‘Add value’ to company’s efforts, not just yourself!

Published on Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008

The trend of ‘adding value’ is taking the corporate world by storm. This has transformed into an addiction to excellence as we are always, consciously or subconsciously, looking to add value.
It’s a classic case of ‘too much of a good thing’, where the obsessive compulsion to ‘add value’ acquires destructive and combative overtones. An extreme competition has set in with everyone bent on coming out on top; by hook or by crook.
Everything from meetings and brainstorming sessions to the simplest discussions moves to a solemn plane. It’s not about sharing opinions, solving problems or generating ideas anymore, but has more to do with squelching others and making them look incompetent.
For instance, picture this: A person just starts floating a simple idea, only to have everybody else interrupting with different (read: better) ways to tackle the issue. The battle lines are drawn and everyone wants to fight to the finish. Nobody is willing to listen, minds only whir to churn out another way of doing things. And, obviously the best one is always ‘my way’.
We only have to read between the lines of the no-holds-barred wrestling match to fathom a constant and pernicious urge to win. The overriding need to be the smartest person around prevails even when one is at a disadvantage or clearly in the wrong.

Adding too much value
The die-hard and unrestrained competition where everyone wants not only to be right but also the best ends up blasting gaping holes in the very fabric of the organisation. It’s goodbye to teamwork and collaboration, organisational focus and relevance are also lost somewhere in the midst of zealous personal interests.
The overpowering drive to add value does yield instant positive effects by way of an initial motivation and spur in productivity, but not for long. It is not sustainable and soon poisons the entire atmosphere, threatening the long-term survival of the organisation.
Moreover, harbouring a winner-takes-all outlook turns unhealthy for employees too, as just a slight failure to measure up sags spirits easily making it very difficult to even continue functioning.

Let’s get real
Why is everyone so intense about the work? Business coach Karen Sentrio gives voice to the universal lament with, “How do we unwind this tightly wound ‘value add’ culture and flip the switch so that we have ‘value in’?”
This calls for making proactive efforts to foster an amiable work culture that values collaboration more than competition. Organisations should take small steps in the direction of exemplifying and rewarding constructive behaviours like mutual trust, cooperation and information sharing along with discouraging old, destructive tendencies to curb the sinister ruthlessness.
Only when employees stop viewing every activity as a contest and are willing to abandon their turf, will it create a culture of free flow of ideas and effervescent innovation. The aggressive game of constant one-upmanship can give way to productive arguments and intelligent debates only when people are not only willing and able to listen to others, but also believe in them.
Employees need to lighten up and embrace co-creation as all plans, decisions and actions turn out much better when done cooperatively. They should let go of the mindset that ‘my’ position has to prevail and winning is the only outcome to be able to join hands in promoting organisational development and contributing to growth. Then and only then, can healthy competition replace the pugnacious rivalry.
In short, seek to ‘add value’ to company efforts, not just yourself!

Payal Chanania

Tailor your resume to reflect your key skills

Published on Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008

Most people craft a standard resume irrespective of their career history, goals and type of job search. Though this can suffice in most cases, some unique scenarios warrant a particular style of resume to increase the probability of at least getting a foot in the door of a prospective employer.
The common types of resumes include:
Chronological resume – This standard and traditional format is used to highlight a strong work history marked by steady progression through the ranks of the same company or a series of well-known/sound companies. It draws attention to job continuity or a standard pattern of career development in different jobs and is favoured by employers because of the ease of distinguishing what jobs have been held and when the candidate has worked at them.
While writing the ‘timeline’ resume, present a chronology of past positions in a reverse order starting from the current or most recent one and working backwards through say, four- five jobs or 10 years alongwith the relevant dates. Also, throw light on how you evolved through the jobs by emphasising major duties and accomplishments, especially those that are closely related to your desired job and career goals. Then move on to your educational credentials in a reverse sequence again.
Functional resume – This versatile layout is practical for a first job or when one is at the crossroads and wants to break out with a major career change. It also comes in handy for cases of job hopping, successive employment gaps, a prolonged absence from the workforce or other such unimpressive work history. By showcasing skills and accomplishments, it shifts the focus to capacity and potential over employment history.
Older jobseekers can also opt for functional resumes to deemphasise a lengthy job profile or to avoid appearing overqualified.
The emphasis is on what you did, not where or how you did it. But, some recruiters/employers turn down functional resumes assuming that the candidate ‘has something to hide’ and the format is also not acceptable on some online job boards.
In the resume, list skills, qualifications, experience and achievements in functional clusters with a separate heading for each like – management, marketing, customer service, HR, technology, interpersonal skills, teamwork, leadership and writing skills. You can cover a broad range of experience without identifying the employer or job, but do list them in order of importance based on your target job and goals. With this you can group similar work experience over a range of jobs or even include transferable skills attained through voluntary work to enhance your resume.
Hybrid resume – Some people choose to combine the above two set-ups in a hybrid ‘career profile’ by first listing their skills and experience and then moving on to a basic employment history. This helps highlight your skills in specialty areas alongwith providing a synopsis of the work history.
Targeted resume – As the name suggests, this customised style is used to target unique opportunities by making an impressive case for a specific job opening or a particular organisation. It does involve more work, but the efforts will make you stand out from the crowd by showing that you are a perfect match for the position.
Tailor the resume by specifically highlighting key skills, experience and work that you have done that is most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Capabilities resume – This is a mini resume that is customised for a specific internal job or for networking purposes. Throw light on select few capabilities that are significant to the internal assignment or has career highlights suitable to your contact.
Which is right for me?
Most of us mix all the styles while rattling everything we have done. Rather than sound impressive, this rambling CV actually becomes confusing and off-putting.
Instead, understand which style best fits your circumstances - job history, career objectives, targeted position – alongwith portraying you in the most marketable and attractive light. Sift through the details to prepare a concise, simple and focussed resume that grabs attention from the word go.
And, whatever mode you select, do list your name and contact information at the top alongwith a persuasive cover letter.
All the best in your job search!

