'10 Make-or-Break Career Moments'

[July 28, 2010]  ^"10 Make-or-Break Career Moments: Navigate, Negotiate, and Communicate for Success." Casey Hawley, Ten Speed Press, 2010, 215 pages.

Review by
Richard Sumrall

In her new book, "10 Make-or-Break Career Moments," author Casey Hawley writes that "there are key moments in the course of every career when the right words can make a life-changing, career-altering difference." These "right words" and the 10 basic response strategies are the result of her extensive experience in business and communications. As a consultant to numerous Fortune 500 companies, she understands the importance that words play in helping you succeed in the make-or-break moments in your career.

Her strategies are based on 10 different scenarios that occur in the workplace:

• The first moment you meet an executive or key business contact

• The first moment you meet the interviewer for your next job

• The moment you are offered a job

• The key moments in a performance review (including raises)

• The moment you meet your new team

• The moment you are fired

• The moment a challenge to your ethics, loyalty or future arises

• The moment you resign from a job

• The moment conflict arises with a co-worker or business person

• The moment you are recognized for excellence

Let's take a look at three of these defining moments.

The first moment you meet the interviewer for your next job

The first moments of any interview are crucial to making a favorable impression. Remember that you are how you look -- dress like your boss-to-be; get plenty of sleep the night before. Loosen up with some stress-relieving tips -- breathe deeply to oxygenate your blood flow; relieve tension with muscle-relaxing exercises. Encourage love at first sight -- smile, smile, smile! Offer the perfect handshake -- strong and confident, not a bone-crusher.

The biggest concern in an interview is what to say and what not to say. Always greet the interviewer and follow with their name. Show a genuine interest in the other person but be prepared to listen. Be aware of the topics that are considered off limits to the interviewer: their home address, ages of their children, problems within the department, and advice on health or personal issues.

Putting it all together in your interview demonstrates that you are a team player; in fact, "many teams become almost like families, and it is critical that you show you're a person who can build fruitful relationships with your team members."

The key moments in a performance review

The review of one's on-the-job performance can be a stressful experience for the employee and the supervisor. According to Hawley, employees can improve their odds of winning the review instead of being a victim.

She recommends that you ask "how" questions, not "why" questions; seek incremental help from your boss (feedback); thank your boss for their help in making you a better employee; develop short-term and long-term goals for the next review period; ask for company-sponsored training; and follow the review with observable behavior that demonstrates you are trying to act on the suggestions given for improvement.

If you feel strongly that the performance review is unfair or inaccurate, Hawley suggests you considers these options: Understand that a protest can be risky; ask for numerical goals to strive for prior to the next review; request that a one-page handout of your accomplishments be included with the evaluation form; keep your composure and state calmly that, although you do not agree with the evaluation, you respect the supervisor's opinion and will seek their help during the next review period.

The moment a challenge to your ethics, loyalty or future arises

"A challenging and defining moment in a career" is how Hawley describes the situation where you are asked to do something that conflicts with company policy or your code of conduct. Ethical or immoral dilemmas can come in many guises. You might be asked to attest to something that is false or exaggerated. You might be pressured to practice a deception that could be embarrassing or illegal. You might be asked to be secretive to bend company rules or aid in a cover-up.

If you find yourself in one of these workplace dilemmas and you are uncomfortable giving an immediate answer, Hawley recommends you DUCK. "DUCK" stands for: Duck the answer temporarily. Understand everything involved. Compliment the requestor. K.i.s.s. -- keep it simple, stupid.

Since every area of business management rests on trust, sometimes the right thing to do is simply say no in a firm but supportive way.

As Hawley points out, handling these difficult workplace conversations is a win-win situation for you. In fact, "every difficult conversation you attempt and learn from is building you into the professional you want to be. In that sense, you win whether you get the desired response or not."

"10 Make-or-Break Career Moments" is a must-read for everyone who wants to improve their career opportunities or stabilize their current employment situation. This book is recommended to anyone looking to develop his or her interpersonal skills and abilities in today's workplace.

[Text from file received from Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]