Work matters

New Year work resolutions: Are you ready for 2010?

Don't let this year by a drag – resolve to have a better 2010!

New Year resolutions are a hot topic at this time of year. If you're already rethinking other aspects of your life, why not add in some work resolution, too?

Pick up any magazine or newspaper in early January and chances are you'll stumble across lots of feature on New Year's resolutions. It seems most of us ate too much, drank too much and spent too much over the Christmas period, apparently…

But what about work resolutions? Even the most professional among us could probably admit to having developed one or two bad work habits over the last year. So, here are DialExpotel’s top 10 work resolutions to help get you into shape for 2010!

1) Keep your desk tidy

You might think it's cute that your desk looks like a teenager's bedroom but, let’s face it, your co-workers probably don’t. And remember: if it takes you longer than a minute to locate documents then an untidy desk is hampering your effectiveness, too. A good filing system and a weekly sort out should keep you on top of things – and in your co-workers’ good books!

2) Don't gossip about co-workers

Being known as a gossip is a bad reputation to acquire – and a hard one to shake. Not only will people stop trusting you but it's hugely inappropriate, too. Think of the most professional person you know and imagine them saying "Oh my god, I can't believe what Jane was wearing!" or "I reckon Mark pulled a sickie on Monday, don’t you?". Get the picture?

3) Be better at time keeping

Being late for work, taking long lunch hours, and always being the last one to meetings is a bad habit to foster. You might think of it as a minute here and there, but it breeds resentment and, ultimately, erodes your credibility. So, if you tend to leave things to the last minute, start planning ahead!

4) Be taken seriously

In a competitive job market, it's never been more important to look the part and act the part. If your work area is decorated with pink/glittery things, you wear ties with cartoon characters on them or you think of yourself as the office clown, consider reining it in a touch.

5) Get out of your work rut

It’s easy to become comfortable in your job. But whether you've been in your role a while or you've hunkered down because of the recession, professional development is vital to keep you fresh and ensure you remain a valuable team member. Think about taking on extra responsibility or ways to improve your skills – anything to challenge you.

6) Take criticism better

Nobody enjoys being on the receiving end of criticism but if you take it in a positive way it you can use it to your advantage. Rather than taking offence, view it instead as a second opinion or a fresh pair of eyes to improve how you approach your work. Everyone can do better with a little guidance – bearing that in mind should help it feel less personal!

7) Learn to say no

We all want to be accommodating in the office – but if it means you don’t have enough time to do your job properly this approach can backfire. Know what your priorities are and what your availability is – then if you're not free you can explain that although you can’t help now maybe you can schedule something in for later?

8) Negotiate more successfully

Negotiation is indeed a fine art and one that many of us aren’t very good at! If this sounds like you then the three rules are: knowledge (read up on it), preparation (know your position and how and where you can give) and practise (run through potential conversations in your head). Now go forth and conquer!

9) Make yourself heard

It's not about shouting the loudest: people who are ‘heard’ believe that they should be heard. People will listen if you look and behave professionally, do your homework, have faith in what you’re saying. 

10) Be healthier at work

There are many easy ways to be healthier at work. Adding one or two extra pieces of fruit to your diet, drinking more water, taking regular screen breaks, using your lunch hour to stretch your legs, watching your posture and cutting back on processed foods are all very achievable – and you have a far greater chance of success with them than with a super-Spartan mega-detox!

This feature was written by DialExpotel for Expotel, the UK’s leading hotel, travel and venue booking agency. To find out more about Expotel, call 0844 793 7300.

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