How to Bounce Back from a Costly Mistake at Work

Take a step back. We all make mistakes at work, and no one is perfect!

Depending on the gravity of the mistake and your tenure with the organization, a timely resolution may solve your problem. Whether you missed a deadline or came unprepared to a client meeting, the most important thing is to act and address the situation sooner rather than later.

On that note, here are eight steps you can take to deal with your costly mistakes at work.

#1: BE ACCOUNTABLE

There is no point in hiding your mistakes or finding a scapegoat to cover up your problems. Be accountable for the mistakes you have made. These are part of the learning process that can help you become better at your job. Assess your part in the situation and acknowledge where things went wrong.

#2: BE ABLE TO EXAMINE THE SITUATION

Look into the issue with fresh lenses. Pretend as if someone else made the mistake to evaluate what happened with an objective eye.

Ask yourself these questions:

What actions led to the mistake?
What is the severity of the situation?
What should the person have done instead?
What are the consequences of the mistake?
How can the situation be prevented in the future?

#3: BE OPEN TO A PRIVATE MEETING WITH YOUR SUPERIOR

Setting up a private meeting with your boss may not always be necessary, but you could schedule one if your mistake led to serious repercussions.

Be direct, factual, and honest during this meeting. Apologize for your mishaps and explain what happened. Your boss does not need to listen to your excuses!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#4: BE APOLOGETIC

A sincere apology goes a long way. Other people can still be held accountable for the mistake you made. Your boss and co-workers may step in to fix the issue too. So, being apologetic is important in maintaining these professional relationships.

#5: BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS

Instead of whining about your mistake, focus on finding a solution. Once you determine where things went wrong, you can figure out how to fix it. Leaders appreciate people who bring solutions instead of problems. These types of people are usually considered to rise to the top.

#6: BE ACTIVE IN SOLVING THE PROBLEM

Do everything within your power to ensure that the issue gets remedied or fixed quickly. List all the viable solutions and review which one offers the best outcome. Stay in the path throughout the process even if the resolution has been taken out of your responsibilities. It is still vital to know how the solution was executed for future references.

#7: BE OPEN TO CHANGE

You should constantly adjust your flow until you find a work routine that suits you best. If you are always late in submitting your reports or if you are always sending the wrong proposals, you must do something to turn things around. Incorporate healthy habits such as using a planner or meditating for a few minutes. Apply healthy habits to improve your focus, concentration, and productivity.

#8: BE KIND TO YOURSELF

You can be your harshest critique. Eliminate any negative self-talk, learn from the mistake, and move forward. The mistakes you make will not ruin your career. Instead, your reaction to these mistakes can break you!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

 

 

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Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Home Office

For most people, working from home is their fantasy come to life. However, it comes with its own challenges. Mentally transitioning from “personal mode” to “professional mode” can be difficult if you are physically on the same place and just steps away from your bed. How can someone be inspired to produce outputs on such cozy conditions?

While it is easy to wear sweatpants in the home office, you need to establish new routines to improve your productivity. Take time to thoughtfully choose the right setup. Improving your home office is a worthy investment of your time and money.

#1: INVEST ON A BACK PILLOW

If you do not have the budget to purchase an ergonomic chair, revamp a standard chair by adding a back pillow. You can buy an affordable curved foam cushion for your chair or roll up a towel to act as your back support. This will give you the comfort you need for countless hours of working.

#2: RAISE YOUR DEVICE

Notice how you are working. Usually, your monitor or laptop screen is too low. This is why many people hunch over or crack their necks in the working process. There are two simple solutions. Firstly, you may purchase a laptop stand or riser. The stand allows a few inches of height and tilt. Secondly, you can add a few books under the base of your monitor. Raise it to a comfortable height. You will know what is best!

#3: ORGANIZE YOUR CORDS

There is nothing more annoying than tangled cords. If you are working from home, you are more likely to rely on several devices to keep your efficiency up. Manage the excessive cords by using zip-ties or double-sided Velcro. You can add labels too.

