Though it’s been popular the last few years to razz millennials for being lazy, narcissistic and entitled, I’ve seen the behavior attributed to this group in all age groups in the workforce.
With drive-thru restaurants and subscription services for everything from groceries to diapers, we expect to have what we want when we want it. However, we can’t expect to be effective or successful if we apply the instant gratification equation to the working world.
To do good work, it still takes the basic building blocks: dedication, honing your skill set, listening to constructive feedback, improving and growing.
How do we do this in a digital age, a world that promises endless opportunities for instant gratification? Here are five recommendations you should reconsider as antidotes to ineffectiveness:
1. If you don’t like your job, just find a new one.
It’s a common misconception that this kind of change is easy to make and that if you’re unhappy in your job, you should abandon it to do something else. Slow down. There are a couple of issues to consider before you jump ship: first, what is it about your job that you don’t like? Is it really your job, or is it your attitude? The new job may sound appealing and perfect, but it could also end up feeling the same as your current position. Try changing your attitude first, then consider changing your job if you find that it still feels like the culprit.
2. Don’t work too hard.
Wait, say what? Since when shouldn’t we work too hard? Consider this: who defines ‘too hard?’ Growing up, my dad worked from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and weekends to provide for his family. Nowadays when you work at that pace, people around us think we are crazy. I’m not saying you should work the hours my dad did (although it got him very far); I’m saying show up and give it all you’ve got. The result will be that you’ll feel more accomplished and more fulfilled.
Read the rest at www.BusinessCollective.com.
Nicole Smartt is the owner of Star Staffing. She is the youngest recipient to be awarded the Forty Under 40 award, recognizing business leaders under the age of 40. Her book, From Receptionist to Boss: Real-Life Advice for Getting Ahead at Work, can be pre-ordered on her website at www.NicoleSmartt.com.
BusinessCollective, launched in partnership with Citi, is a virtual mentorship program powered by North America’s most ambitious young thought leaders, entrepreneurs, executives and small business owners.