This is a really simple thing but it is often neglected. Most organizations, particularly nowadays in the global economy, need foreign language speakers. And not just because of diversity targets!
Having this skill is an opportunity to involve yourself in other areas of your business. For example:
* Interpreting letters from customers and suppliers in foreign languages, especially complaints
* Interpreting your organization's website or literature into foreign languages, or helping to make changes to it
* Negotiations with foreign suppliers
* Being 'on-call' for ad-hoc interpreting
* Enrollment or training of secondees from overseas or overseas workers
* Coaching and mentorship of non-native speaking colleagues
For colleagues where your organization's primary language isn't their own, it can be daunting to enter your company. Your language skills could be a lifeline to them!
Interpreting services can be expensive and also time-consuming, so you could save your company money by being available for ad-hoc work. You're also familiar with your organization and it's context, so your opinion and interpretation will be more valuable.
If you possess this skill, then use it. It could open avenues into other areas of your business, and you'll almost certainly raise your profile and gain confidence in the process.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Getting noticed in your company or organization
Getting yourself noticed by senior management or executives maybe easier than you think. These people, like all people, are human beings. I've found that if you treat them that way, you have the best chance of getting to know them, and hopefully raising your profile.
The most effective way I have found is to take an interest in their affairs and have an opinion or extra 'content' (i.e. information of value) that would help them. An example of this might be to read your organization's internal newsletter and investigate further an executive's subject (using Google or whatever) or discuss it with colleagues. I've noticed your opinions can be most powerful if a) you have ideas on how your department or role can reduce costs, reduce risks or increase revenue, or b) it is outside of your core business function, demonstrating your understanding of the wider business context (a good corporate citizen thing to do!) If you get the opportunity to, briefly share your thoughts if you bump into them in the office. Or failing that, send them a brief email with a summary of your thoughts and invite them to discuss it further.
This won't always work, but keep trying. As I said, most executives are human beings so it's unlikely you will always receive a rebuttal or be ignored. Its about initiating and sustaining a relationship.
So if you do get a foot in the door, perhaps you could then agree to include the executive in any relevant emails that they would find intersting or relevant, and invite them to comment or conversely opt out. As well as the professional stuff, you should feel free to be yourself and talk about other things that might interest you both, such as sports or movies. You could pick up on something you notice in their office, such as a trophy or a magazine, which you share a common interest. The main thing is, offer something to show you're a human being too. Of course, respect personal boundaries and don't be too familiar!
Another important point is that the two most powerful people in an organization is the CEO, and then the CEO's personal assistant. Building a relationship with an executives PA is an effective means of building a strong relationship with the executive! I don't mean pay them flattery or buy them gifts - I do encourage you to take an interest as a fellow human being.
The upside of showing an interest in an executive's matters, and having a valuable opinion about it, is that you may just get a invite to discuss other subjects. You may also be the person who is recommended by the executive to be involved in other work or ideas. You could be a trusted member of their team.
You have nothing to lose if you're brave enough and take an interest. There really is no downside to being courageous enough to take an interest in your organization and its leaders.
The most effective way I have found is to take an interest in their affairs and have an opinion or extra 'content' (i.e. information of value) that would help them. An example of this might be to read your organization's internal newsletter and investigate further an executive's subject (using Google or whatever) or discuss it with colleagues. I've noticed your opinions can be most powerful if a) you have ideas on how your department or role can reduce costs, reduce risks or increase revenue, or b) it is outside of your core business function, demonstrating your understanding of the wider business context (a good corporate citizen thing to do!) If you get the opportunity to, briefly share your thoughts if you bump into them in the office. Or failing that, send them a brief email with a summary of your thoughts and invite them to discuss it further.
This won't always work, but keep trying. As I said, most executives are human beings so it's unlikely you will always receive a rebuttal or be ignored. Its about initiating and sustaining a relationship.
So if you do get a foot in the door, perhaps you could then agree to include the executive in any relevant emails that they would find intersting or relevant, and invite them to comment or conversely opt out. As well as the professional stuff, you should feel free to be yourself and talk about other things that might interest you both, such as sports or movies. You could pick up on something you notice in their office, such as a trophy or a magazine, which you share a common interest. The main thing is, offer something to show you're a human being too. Of course, respect personal boundaries and don't be too familiar!
Another important point is that the two most powerful people in an organization is the CEO, and then the CEO's personal assistant. Building a relationship with an executives PA is an effective means of building a strong relationship with the executive! I don't mean pay them flattery or buy them gifts - I do encourage you to take an interest as a fellow human being.
The upside of showing an interest in an executive's matters, and having a valuable opinion about it, is that you may just get a invite to discuss other subjects. You may also be the person who is recommended by the executive to be involved in other work or ideas. You could be a trusted member of their team.
You have nothing to lose if you're brave enough and take an interest. There really is no downside to being courageous enough to take an interest in your organization and its leaders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
