This is a well written article and I will take your advice regarding inquiring about a future bosses / company's core values. If your values are not in line with the company's values, it most likely will not be a good fit (if you can get them to honestly tell you their core values). For most companies these days it is just about making money, but it does not hurt to ask! Some care about longevity and realize that they must first make their employees and customers happy in order to be a long term success.
Another great point that you make is that it is important to be liked and respected, unfortunately it is not just enough if you produce. You must also be friends with the people that you work with, be political and many times willing to be conniving. It is almost impossible in industries where you are expected to be competitive and work through your lunch hour as well as work late! It makes a person think if a traditional "career" is really worth all of the effort / selling out or if it is just best to live on less and be a nanny, take a job in the civil service where it is almost impossible to be laid off, etc.!
Camilleof NY10:49PM March 01, 2011
Do you have some tips for becoming and remaining aware of how others perceive you in your workplace?
I was once in a work environment where my supervisors offered support in principle but very little specific feedback, and those I supervised as a new manager would tell everybody in the system *but* me what they were thinking about me. Trust in a new manager needs to be built and earned, but I had no idea as I got started that so little goodwill was available to me. By the time some serious misconceptions and distortions of my behavior got back to me through the grapevine, my supervisors had already withdrawn their support and I had very little to work with. I was able to improve immediate relationships in my work unit once I understood what was happening and people were getting to know me better, but it was tough going.
A. Nonnyof WA5:11PM February 26, 2011
Very useful points, Rusty. I particularly liked your last point on perception and the importance of how others perceive you. I just read a book titled "The Career Journey" by Ram Iyer which had a lenghthy chapter on brand and perception management. I think I am learning a lot about managing myself as a brand.
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Camille of NY 10:49PM March 01, 2011
A. Nonny of WA 5:11PM February 26, 2011
Jessica of TX 8:52AM February 26, 2011