15 Tried and Proved Office Survival Tips

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Growing up, we've been spoon fed with the idea of graduating from school and working for our dream organisations. Once we graduate,  that idea becomes a reality and for those of us who are fortunate to join an organisation,  the prevalent rat race begins. As with any course in life, Survival is an exclusive right for the fittest. We all want to move up the corporate ladder. The competition is real and it's not always bed and roses.

Ambitious employees always seek opportunities to climb up the giant corporate ladder that's invisibly looming at everyone who dares to dream. Employees who want to succeed, must possess some prior principles that will fuel their desire to excel and climb the ladder successfully without throwing anyone under the bus on their way to the top.

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Here are 15 tips from EasyLivingDose that will help put you way ahead of the game.

1. Don't be tardy
Yes.  As bland as that sounds. Tardy people do not get anything done and are often ignored in gatherings.  The way you dress is the way you are addressed. Give the impression that you are serious about your job. See our post here on Dress for Success.

2. Be willing to take on extra work
I can almost hear the sigh coming from you. Truth is, employers are excited about those who can sacrifice more time and commitment to achieving their goals. If your desk is empty,  specifically ask for extra work and get it done without channelling grumpy cat.

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3. Be a problem solver

Take some lessons from Olivia Pope from Scandal. If you haven't seen that show, now might be a good time to binge watch all four seasons. Go out of your way to solve problems. Be willing to help other colleagues solve theirs too. Words get around fast. Self promotion guarantees future promotion.

4. Proper preparation prevents poor performances
We all fancied the famous 5ps at some point in our secondary education.  Now is the time to apply it to your work life.  Prepare well in advance for presentations, training and assignments.  Run through every detail and leave no stone unturned.  Literally.

5. Now is not the time to show off
You've had your handful of boastful moments while you were at the university.  Remember when you aced all of your exams and jumped for joy at the results board?  Remember the the looks you got? It's never pretty to be the subject of the I-am-too-smart-for-my-pants wagon.  Keep communication clear, precise and on point.  Avoid using jargons that are unrelated to the subject matter. Don't be the 'smart' guy who looks down on others,  Don't be the 'smart' guy who can cover his tracks instead of owning up to mistakes.

6. Stroke the boss' ego
Everyone carries around some degree of ego. Get in the habit of speaking great things about the boss and other employees. Sing their praises.

7. The rules are the rules
Every organisation has its own standard rules and regulations. Obey rules,  live by them, and if you directly or indirectly break them, own up to it and apologise. Don't try to start a revolution from your desk.  Leave that to the revolutionaries.

8. Keep things professional
Your colleagues and bosses do not necessarily want to hear about your many misfortunes and wahalas.  Be professional about your work. Respect people's privacy and space. Leave the relationship tales for when you are with close friends.

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9. Present yourself properly

There's a proper way of doing things especially in a work environment.  Your desk is not for falling asleep or meditating.  Don't let anger get the best of you even if it's no fault of yours.

10. Be quick to take responsibility for your actions
Be responsible.  Be reliable.  Be punctual. Always do things that you can defend within the sphere of your duty.

11. Listen, listen and listen
Listening is a necessary skill that you must acquire if you want to excel at anything in life. Listen attentively to Instructions,  corrections and suggestions.  Never be too quick to speak without really hearing.

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12. No means No

Say no subtly without being offensive.  if something does not agree with your morals or values as a person. Express your thoughts in all gentleness.  Never throw in religion as a basis. Stand your ground based on your values and principles.  Remember you are in a work environment.  Speak the work language.

13. Don't procrastinate
It's the beginning of many failures.  Find more reasons to carry out an assignment now than later.  Finish assigned tasks on time even before allotted deadline.

14. Take initiative
While in college,  you may be frowned at for being the first person to answer all questions.  At work,  taking initiative will get you through all the right doors. Give help to the boss and fellow employees whenever you can. Be quick to take the necessary action to ensure the job gets done.

15. Don't be the coffee guy
Helping others with their work is fine but do not be the guy who gets everyone's coffee except you are the hired hand for coffee distribution.