#4: KEEP A CLOTH BESIDE YOU

Do not let pet hair or dust distract you. Keep an inexpensive microfiber cloth on your desk to wipe your screen or your table. You can use two cloth towels – one for wet substances and one for dry substances. Replace these towels every day. Alternatively, you may use a pack of disinfectant wipes to clean your surfaces.

#5: BOOST YOUR LIGHT

Lighting is the key. Having a good light can have a significant impact on one’s concentration and productivity. In fact, a study showed 16% increase in efficiency by using good office lighting. Boost your productivity by repurposing a vintage or antique table lamp.

#6: ADD SOME PLANTS

Image credits: pixabay.com

You must never underestimate the power of nature. Adding a few plants on your home office will not only make it aesthetically pleasing, but also make it a suitable place to work. Plants have positive effects on one’s body and mind. Improve your mood by adding indoor plants to your space. The snake plant is my personal favorite!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Beat The Rushed Deadlines With These 4 Tips

Singapore’s highly competitive society values the ability to work at a faster rate. The problem with focusing on urgency is the maintenance of quality. You may question whether there are smarter ways to get things done quickly without sacrificing premium standards. For starters, you can consider adding these four tips to your work or academic routine.

#1: THE ENERGIZING HOUR

Be honest with yourself! Are you an early bird or a nocturnal owl? The good news is, either of these personas can work to your favor. Determine the specific time of the day when you are most productive. Exhaust your creative juices to the important tasks and use your “low-energy hours” to fulfill less essential tasks such as household chores.

#2: TIME IS GOLD

Parkinson’s Law is among the most relevant concepts in business. It highlights that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion”. In other words, the effort you exert on a task stretches to suit the allotted time. Work at a quicker pace by setting a clear schedule. Doing this will motivate you to beat the clock!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: CRUSH THE DISTRACTIONS

It goes without saying that procrastination is an enemy during crunch time. It is best to eliminate all the possible distractions that are within your reach. Please toss your handphone and other electronics on the side. To power through a long period of concentration, you may increase the volume of your preferred music. Jazz and classical tracks may soothe your mood to focus better on the tasks.

#4: ONE STEP DOWN

No matter what you are working on, you can always breakdown the process into smaller chunks. Examining each step aims to make an efficient progress. Furthermore, your “mini victories” will motivate you along the way.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Imagine that you have to write an essay as a Poly student. The first step is to choose an interesting topic. Secondly, you need to do an extensive research and make a rough outline. Thirdly, you must accomplish a draft. The fourth step is to edit and review your draft. Lastly, you must proofread and print your assignment. Tackle the task…one step at a time!

Sources:  1 & 2

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5 Helpful Tips To Achieve Work-Life Balance

Focusing on your career and enriching your personal life can be challenging in today’s busy world, but it is possible!

1. PRIORITIZE YOUR TASKS

Efficiency at work is a trait that I take pride in. I search for the quickest and the smartest ways to finish the tasks. Whenever I am bombarded with serious deadlines, I make it a point to list down all of them. Doing so enables me to examine which task I should prioritize first. For instance, I would rather rearrange my closet at noon than putting my assignment on hold.

Avoid feeling overworked by accepting that you cannot be on top of everything in your life. Hence, you must devote your time and energy into the tasks that will deliver the most beneficial outcomes.

2. MONITOR YOUR TIME

Be honest with yourself. How much time do you spend on things that matter to you? Does your day align with your priorities? Maximize your time by eliminating unnecessary slots (e.g., time spent on worrying about the opinion of others).

After listing down all the tasks that you have to accomplish within the day, assign a time slot for each one. Organizing your timeframe allows you to take breaks in between. Also, it highlights the importance of scheduling your private time. It is not what you think it is! Your private time refers to the opportunity to reduce your stress and to recharge your energy. Whether you want to sip a cup of tea or read a book in solitude, give your own time the same respect as a work meeting. Abide strictly to your schedule…unless there is an emergency!

