Make a Difference (Part 2)

Along with interaction, there are other ways you can start to contribute. Go just a little bit further each day by helping out around the office. Maybe one day you can clean the microwave dish in the break room, or refill the coffee pot even if you weren't the one to take the last cup of coffee. It doesn't take much or long to help out in other areas, and you'll also be surprised at how it can even help you take your mind off of work if you're stuck with a difficult problem. It also make your workplace just that much better.

Your thoughtfulness doesn't take much, and you can take it a little bit further and earn recognition in the process. Bring a bowl of candy to the next meeting or volunteer to help out with a company event. The goal is to remain fairly low-key and not to draw too much attention to yourself. Remember to be yourself and do what comes naturally to you. If there's something you want to change about your workplace, why not start with making some change yourself and leading by example? There's no matter way to make a difference and you'll quickly see how it affects others as they start to do the same.

In the end, you should remember that it's easy to fall into the trap that work is something that you put the bare minimum in and then give up, especially on a bad day. Rather, you can make a difference just by changing your thinking and attitude. Examine the life you're living at work and ask yourself if it's what you truly like, or if there is something you can change to make it better. Once you start to feel satisfied at work, you'll feel more in control of your surroundings and as if your efforts are truly making a difference within the company.

Go to: Part 1

Make a Difference (Part 1)

Making a difference in the world doesn't actually have to be committing to volunteering and donating within your community. As most of us are swept up in our hectic lives, it seems more reasonable to focus our efforts on where we spend our time - making a difference in our workplace. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to start working hard or longer, rather, commit to small changes that are made by being aware of your environment and how your presence change things. Sometimes, these smaller efforts are the best way to have an impact or your work world.

Let's start with the idea that you don't have to be in the service industry to reap the benefit of being courteous and polite. So often we overlook our attitudes as we are swept away in our workload, and we forget that cheer and manners aren't just something that should be put off. Everyone is cheered by a little honest friendliness. The trick is not to strain yourself, as people are turned off by false politeness even if they don't consciously register it. If it isn't easy for you, start small with a little extra eye contact when thanking someone for a favor, and move forward from there. Also remember its okay to break yourself from your work every once in a while to take the time to connect with your fellow employees, even if it's just a quick wave and a brief chat. More importantly, approach the situation openly, sometime work is a good topic if they are in a good mood, but other times it's just nice to pull away to a topic that doesn't involve stress.