how legitimate the reason, do not vent over e-mail or instant messenger. Smart firms monitor all correspondence, and you don't want a partner coming to you with a printed e-mail containing ugly words.
Of course, if you're in doubt about gossiping at the office - AVOID IT!
Gossip is never helpful. It's never flattering. And, it never reflects well on you.
Take the high road and keep it professional at work!
Simple Adjustments Make a World of Difference
There's nothing like unhappy, brooding co-workers.
They exude negative energy and tend to suck the life out of an otherwise happy, healthy office environment.
Are you one of those people?
If so, TURN YOUR ATTITUDE AROUND!
Here are five ways you can adjust your professional life to become a happier person.
1. Become a mentor.
Chances are you had a mentor in law school, now it's your turn!
Think of the problems you'll help solve, the advice you'll give, and the new relationships you'll grow. Recognize the value in becoming a mentor and the people who'll really appreciate having you at their side.
2. Propose a special project.
Give yourself an opportunity to shine by proposing a special project.
Love to talk with people? Offer to create a collection of tips on how-to-succeed-at-networking derived from interviewing colleagues around the firm.
A project like this will make you build stronger relationships with your coworkers.
3. Make your workspace feel more like home.
If you can't work from home in a virtual law office, bring some creature comforts of home to work!
Put an oriental rug under your desk or a small copy of your favorite painting on your cubical wall. Little things go a long way. Just make sure your personal touches aren't too distracting.
4. Practice some common stress busters.
Stress can weigh heavy and be the source of negative energy.
Take a few moments throughout the day to relax. Consider cardio exercise, meditation or attending a yoga class after work.
You'll be surprised at how energized you'll feel after a strenuous work out or deep breathing and yoga stretches.
Happiness at work is not about keeping the break room stocked with donuts.
It's a mindset.
Simple adjustments around the office will go a long way in making your workday more fulfilling!
Adapted from article Seven Ways to Be Happier at Work by Kiplinger.com.
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Charm a Conference Crowd and Make Great Contacts!
Do you want to build your brand? How about grow your book of business?
Conferences, CLE's, and other speaking events are just the venues you need.
Receiving an invitation to speak at an industry gathering is a great way to ELEVATE YOUR PROFILE in the legal field. Share your knowledge, make great contacts - REALLY SHOW 'EM THAT YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF!
If you're ready to step up to a podium, here are the ten best ways to get a speaking gig at a conference or industry event.
1. Give yourself plenty of time to plan.
Program planning for many events and conferences begins up to a year in advance. Do NOT solicit a speaking engagement the same day registration opens! Seek out the events you’d like to attend well in advance, and reach out to the organizers.
When contacting organizers, do NOT pick up the phone! Use either the event organizer's web-based speaker proposal form, or communicate via e-mail.
2. Suggest how you are valuable.
Don't make event organizers find the fit.
When recommending yourself, tell organizers how and where you should go in the program. This will show that you cared enough to understand their program.
3. Have some social credibility.
Make sure you show up in Google. Your LinkedIn profile should be robust and your Twitter timeline full of relevant industry trends and topics. Conference organizers like to tap people who have some social credibility on the topic they want to present.
4. Write a great proposal.
You want to accurately portray what you’ll speak about, but also convey a sense of the personality and energy you’ll bring to it. Think of the session title as the compelling, intriguing headline, and liven up the description to include specific takeaways (what’s in it for the audience?) and lively language.
Warning: Don’t be boring!
5. Bring a client.
Some events prefer to use client-side speakers rather than vendors or consultants. One way around that is to invite a client or customer to present alongside you.
If you can't get the client to attend, try presenting a case study on their behalf. Doing so can greatly improve your chances to get the gig as well as build your credibility with the audience.
6. Start small.
If you aren’t getting any traction with the bigger events, approach smaller events: Local chamber events, networking breakfasts, association gatherings are all great places to start building your speaking resume.
7. Create a speaking page.
Dedicate a page on your Web site or blog to your public speaking efforts. Give an overview of who you are and what topics you regularly speak about. List where you’ve been and where you are going. Don't forget to include a photo!
8. Solicit testimonials.
Ask for testimonials from conference organizers, association coordinators, or whomever you worked with on a specific event - then list the testimonials on your speaking page.
9. Include a video.
A video demonstrating your speaking skills is a nice touch. Seeing you in action gives conference organizers a clear picture of how you present.
Shoot yourself with a Flip video camera or similar.
10. Don't forget to keep in touch!
Think of a speaking gig as a business lead. You want to nurture it. Keep in touch with conference organizers, attend their events and meet them, and continue to offer yourself as a resource.
There's never been a better time to start leveraging conferences and speaking events.
