I have been thinking a great deal about job hunting again.  I recently began working on my online resume, and pulling together contacts from my years of working.  Recalling my jobs and coworkers got me thinking about both sides of employment;  getting a job and then maintaining and keeping the job.  I'd like to share are my thoughts.

Landing a job requires diligence and patience; keeping a job requites sustaining that diligence and being able to bend to conditions, demands, and people as they change.  Because many small parts make up the whole of your career, even the most minor altercation in the lowliest position of a company can come back to haunt you later.  Think about building a reputation for being professional and nice to work these will help you get strong references and valuable contacts for life.

Demeanor is also important.  If you go to work smiling but actually resent everyone present, it's going to show up in strong body language.  To work well in an office, it pays to get in touch with your feelings and try to resolve them instead of unconsciously offloading them.

Instinct, diplomacy, kindness, patience, and restraint are the unsung emotional skills that are invaluable at work.  So is timing.  Knowing when to reach out to a workmate and when not to interrupt is a skill well worth cultivating.  Just because you are all around the same age, doesn't mean you can drop your guard.  Build your allies and work relationships slowly.  Trust is something that is tested over time.

Try to moderate your moods.  If you work from crisis to crisis and have frequent stress-head outbursts, you're exhausting your own energy reserves and putting others on edge.  Conflict does not have to be dealt with via fiery confrontational exchanges.  It really does make sense to not sweat the small stuff, and relaxed productivity is kinder on everyone.  Concentrate energies instead, on your own qualities and be a little more generous and have mercy toward others.  Tone bad moods down.

Does this help you think about your office situation?  Do you have an experience to share?  Good luck out there.  Remember your Manners Matter