A message from Sandy. Have you ever had people complain to you that they don’t know what is happening at work? They say they don’t receive enough information or communication regarding what’s going on, with new project, or their co-workers. I say this makes them passive vessels, waiting for the boss or someone else to fill them up with knowledge, and the knowledge doesn’t always come. Why? Because the boss is busy doing his/her job and doesn’t always know what you don’t know. Here’s a radical suggestion, seek out the information you need to work effectively. You are in charge of the information you receive.

Ask for feedback frequently:  If you’re not positive about your work, think about improving and making a sincere contribution, then ask for feedback. Ask for an assessment of your work, ask your patients if you are serving them well, their feed back will be affirming. You are responsible for your own development.

Make only commitments you can keep: One of the most serious causes of work stress and unhappiness is failing to keep commitments. Create a system of organization and planning that enables you to assess your ability to complete a requested job. Don’t volunteer if you don’t really have the time. If your workload is truly exceeding your available time and energy, ask for help.

Practice professional courage: If you are like most of us, you don’t like conflict. Conflict seems scary. What we’re looking for is meaningful conflict, we want to do it well and make it a successful encounter for everyone. This is where you ask yourself, “What would Janis or Terry do?”  Why let a lack of professional courage keep you from achieving your goals and dreams? What difficult conversation have you been avoiding? What are you going to do about it?