Our Corporate Life
November 29, 2011   •   Volume 2, Issue 24   •   ISSN: 2154-3240    
In This Issue
♦   Feature Article: Managing Up
Ask Amanda: As a new manager, I’m not sure what’s appropriate for team gift giving. Any guidance?
♦   Practical Tips: Defining Strategic
 
Managing Up

You’ve probably heard the saying “people don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses.” It reflects the research that shows that one of the most—if not the most (depends on the research!)—important predictor of job satisfaction is your relationship with your immediate supervisor. It makes sense. How they view you impacts the opportunities and access you have to interesting work and additional resources.

Managing up is an art. It’s about developing a genuine, collegial relationship with your manager—one that benefits both of you. This is not to be confused with “kissing up.” Insincere flattery is disrespectful to the other person. At some level you’re assuming they’re unable to see through your blatant attempt to manipulate them or their opinion of you. That’s an entirely different exercise!
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Imagine Balancing work, home and play

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Practical Tips: Defining Strategic

One of the most misused concepts in business is the idea of being “strategic.” It often pops up on performance reviews as in, “You need to become more strategic” but when pressed for additional information, your manager may have difficulty defining exactly what “being strategic” actually means. However, they know it when they see it!
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 ask Amanda
Question:

I'm a new manager and am not sure what to do about holiday gifts. Am I expected to buy something for each of my teammates? What about my new boss? I'm not sure what to do…help! V.L., Auburn, GA

Amanda Mitchell
Answer:

There are many schools of thought on gift giving in the workplace. Generally speaking, though, it’s best if you follow the established customs in your environment. First, check with your HR department to understand the general protocol and the corporate gift-giving guidelines. You might want to discuss the subject with a few peers as well.
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About Us: Our Corporate Life LLC (OCL) is a company that offers a new system for reducing unnecessary workplace suffering caused by the organizational, interpersonal, and ethical issues of our time. It is founded on the belief that adhering to core human values and achieving business success are always compatible. Working with both companies and individuals, OCL helps create solutions that enable corporate employees at every level to optimize profits while enabling them to thrive in the corporate environment. OCL was founded by Amanda Mitchell to help meet the needs of people working in corporate America during this transformative moment in our nation's history. The OCL system reflects her experience and insight gained from a 20–year corporate career working with Fortune 500 companies, and as an executive coach to senior–level corporate executives. Our Corporate Life
 
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