How Generation *R* Got It Right!

Who is generation R? I’ll tell you, they are our retired mothers
and fathers, and even our grandparents who were born in the 20’s
and 30's. Why am I writing about this generation of people?
Because I think there are five (5) basic principles that were
utilized by this generation to set themselves up for a very
comfortable retirement and lifestyle in their senior years. One
overriding trait through out this population of people is their
common inherent work ethic. You have to work hard to get ahead,
this seems a little lost in today’s younger (people in their
20’s) work force. The plan seems simple; have a goal, plan what
you want to do, save for it and retire. Simple enough for them
let me tell you how you can be better prepared for your
retirement by understanding and implementing the 6 basic
principles of their success.

Principle # 1 You need to have a clear definition and separation
of wants and needs. What I mean by this is a clear and distinct
written definition of a want (nice to have or luxury item) and
need (must have this to function daily).

Principle # 2 Cut up those darn credit cards. Quite frankly I do
not even think they could get credit or credit cards, you can but
do not. If you need to have an emergency credit card, fine but
have strict usage rules associated with it. Simple thought, if
you think it is a need, but has to be purchased with a credit
card, it must not e qualify and you might have screwed up
somewhere else to have a need purchased with a credit card!

Principle # 3 Limit you luxury items to the bare minimum This is
by far the most difficult principle to get people o grasp, why
because they think a lot of luxury items are Needs, hah. My
favorite is the latest in electronic equipment or that 50 inch
big screen TV to watch sports on.

Principle # 4 Save as much as you can out of every paycheck. You
have heard this over and over again, nothing new but you must
initiate the action to garnish your wages.

Principle # 5 Set financial and personal goals. Without
financial and personal goals you will never know where you are
going or if you are ever going to get there.

Finally, you are going to need medical services, plan on this as
part of you needs and appropriate the amount you will need. I
can not tell you a $ amount or percent, everyone must do this
based on family history and life style. My advice to you, do not
count on the government to continue with social services take
charge of your own destiny. Be responsible, start today and
success will follow, we truly can learn from the past.

Job Etiquette Rules – How Many Do You Know?

There are 10 basic rules of job etiquette you need to follow when you begin a new job or transfer to a new organization with in your company. Above all, you must be prepared to meet and greet a number of people ranging from top management, to your peers and even the security guards. These first few meet and greets with people set the foundation for future discussions and interactions. Following these 10 simple rules will assist in your preparation for the days ahead and aid you in becoming recognized as the successful person you are.

The 10 Simple Rules:
1. Smile and be energetic. More than likely you will be introduced by your manager for the first round blitz and after that a peer or co-worker will continue introductions over an extended period of time. You want to smile and act enthusiastic to promote the persona you are personable and approachable. Putting on a happy face has never been more appropriate; most people will take this first meeting to heart and judge you by your initial actions and body language.
2. Do not try to be the expert. Recognize the people are knowledgeable and have been doing their job competently or they would not be employed. Give yourself time, the top and bottom performers will surface over the course of the next few months.
3. Ask questions. This is your opportunity to as many questions as you can. At no other point in your new position do you have the window of opportunity granted to you, as you do in the first few weeks on a job. Nobody expects you to know what is going on … use this to your advantage in knowledge acquisition.
4. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is going to be necessary because there are terms, systems, databases, people you just do not now about. Treat this as another opportunity to get to know people, their functions likes and you might even get a few *watch out for this* type of responses.
5. Do the dirty work. Yes you can do the odd jobs; the tasks that everyone does not like to do but are necessary for the business to operate. Take this as a learning opportunity, you will acquire functional job knowledge as well garner some respect from your peers. I would guess you may have to perform the task(s) for a few months, but these will soon be passed on to the next new hire.
6. Plan to get to work early. You’re new; make getting to work before your manager a priority. Why, because it shows respect, willingness to learn and will provide them an opportunity to have one on one time with you early on. The other benefit is you can see a pattern of arrivals by fellow peers and managers that may at some point help you settle into a normal routine. I would keep the early schedule for at least the first month, and then figure out what is an acceptable compromise.
7. Plan to stay late. You’re new; plan your schedule around leaving work after your manager a priority. Why, because it shows respect, dedication, and provides people the flexibility to meet with you in a larger window during the day. The additional benefit is you can see a pattern of departures by fellow peers and managers that might at some point help you settle into your normal routine. As with Rule # 6, I would keep the late schedule for at least the first month, then figure out what is an acceptable compromise.
8. Respect everyone’s time. A majority of the people you will meet are probably time challenged anyway, and may perceive the *new hire* as just another burden to them achieving their daily goals. Sure they will be willing to help you, but recognize their time is valuable also. Prepare for these interactions as well as you can, be personable but DO NOT OVERSTAY YOUR WELCOME.
9. Be on time or early to meetings. You need to be the person sitting n the conference room prior to the start of the meeting. This situation helps let people know you are respectful, facilitates additional introductions and does not detract from the meeting agenda or content.
10. Complete your required training. If you were trained on a particular task or support function process or procedure previously, complete the training because many companies require current certifications to their requirements. Sure they May be the same, but there is always the possibility you may learn something you did not know. This also shows your willingness to learn and participate, both good characteristics to portray early in your new job.

Above all, be enthusiastic, the people around you will be willing to assist your because everyone by nature wants to do a good job and help people. I know, some do not and you will find out quickly by their personalities, and more than likely they are not the most popular people in the company. Time is on your side, figure out who the knowledge experts, you will need them in the future. Great success awaits you, have fun!