From Shelf Filler To Manager

Posted by Gina Gardiner on: 2005-09-12 17:41:40

What do you want out of life? Do you like what you do? Are you in a job which gives you little satisfaction or one which gets you leaping out of bed with enthusiasm in the morning?

Do you see yourself as a leader or one of the pack?

Compare two vastly differing approaches to work and their impact on the future. Ask yourself what impact is my approach to work going to have on my future? Career Move! From Shelf Filler to Manager

Are you in a dead end job? Are you fed up with low pay and long hours? Are you bored and want to do something more interesting? Do you want to be the person telling others what to do rather than being the one taking orders?

You can make it happen! if you are determined enough.

Consider the two alternatives, which one works for you?

Arrives late for work on a regular basis, usually chewing gum. Looks untidy, hair unkempt, nail varnish peeling and skirt very short. Only smiles and laughs loudly with her mates. Speaks to customers as little as possible. When asked if there is a top in another size. Answers "I don't know" or "if it isn't there we haven't got any"

Shows no interest on what needs to be done. Makes excuses to skive off when ever possible.

Does just enough to get by. Never takes the initiative. Walks past difficulties, doesn't see them or want to see them. A jar has broken leaving glass and jam all over the floor.

Is uncooperative or moody and sometimes both. Constantly complains that things aren't right, its not fair, out of order!

Boss sees no potential so takes little interest in her development. Job remains dead end, she gives little and gets no job satisfaction in return. Can't wait to leave.

What lies ahead…..another dead end job

Arrives on time, looking neat and tidy, ready for the days work. Knows the company policies about dress code and behaviour and follows them. Is always polite, friendly and professional.

Makes customers feel valued, is helpful and tries to sort out any problems. "I'll show you where they are" " They are out of stock but I can order one for you", I'll go and find out if we have any"

Is interested in how things operate. Asks relevant questions. Takes on her fair share of the work, offers to help others when it is appropriate. Takes a pride in doing things well.

Anticipates things, takes appropriate action. Thinks abut health and safety so blocks off the area and clears it up or reports it to the appropriate person.

Comes across as pleasant and professional even when having personal problems. If there is a problem, she goes to the right person, explains the difficulty and offers a suggestion about how the problem might be solved.

Goes to see the manager, expresses an interest in developing a career in the company. Asks for the opportunity for training. Takes each opportunity and makes the most of it.

Manager sees the potential invites her to join the trainee manager scheme. Undertakes on the job training and rises through the ranks.

Manages her own store.

What do you want out of life?

Opportunities are what you make them. You have to take responsibility for your present and your future. Think about how you behave and how others see you.

If you don't like your present job think about what you really want out of life. The choice is yours!

About the Author

Independent Consultant, writer and life-coach Gina Gardiner supports people at individual or organisational level to develop confidence, leadership and people skills and effective delegation; empowering them to see themselves as part of the solution. If you would like to know more email: gina.gardiner@ntlworld.com Phone 01708 703959 or look on www.firststeptothefuture.com