'Working Wounded': Asking Questions

May 20, 2005 — -- DEAR WOUNDED: I feel like I've been running in place at work. Other people get promoted, but I just sit in the same job. Is there something that I can do to get ahead at work?

ANSWER: Town Clerk Walk Weber announced the reason that elections in Monticello, Wis., didn't take place as scheduled last year: "We forgot." According to Weber, it wasn't a big deal because none of the incumbents would have been challenged anyway.

Unfortunately, many of us are like Mr. Weber because we go unchallenged at work each day. If you want to get ahead, you need to ask yourself hard questions on a regular basis. I've included some to get you started, below. For more, check out Blanchard and Homan's book "Leverage Your Best and Ditch The Rest" (Morrow, 2004).

How do others see me? We all think we know how others see us at work. Emphasis on the word "think." At best, most of us are operating off old information. At worst, we can be living in a total fantasy world of how we'd like other people to see us. So it's important to check in with your key stakeholders on a regular basis and to be totally open to what they have to say. Especially the stuff that you disagree with or makes you uncomfortable -- often that is the most important for you to acknowledge and act on

How do I see myself? I don't want to come across as arrogant or insulting. But most of the business people that I've met are not the most self-aware group of people you'll ever run across. Insight about values, motivations and other "internal" considerations can often be summed up in business people as little to none. Take the time to really understand who you are and where you are coming from and you'll really stand out as a leader.

How do I want to be seen? This question moves the conversation from who you are to who you want to be. Start by asking: what do you wish was true about you? And what do other people wish that were true about you? Next ask yourself about where you disappoint others or about your major inconsistencies and how they can get in your way. My overall optimism is probably showing through, I do believe that people can change, but only if they have the desire and correct feedback.

What are my gifts? I believe that every person has a unique contribution to make. Unfortunately, it's not always apparent to us. That's why it's helpful to get input from others so you can understand your key strengths.

How can I improve? This is where the rubber meets the road. Ask yourself the following questions: When am I the most effective? What strategies should I be using? What is the risk of doing things differently? What kind of help and support do I need?

Use these strategies to challenge yourself and you'll stay in office as long as you want to.

We'd like to hear your strategy for getting challenged at work. I'll give an autographed copy of "Working Wounded: Advice that adds insight to injury" (Warner, 2000) to the best submission. Send your entry, name & address via: http://workingwounded.com or via e-mail: bob@workingwounded.com. Entries must be received by Wednesday (May 19).

Here are the results from a recent workingwounded.com/ABCnews.com online ballot:
How do you feel about new approaches at work?

Our winning strategy for giving a great presentation comes from A.F. in Cyberspace.

"One tip that is likely commonly known yet not as often mentioned is connecting with your audience. Near the beginning of a presentation, I find that it by acknowledging that you know who you are speaking with. For example, when presenting to a group of college students mention something you know about the school team or when presenting to a group of engineers, mention a technology fact that you know they would be interested in. You may have to drift from your topic for a moment but I find that by gaining that rapport the audience will be that more attentive and receptive to your message. Please let me know if you concur.

Which type of co-worker drives you the craziest at work?

Bob Rosner is a best-selling author, speaker and internationally syndicated columnist. His newest best seller, "GRAY MATTERS: The Workplace Survival Guide" (Wiley, 2004), is a business comic book that trades cynicism for solutions. Ask Bob a question: bob@workingwounded.com or http://graymattersbook.com

ABCNEWS.com publishes a new Working Wounded column every Friday.