Modern Dilemmas: How to avoid careering into trouble when you face new job challenge

I’ll give you the basics, when you master them, you’ll always have the best image possible:

Be punctual. There’s nothing worse than rushing in late, flustered and looking unprofessional. Personal image is about being in control, so if you can’t even control your arrival time it doesn’t look good.

Look the part. I always say dress for the job you want instead of the job you have. Show that you are the right choice, plus dressing well gives you extra confidence

Teach people how to treat you. Stand firm in your values and ensure you are treated with respect by everyone. Don’t automatically become the runner or dogsbody, be willing to help but not be the office push-over. If you allow that to happen you’ll never raise yourself to the next level.

Be aware of your personal mannerisms – and tame the disagreeable ones. Don’t jiggle change or keys, drum your fingers on the table or your laptop, keep flicking your hair back or scratching your nose. Any habit you have has been learned – if it’s irritating, unlearn it! Self awareness is one of the major keys to success.

Listen more than talk. Listen carefully to everyone; be engaged with what they are saying and how they are saying it. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from doing this.

Don’t jump in too soon. Be careful not to jump in a discussion just because you feel you ought to make an impression. Similarly, don’t interrupt anyone, instead ask lots of questions…good questions, show you’re involved but not desperate.

Avoid potential pitfalls. You want to appear calm and in control. So politely decline the cup of tea or coffee that may be on offer, thus avoiding the potential clattering of the cup in the saucer or, even worse, slopping the contents. Request a glass of water instead.

Project an aura of friendly 
professionalism. You don’t have to smile all the time, in fact it would look decidedly odd if you did, but the smile should be there in your voice. Look at people directly in the eye when talking to them and observe people’s body language to get an understanding of the group dynamics.

Know when to leave.

Once you have achieved the objective of the meeting, or as close as you’re going to get to your objective, outline and agree next steps with the team and go!

Twitter @ happiness coach