Eeking out the positives
April 21, 2008 4:37 PM
Sometimes you look around the office and you can see the people who are unhappy in their jobs. They are slumped, red eyed, and their heads pop up every now and then to check the time on the office clock.
There should be a note of caution here. It might be that the job is dissatisfying, the hours long and the recognition minimal. It might be that the clock is ticking until the next opportunity presents itself. But it is as important to leave a good impression at the organisation which is being departed, as at the new organisation. In fact, keeping a smile on your face when everything is falling apart is a unique approach which helps others get through difficult situations.
Why drag everyone down with you?
Why jeopardise an excellent reference with a performance / attitude in the last few months which overshadows all of the brilliant work already produced? Some organisations now check back a long way through referencing companies to check candidates are sqeaky clean non-trouble making.
When years later, employees you have worked with might be asked to remember you to a prospective employer, do you want them to remember a miserable so and so who murmured "woe is me" every 20 seconds.
Or do you want them to remember someone who was professional despite obvious provocation, various obstacles and a less than productive working environment?
And there's the other thing. Future employers pick up positivity. And you can bet that most will pick up the opposite as well.
Comments
good points there - funding for my job ends in May and I relate to the description of the clock-watching worker with little recognition etc. Am demotivated and not particulary bothered to do anything about all the pestering emails asking for deadlines/targets to be met (which is all the management seem bothered about).
Good point about gritting your teeth and staying professional to the bitter end and not letting negativity leak out at interviews
Mark
marsupial - April 30, 2008 8:55 PM