After all, they are your opportunities to shine and to really show the industry what you're made of!
Adapted from article How to Get a Speaking Gig: 12 Ways to Charm Conference Organizers by Ann Handley.
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No one is perfect around the office. ALL of us make mistakes.
Learning from those mistakes, however, is another story. Lawyers who continually make the same office mistakes are putting their careers on the line.
BOUNCE BACK from your faux pas by correcting these top ten office mistakes.
1. Revealing too much to co-workers.
While having some social moments at work are necessary and even healthy, revealing too much about your life may end up harming your career and advancement within the firm.
2. Undervaluing your staff.
Take the time to challenge your employees so they can perform to their maximum potential.
Thanking them and offering them tokens of your appreciation will also go a long way to ensure their loyalty and praise.
3. Overspending your entertainment/marketing budget.
Many people take advantage of their expense accounts and spend more than they should. What you don’t know is that when it comes time to downsize, the people who cost the firm the most are likely the first ones to go.
When you’re traveling and entertaining, do your best not to break the bank and live the “5 star” life.
4. Basking in your success.
While it’s okay to pat yourself on the back for a job well done, you should celebrate for a moment and move on to bigger and better things.
Keep striving to achieve more. That’s the only way to stay on everyone’s mind – especially the ones who can help take your career to new heights.
5. Waiting for things to happen.
If you want something, you need to be make it happen!
Schedule an appointment with your boss to talk about your position in the firm, or send out emails to the relevant parties involved when you complete a tough task.
6. Sticking to your desk.
Sometimes working harder will hinder you from working smarter.
Whether there’s an office soccer team or a professional network in your area that meets up once a month, making professional connections at the office and in the industry is important if you want to get ahead in your career and find success.
7. Having a false sense of privacy.
Almost every firm tracks what employees do, and you’re no exception. Ensure that you never send around any email that could hurt your career.
Damaging email can come in the form of badmouthing colleagues or sending around sensitive information. You may even get fired for spending too much time on social email.
8. Asking for a raise at a bad time.
If you’re going to ask for a raise, you need to make sure that the firm had a good year and that you’ve done your homework. Make sure to present a compelling argument as to why you deserve one. What have you accomplished for the firm? You need to figure this out before setting up the meeting.
9. Treating your boss like a boss.
Do not alienate your boss. He or she is human - just like you. Think of yourself as a support system for your boss. Imagine that she’s your client and your mission is to show yourself as a leader and a professional.
10. Being too honest.
Honesty is sometimes NOT the best policy at work. It’s never a good idea to criticize anyone without an open request to do so, and even then, you must choose your words very carefully.
Don't let office mistakes ruin your career!
For a successful career - be kind, be courteous, and be sure to play by the rules.
Adapted from article 11 Office Mistakes Women Make by Amanda Rice.
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Believe in Yourself and Others Will Too!
Did you know that confidence is your most powerful asset?
It's true!
Confidence can knock down any barrier - even fear - and take you to new professional heights.
Confidence is also incredibly attractive.
Think about it. People flock to confident brands.
Where would brands like NIKE, Mercedes, and Apple be without confidence? Probably out of business.
Confidence is a state mind that has to be backed up by GREAT VALUE and SERVICE. Be the best you can be and project your own self-confidence to the world!
If you project confidence in yourself, that confidence will transmit to your clients. Business will pick up. Referrals will come in. Contacts and prospects will be calling YOU...because your professional brand encompasses CONFIDENCE.
Comedian Jim Carey's story is a perfect example of the power of confidence. At the beginning of his career, when his phone wasn't ringing, Carey didn't let despair bring him down. He remained confident in himself and continued to visualize success. Just three years later he was a movie star!
Everyone has their ups and downs. The key is to maintain your confidence despite temporary setbacks and periodic disappointments.
Confidence is a key component of your brand...NURTURE IT. BUILD IT. CONSISTENTLY CONVEY IT TO YOUR CLIENTS. Your success depends on it!
Office technology is like a double-edged sword.
You can use it to slash away at a to-do list, saving you a ton of time. But technology, like email and voice mail, also offers plenty of chances to embarrass yourself.
Don't get burned!
Deborah Schneider, author of Office Etiquette Essentials at the American Bar Association, offers some email guidelines that will help you AVOID a technology faux pas.
- Treat e-mail like a letter or memo. Spell check, grammar check, and review all e-mails before sending them.
- Make the subject line as informative as possible. Going through 20 e-mails from one person where the subject line is only the client or project name can be a waste of time.
- Organize your thoughts, be succinct, and use line breaks literally. Format your e-mail so that it scans well, particularly on a Blackberry. If what you have to say requires more than a few paragraphs, write a memo.