PAYAL CHANANIA

Pioneer to convert challenges to opportunities

Published on Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008

We often say, ‘I love a challenge!’ But what happens when one is staring us in the face. Do we turn tail and run or do we gamely rise to the demands?
Most people prefer the monotony of the tried and tested, and are paralysed at the very thought of facing an adversity. They shy away from any disruption and are content with the predictability of normal routines. Even the ‘threat’ of chall enges casts long shadows and overwhelms them completely.
What they fail to realise is that if they only do what they have always done, there will be nothing to show for it. Expecting things to remain the same forever without any obstacle is more ridiculous than asking for the moon!
Difficulties always have and always will keep popping up in various forms, from tough assignments to heavy workloads, from changes in job description to new workplace structures or even from a demanding management style to testing colleagues.

Challenge is the best teacher
A challenge is a breath of fresh air from the rut of the expected. It is an enabling opportunity to blossom and prove your mettle. Stretching yourself with optimism and enthusiasm alone will transform the adversities into superlative opportunities.
When a challenge is knocking on your door, opening yourself to the rich experience will help you to develop new skills and capabilities. Stepping up to the prime learning opportunity also renders the ultimate competitive advantage and enables you to stand out from the crowd. As business analyst, Rick Sparks exhorts, “Challenge energises us psychologically and physically and motivates us to learn new skills and master our jobs. Thus, challenge is an important ingredient for healthy and productive work.”
Then again, although on-the-job challenges can be difficult, effectively managing them increases job satisfaction and morale. The sense of accomplishment itself is unparalleled; forget the tremendous scope to cultivate a rising career graph with steady rise in performance. To quote American trainer Brian Tracy, “Only by contending with challenges that seem to be beyond your strength to handle at the moment you can grow more surely toward the stars!”
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you let yourself be beleaguered by challenges or view them as stepping stones to success. After all, success does often present itself as an alluring challenge!

Get your act together
In these times of burgeoning change when our path is chequered with constant challenges, is it not better to build our capacity to face them head on? Here’s how to press the advantage:
Groundwork - Facing challenges is no cakewalk. Prepare for the adversity by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses. Equip yourself with courage, resilience and commitment to withstand the pressures without breaking down. Test yourself constantly to determine whether you can remain undeterred in the face of rigorous demands. Also, remember that slowly working through the challenges will build on your strengths and eliminate your weaknesses, thus helping you become a stronger and more confident employee.
Steady as a rock - Exercise caution and keep your sense of balance when you are under pressure. Look for ways to turn the challenges into enabling opportunities instead of being bogged down by the stress.
As Thomas Edison famously said, “Opportunities are missed by most because its dressed in overalls and looks like work!”
Trial by fire – Successfully managing challenges calls for swift and decisive action. You have to figure out strategic, innovative and viable solutions despite the limiting factors. Brainstorm possibilities, set achievable goals and put in loads of effort to fulfil your commitments. Strive to generate efficient outcomes without resorting to substandard work. Also, build a strong support system by engaging colleagues, supervisors and the boss himself, and do not be afraid to seek assistance.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew – Do not let a challenging opportunity pass you by, but also be realistic with your expectations. Going overboard and over-committing yourself beyond the realm of possibility will turn the adversity into a crisis situation.
Face up to failure – Do not be fazed by defeat; it is a reminder that you have to work harder to feel the exhilaration of victory. Rise from the ashes and go on to conquer the next challenge.
The big picture – Slowly try to learn how to anticipate potential adversities in your job and prepare for them. Analyse the changes to gauge possible challenges and tackle them accordingly.
In essence, we have to continuously deal with challenges that lie ahead. There will be many more further ahead and how we handle them will reflect our career outcome. To quote a popular citation, ‘There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet!’

PAYAL CHANANIA