| Topic Name: |
All I want is a thank you... |
| Message Name: |
All I want is a thank you... |
| Date Posted: |
03/26/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I just started a new job. But with the way the economy is, I'm walking on eggshells, thinking that if I mess up, I'm out the door with nary a bat of the eye.
I'm basically an assistant to a hyper-powered entertainment executive who rarely says a kind word, barely a thank you. I can't gage the quality of my work because all I get are criticisms. There's virtually no training program here so I'm forced to learn everything the hard way, as everybody is too busy to lend a hand. Inevitably, I mess up, and I'm super hard on myself whenever this happens.
I have a steely work ethic. I'm serious. Educated. Easy to get along with. I've put in 36 hours in three days, taking only smoke breaks and no lunches. I'm the first one in the office, and the last to leave.
I just feel like without the positive reinforcement I'm going to be constantly paranoid about losing my new job. I've asked my boss if there are areas I could improve in, and he was noncommital in the conversation and vague. So I'm definitely making an effort.
I love the people I work with and am excited about the industry I'm in. I'm just trying to figure out if there's anything I can do about the situation or if I should brush all this off as simply having to pay my dues. Help!
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| Message: |
1. The first thing your boss wants to see is whether and, if so, how much you believe in yourself. You need to act confident even though you feel insecure.
2. Work harder to develop close relationships with your coworkers. There is someone there who cares and, if they don't have a minute at work, arrange to meet them for coffee after work to get help on anything you're having trouble with.
3. It's great to be serious, but it's even better if you can laugh at yourself if you've messed up. Everyone has messed up at one time or another, but if you let it get you down, there is always someone ready to push you farther down.
4. Don't bug your boss about how you're doing. He may reserve praise for exceptional work, or he may withhold any praise until after you've been there long enough to develop the respect of others in the organization.
5. Give yourself positive reenforcement. You know when you've done a good job. Smile and enjoy it, but don't let others think that you think it's really unusual. Expect to do well, and don't worry about things you cannot control.
Good Luck!
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