Between Valentine's Day and President's Day, things MIGHT slow down at work. People take a vacation or mini-vacay this time of year to escape the cold, find the snow and ski or recharge. But things don't seem to be slowing down in the world.
This week's top 3 career-makers teach us how important it is to APOLOGIZE and treat each other with respect.
Grab that cup of coffee and take a few minutes to reflect on the best way to handle tough situations at work, protect your brand and emerge a leader.
Lesson #1 - Your Reputation is EVERYTHING. Just ask Jussie Smollett
The issue: Jussie Smollett emerged from his alleged brutal attack as a leader protecting LGBTQ rights. People were outraged. Then when the truth surfaced (it always does), he went from hero to zero. Now he is fighting a court case, lost his job (instead of renegotiating like he wanted) and alienated a lot of people and communities that were supporting him. Getting the next job won't be easy either.
What this means: Hopefully, no one reading this is staging an attack as way of increasing their bargaining power for their next salary negotiation. But what it does underscore is that your reputation is fragile. Don't yell at co-workers, lie about something you did (or didn't do), take credit for someone else's work, tell dirty jokes, get wasted at a company party, or sleep with everyone in your office. None of these things will advance your career. Generally, you become an HR nightmare and the company figures out how to get rid of you as quietly as possible.
But what if he had apologized? Shown remorse? He may or may not have found another role, but his chances would have been higher for saving his career rather than killing it dead.
But what if he had apologized? Shown remorse? He may or may not have found another role, but his chances would have been higher for saving his career rather than killing it dead.
Lesson #2: You May Make a Mistake at Work - Own it and APOLOGIZE to save your Career
The issue: Gayle King received multiple death threats after an interview aired where ONE of the questions she asked centered on his rape case 20 years ago. The question - which many defended as fair - ignited a firestorm of protests from Kobe's fans, including Snoop Dogg, who called Gayle "calling King a "Funky dog head b**ch…" warning her to "back off b**ch before we come get you." Snoop Dogg has since apologized. Many celebrities came to her defense too - #istandwithgayle trended on twitter.
What it Means: Tensions run high at work sometimes. People act emotionally and react without thinking. Have you ever sent an email that was misinterpreted? Used ASAP in caps like you were yelling at someone? Or texted because you were SURE you had every right to be angry? Or yelled at a customer/client even though he/she "deserved" it?
This is when technology can be a killer. GIVE IT 24 HOURS before responding. Take time to reflect and think. This can be another career killer. Try not to react from emotions. I am not suggesting there aren't work situations that call for more severe responses. But they don't call for yelling or cursing. You still need to treat others the way you want to be treated.
And if you do overreact - or react harshly - apologize. That creates a culture of fear and distrust. And you may lose your job or employees you value may leave.
And if you do overreact - or react harshly - apologize. That creates a culture of fear and distrust. And you may lose your job or employees you value may leave.
Lesson #3: You Don't Have to Win an Oscar to Promote Equality - But it Helps
The issue: This really isn't an "issue". Joaquin Phoenix won his first Oscar for Joker. During his acceptance speech, he called for equality: "We're talking about the fight against the belief that one nation, one people, one race, one gender or one species has the right to dominate, control and use and exploit another with impunity," he said. He continued: "And I think that's when we're at our best -- when we support each other. Not when we cancel each other out for past mistakes, but when we help each other to grow, when we educate each other, when we guide each other towards redemption. That is the best of humanity."
What this means: Supporting each other doesn't have to be on a global scale, country-wide scale, or even community-wide. It can be 1:1. At work, check yourself. When you conduct a performance review or provide feedback, are you being objective or COULD there be any biases in your assessment? Are you providing opportunities to anyone and everyone on your team? Are you being respectful of other people's opinions, going so far that you are creating a safe environment for people to be able to share their ideas? We don't all have to help in the same way. But no matter what your position or career, you can support other people.
Apologizing is a form of support too.
Apologizing is a form of support too.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Your reputation is fragile. Don't make decisions at work to propel your career that are based on bad judgment or unethical means. The truth always comes out. If you make a mistake - even an egregious one - apologize.
2. Give yourself time to think and reflect before responding to an explosive situation. Walk away if you have to. And if you do find yourself "overreacting", apologize.
3. Not only should you treat everyone with respect, you should be actively ensuring you AREN'T mistreating people (even without knowing it). Ask yourself whether you have any biases or are being fair at all times in all cases. No one is perfect. But we can all do better.
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