Being passionate about your job isn’t just something you claim. Everything from your punctuality to the tone and dress pattern signals to the employer the interest, enthusiasm and passion for what you do.
Wouldn’t it be disingenuous to fake enthusiasm if the job isn’t fulfilling? The answer is “yes”, but you should not fake anything. Instead, try to summon as much interest as possible to make sure that whatever you do is done full-heartedly.
It is unrealistic to expect that you will love every job, but what really matters is the attitude, which will reveal itself in many ways during daily workflow and future planning.
That is why one must be sure not to be seen as lackadaisical at the workplace. Here are a few points to keep in mind.
* Appearance and attitude
Once hired and settled in a job, many people stop caring for their appearance the way they did during the interview and the probation period. This change is very likely to be noticed by the supervisor and coworkers, although they may think of it differently. While those who have got to know you better may think that you’re just being causal, a supervisor may take it as a lack of interest in the job and respect for the workplace.
You are mistaken if you think that impressions don’t change after the initial one is made during the interview. How you dress on a daily basis will begin to shape a new perception of one’s abilities as times goes by.
With that change of perception you may also see changes in how others see these abilities, judgement and potential for professional development. All of this takes the significance of appearance to a new level — where your own job and professional future are at risk.
In addition, keep a close watch on your attitude at work, which should provide the employer with an example of being sincerely interested — that is you should have informed arguments related to work procedures or projects in a positive, constructive tone. In addition, be as positive as possible about changes because employers typically dread employee rigidity.
Body language
Many people don’t place a lot of importance on their body language — except perhaps during a job interview. But in reality body language matters even on a daily basis. If the posture, sitting style, gestures, etc, send negative, rundown or careless signals, you may be doing yourself a disservice unintentionally.
Again this is something that no one may point out to you at the workplace, but it can be more than damaging as it shapes how others perceive you and your abilities.
People who poorly manage their body language may often find that others are put off for what appears to be no reason. This may get in the way of developing connections with coworkers and supervisors. It also may affect how others perceive your self-esteem and level of confidence, both desired traits in team leaders.
Warning signs
When employers have concerns, the first step to tackle them is typically to approach the employee and try to make things work out. What’s the next step? It depends.
Some employers may have the patience to go over problems several times, while others may just call it quits. That is why it is important you take all feedback from the supervisor seriously, even when it is communicated in a friendly tone.
When there is a problem, you should work with your supervisor on a plan to ensure changes, follow through and deliver quantifiable changes. With this approach, prove you are taking the job seriously and trying your best to keep it. Being passive or negative in the face of adversity may be easily taken as carelessness — something that can push even the most patient supervisor to let you go.
If a problem is escalating and could get out of control, it may make sense to simply resort to a factual argument based on documents rather than personal attacks or pass the blame. As much as supervisors want to ensure that staff problems are sorted out, they are also keen on ensuring that work-related issues are not affected.
Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.