- Do you believe the company’s policies and procedures do not apply to you, as an employee or business owner? (Think “ethics and integrity”)
- Do you make negative comments, gestures or express facial disgust when someone else is talking, and call it humor?
- Do you refuse to listen to others thoughts and opinions — believing your ideas are the only “right ones?”
- Are your mistakes always someone else’s fault?
- Do you indulge in being angry whenever someone does something you don’t like?
- Do you frequently disparage your boss, co-workers, clients, and vendors to others?
If you’re a top producer, highly paid individual, business owner and/or the bosses’ key person, keep in mind that while you may enjoy success, the paycheck and favoritism today, it may not last. For the unwary, career and/or business derailment is inevitable.
Companies are being bought and sold faster today. The acquiring company isn’t going to take on problem employees (or owners) who are unwilling to be part of the new corporate team, and act accordingly. Good bosses are upwardly mobile and often do not stay with the same company forever. They may not want to take you with them for fear of their own future career derailment. Realize that co-workers and management have long memories and could sabotage your attempt to become part of their upcoming venture or a newly assimilated corporate culture. Word gets around about poor ethics and integrity, both from vendors and within companies. Your success in business today won’t guarantee the same results tomorrow.
It’s time to improve your business savvy while you still can!
Hire a coach. You need to get real and come down to reality about what you’ve been doing. Hire a coach who is supportive of your success, able to effectively “kick your butt” in order to have you listen and ultimately transform your interpersonal skills into excellent business acumen.
Take a 360-degree feedback assessment. Use a tool designed to build upon your good skills and clarify specifics to help you grow professionally. Do not use the types of tools that use the detrimental approach of allowing others to “dump on you.” It will only deepen any animosity between you and others.
Actions speak louder than words. While you will need to be forgiving of those who have rightfully complained about your poor people skills, simply asking for forgiveness will not be enough. Develop a focused plan of action with your coach. Follow it. Understand that it will take longer than a couple of weeks or months to effectively transform you into a team member whom others enjoy working with, believe they can rely upon and – bottom line – trust.
(c)Jeannette Seibly, 2010