Lessons in Employment Learned the Hard Way

I learned the hard way that it doesn't matter how efficient you are at your job if your boss has a reason to not like you. And it took me three years to learn how easy it is to get under their skin without realizing it.

Being assistant manager, having a close relationship with the owner, I got a first hand look at his reaction to things the other employees did that aggravated him; yet I failed to see the things I was doing, which almost led to the termination of my job.

There was a small group of us, all sharing similar responsibilities, but I carried out my duties with prompt proficiency. I was good at what I did and let everyone know it, which was my first mistake.

It was my job to check everyone's work to make sure it was done right. Those whose work wasn't up to pare, I reported to the boss. My mistake was saying things to the boss like, "I always get my work in on time. I could run circles around them."

Let your work speak for itself;. It is boorishly arrogant to brag about yourself, especially if it assassinates the character of another employee. Otherwise, you may become known by your fellow employees and even your boss as, "Ms/Mr. Perfect".

Bosses will often vent their feeling about an irritating employee to their managers, but it's often a heat of the moment thing. Never think you're getting on their good side by joining in the passion of their dissatisfaction. Don't wholeheartedly agree by saying things like, "I never liked him in the first place. The guy's a total screw-up."

Everyone says things they don't mean when they're stressed and in the end, you'll look like a backstabber. Simply express your understanding of how you can relate to their feelings about the situation without putting down the employee.

It was only after I was promoted to general manager that I began to see these things. I had to walk in the shoes of the employees first, then those of assistant manager to fully appreciate them.

Most bosses want a smooth running crew that works and gets along well with each other. The things that turn them off are, self-righteousness, obvious brown-nosing, blatant character assassination, and constant complaints. Those who "rock the boat " get thrown overboard.

Therefore, take it from someone who learned the hard way. People who toot their own horns are seeking glory. They love praise;. Don't be like them. Let your work speak for itself. As for my case, I felt that my work wasn't getting the notice it deserved. However, in time, I realized that just because the boss didn't go out of his way to let me know I did a good job, it didn't mean he didn't notice.Trust me, your hard work does get noticed.