- Don't send snippy or derogatory e-mails, and don't send e-mails when you're upset. Don't type in all caps, either, as that's considered "yelling."
- Don't put anything in writing that you wouldn't want to see published in a newspaper. "Before you send a message, always ask yourself: ‘What if this got forwarded to my boss?'
- Always check the "To:" line before sending an e-mail. Check the "Cc:" and "Bcc:" lines as well to make sure you are copying the appropriate individuals.
- Don't let your e-mail address book automatically fill in a recipient's name based on typing in the first few letters of the address. You can easily send an email that is intended for a friend to a firm partner.
Many of the mentioned email essentials can be applied to voice mail too.
For example, don't leave a voice mail you wouldn't want forwarded around the office. Messages should also be brief. If you plan on taking more than 60 seconds, send an e-mail or warn the listener at the beginning of the message.
Bottom line: Always exercise good judgment!
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Proper business etiquette never goes out of style.
Why?
Because, RUDE BEHAVIOR RUINS BUSINESS!
Good business manners are a necessity around the office, and a fundamental factor in keeping clients happy.
Here are ten ways to make sure your impression on someone is a lasting one.
1. Always wait a split second after a person finishes talking before you speak.
2. Listen with your entire body.
3. Be positive.
4. Speak well of others.
5. Memorize names.
6. Never try to impress, it will diminish you.
7. Praise, but never flatter.
8. A simple rule when in doubt: Be kind.
9. Deliver on your promises. Clients crave consistency.
10. Answer your phone!
Remember that you are always on stage. At any given moment you may encounter a client or potential employer.
Always be prepared to look and sound your best!
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You probably have a lot of parties to attend during the next few weeks.
You want to be the life of the party and really let your hair down.
But wait - stop right there!
Throw your visions of spiked egg nog and dancing on tables out the window.
Office holiday parties can tarnish your brand if you let the liquor flow too freely or forget that professionalism never stops mattering.
Have fun, but please don't end up wearing the lampshade!
Miss Manners herself, Emily Post, offers this etiquette advice for all holiday party goers.
1. Limit drinking.
Sure, it's okay to have a glass of wine - but don't have 5 or 6.
People who drink too much at office parties take the risk of seriously harming their professional careers. Stay in control and limit your drinking.
2. Be prepared for small talk.
If the thought of party small talk makes you sweat, don't panic.
Simply think before you speak. Have a list of potential talking points in mind that will help you get a conversation going. Try to avoid yes or no questions.
"What are your plans for the holidays?" will generate a more detailed response than "Are you traveling for the holidays?"
And remember, the wallflower near the buffet is probably looking for a conversation just as much as you are.
3. Don't forget about your spouse.
Often, spouses and significant others are invited to holiday parties, too. Give them a heads up on bosses and colleagues who are likely to be there.
At the party, don't ditch them. Make them feel included and comfortable.
Also, make sure you introduce them to your important workplace family.
4. Thank your host.
Always be a gracious guest by thanking the host of the party, as well as any of the people who worked to plan the event.
A verbal thank you is sufficient, so is an email. A hand-written note, however, will make you stand out and it will convey a deeper level of warmth and sincerity.
So go ahead, relax a bit this holiday season.
But be sure to do it with your best foot forward and ALWAYS keep manners in mind.
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Poor professional appearance can sabotage your career.
Often attorneys think as long as they're smart and competent, outward appearance doesn't matter.
They are sadly mistaken. The way you dress reflects your BRAND.
Your physical image is a crucial component of your PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE. That includes your hair, make up, nails, clothes and personal hygiene.
If you look sharp and well put-together, your good taste engenders respect....not only for who you are on the outside, but for who you are on the INSIDE as well.
YOUR IMAGE is just as important as your hard work at the firm.
You can polish it using these eight do's and don’ts for women adapted from Renee Weisman, author and owner of Winning at Work.
Do:
- Dress for the occasion.
Know the difference between business attire, business casual and casual. Unless you’re going to a company picnic, you should always wear business casual on dress down days. Stick with business attire, like a polished suit, for client meetings, business lunches, galas, and court appearances.
- Be ready for surprise visits.
You want to be ready when a client stops in unannounced, so keep a fresh suit hanging in your office along with a pair of shoes or heels. They’ll be lifesavers for those unexpected visits.
- Care about your appearance and hygiene.
Look in the mirror several times a day. Make note of how your hair and makeup look. You may even want to carry a tooth brush with you, because fresh breath is always appreciated.
- Be comfortable.
Don’t distract your clients or your colleagues at the firm by pulling at uncomfortable, ill-fitting clothing or stepping out of your heels. Wear clothing and shoes that you can comfortably spend the whole day in.
