Learning to insert value and insights in the workplace takes time. In every situation you find yourself in, you are learning distinctions. Unfortunately, formal education only teaches about your focus areas without preparing you for different situations found at work. These situations may be new to you, and you will continually learn how to approach and handle them.
In time, you will recognize culture patterns used in your workplace; managing of meetings, approaching your manager or mentor, and when and when not to speak up. Until then, try these suggestions for a smoother transition:
Emotional Intelligence
Professionals in all industries are finding emotional intelligence (EQ) is vital. This is due to the importance of understanding life’s emotional side not only the work/technical side.
Emotional intelligence, defined by Daniel Goleman, a leader in this subject, includes self-mastery and social intelligence. He states “Both are essential: you have to lead yourself before you can lead others.” He continues to say “These leadership competencies are learned – and learnable.”
Basically, to work well and understand others, you must first emotionally understand yourself. Once you accomplished this, you will flourish working with others.
Relationships
You take emotional intelligence and build compatible, trusting, secure, working relationships to ensure success in the workplace. These relationships include your manager, colleagues, and co-workers in your organization. As your co-workers begin to recognize you as effective and trustworthy, more opportunities will begin to come your way.
Risks
Take risks by trying new assignments or projects at work. When noticing an opportunity to help your career, grab it. Step up and take initiative.
Take note: everyone at some point fails. And when you do, move on with the knowledge from that experience. Do not let it hold you back.
Building your emotional intelligence, creating relationships, and being deliberate in work activities allows your confidence to grow.