Don’t:
- Wear the same thing everyday.
Like tugging at uncomfortable clothing, wearing the same suit everyday is just as distracting around the office. It also says a lot about the effort you put into purchasing clothes for yourself.
- Show too much skin or cleavage.
That means skin that should be hidden should stay hidden. And never go braless – ever.
- Obsess over being perfect.
Obsessing over what you wear to work will only cause stress. Understand that you don’t need to be perfect – just neat.
- Pretend your image doesn’t matter.
Remember, your image does matter!
Like hard work, professional image inspires confidence, trust, respect for your competence – and attention!
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25 Fashion Faux Pas for Professional WomenThere’s no other way around it.
Appearances matter!
We live in a world where people aren’t judged solely on their hard work, rather the whole package.
What you choose to wear to the office, to court, or to a bar conference reflects how you feel about your work – that you take law seriously and that you pay attention to detail.
Sure, we all have those roll-out-of-bed days when the thought of putting on heels and a suit is enough to send you into a tailspin. Unfortunately though, a frumpy frock and no makeup won’t cut it.
You need to DRESS THE PART each and every day!
That said beware of what not to wear to work.
Here are 25 fashion faux pas for professional women – adapted from an article by Kayla Baxter, Anna Hennings, and Alice Handley of Excelle.
1. Showing too much skin
Midriff baring tops or short skirts are just too trashy for the office.
Rule of thumb: cover just below the collar bone to just above the knee.
2. Too much or too little makeup
In a Times Online UK survey, 64% of directors said that women who wore make-up look more professional and 18% of directors said that women who do not wear make-up “look like they can’t be bothered to make an effort.”
Seek help if you need assistance with your makeup. Too little sometimes looks like nothing at all, while too much makeup can look tacky.
3. Too much jewelry
Loud, clinking bracelets and necklaces are distracting and irritating. Keep it simple.
4. Sweatshirts and sweatpants
While it may be tempting to slip on a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt on a chilly morning, don’t do it. It either screams: “I’m lazy!” or “I’m ready to for the gym!”
5. Velour/Juicy tracksuits
Despite the big price tag, these tracksuits are of the same caliber as sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Save your tracksuit for vacation plane rides (not a business trip) – or the mall.
6. Message t-shirts
No one really needs to know that you’re the World’s Greatest Mom – or which political party you support. Though cute or interesting, these tees should be reserved for weekend wear.
7. Messy, wrinkled, or ripped clothing
Messy or ill-fitting clothing may give your boss the impression that you just don’t care about your job. Show the partners that you care by trading torn jeans for a comfy pair of professional-looking chinos.
8. Dirty clothes
If you’re wearing the same outfit repeatedly during the week – STOP! This makes people question your preparedness and qualifications. It also makes you look tired and exhausted.
9. Short shorts
Daisy dukes are out. Instead, look for something called the “city short” – which fall just below the knee and can be paired with a blazer and heels.
10. Hats
Baseball caps, beanies, berets, and newsboy caps should be left on the hat rack at home.
11. Extra long fingernails
Make certain that your nails are nicely groomed and an appropriate length.
12. Crocs
They’re for the beach and for small children – not the office.
13. Flip-flops
Like crocs, these are ideal for the beach - not a board meeting.
14. Uggs
Would a professional woman wear pajamas to the office? Then why wear glorified slippers?
15. Fanny packs
Last we checked it was 2009, not 1989.
16. Scrunchies
Like fanny packs, these hair fobs went out of fashion two decades ago. Bows or ribbons tied in bows fall into this category as well.
17. Footless leggings or spandex/yoga pants
Again, don’t give in to temptation on a particularly rough morning. This type of clothing is only meant for yoga or Pilates class.
18. Leather pants
Save the leather pants for a night out with friends. Instead opt for a black blazer, skinny black pants and, perhaps, an edgy black handbag.
19. Face tattoos
They’re scary. Enough said.
20. Sequins
Let your work shine – not your clothes.
Sure, sequins will make you feel like a star – but save the glitz and glamour for a night out with friends.
Rule of thumb: Never wear more sequins in one outfit than can fit onto half a standard piece of paper (8.5” x 11”). Try not to wear more sequins than fit onto a postcard.
21. Sports jerseys
This will give the senior partners the impression that you’re more focused on sports scores than your cases.
22. Wallet chains
They scream: “Hoodlum!” They’re also noisy and distracting. It’s probably best that you don’t wear them at all.
23. Glitter
Don’t get creative with your makeup by using glitter. A nice shimmery eye shadow is the better way to go.
24. Sunglasses
For outdoor use only!
25. Head-to-toe animal prints
Lions, leopard, and zebra prints are nice in small quantities. Too much is just too tacky!
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