3. SET A VACATION

In lined with scheduling the flow of your day, you must set a period for sabbatical. At least 14 days off work per year would do. You may think that spending two weeks off is not economical! However, you must focus on its benefits for your holistic wellbeing. Consider an affordable staycation in Singapore or a worthwhile weekend trip in the Southeast Asian countries. Use your paid leaves wisely!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If a vacations sounds a bit far-fetched, set aside at least an hour of each day to focus on yourself. Whether you want to walk your do to the park or to get a Thai massage, it is good to have something to look forward to.

4. DO NOT MULTITASK

Previous studies have shown that multitasking is associated with less productivity. Our brains are essentially “task switching” when we do two or more tasks at a time. The gravity of the situation can be illustrated by imagining your brain as a computer. The more programs you have in operation, the slower it will function overall. Multitasking not only affects the quality of your work, but it can also affect your gray matter volume. This brain component is responsible for memory and decision-making. You may recall juggling two tasks and forgetting some elements in the process.

So, be sure to empty your thoughts when it is time to work. Leave your household chores behind you! Once it is time to go on a romantic date, do not think about the report that you are going to present in the morning. You will be more productive when you are not dividing your attention into small fractions.

5. UNPLUG YOUR DEVICES

How many times have you heard the saying: “LIVE IN THE MOMENT”? This statement has been posted in several of my friend’s social media walls, yet is impact is underrated. We cannot help it! It is easy to feel attached to technology. I once attended my sister’s graduation ceremony. The mother in front of me brought her laptop and hand-phone along. She was shamelessly answering calls and typing away as the students march to the stage. This situation stresses the clash of work and personal life.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The downside of modern technology is that work can follow you wherever you go. Your client may even reach you while you are catching waves in Bali. Robert Brooks, a Psychology professor at Harvard Medical School, says that “phone notifications interrupt your off time and inject an undercurrent of stress in your system”. Shut down your devices upon reaching home. Enjoy interacting with your beloved ones to build an authentic quality time. By not reacting to the updates from work while you are at home, you will develop a stronger habit of resilience. Unless it is an immediate emergency, the job situation can wait.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Energizing Breakfast Meals For Busy Singaporeans

When it comes to preparing breakfast meals, the options are endless. Adding pressure in time and health in the mix can narrow things down. So stay alert and sharp with these four meals:

FOR A COVETED JOB INTERVIEW

To ace a job interview, it is crucial to leave a lasting impression. Exude enthusiasm while answering the interviewer’s questions by eating a protein-packed breakfast. Egg has about five grams of protein along with other vitamins and minerals. It also contains choline, which may delay your fatigue.

If you are feeling a bit fancy, you may add some smoked salmon in your omelet. The Omega-3 in salmon will help you sharpen your concentration. Save some time by purchasing the marinated salmon at the nearby grocery.

FOR AN EARLY MEETING

Put a healthy spin on the classic peanut butter toast by adding chopped bananas and a dash of chia seeds. The fusion of banana and peanut butter spread will make your stomach feel easily satisfied. Furthermore, chia seeds are rich in dietary fiber and protein! Your body needs all these to keep your mind pumping as you start an early meeting with the board members.

Worry not about the accessibility of organic chia seed as you can get a S$19-bag at FairPrice.

FOR BEATING A STRESSFUL DEADLINE

In Singapore, it is common to encounter a co-worker or a friend who juggles a full-time and a part-time job. Having overlapping deadlines can be stressful for these people. The keep to keeping your mind calm under stress is consuming folate. Folate and vitamin K are present in avocado.

Prepare a quick meal by mashing an avocado and spreading it across a whole grain bread. Add two “sunny-side up” eggs for a well-rounded breakfast. Then, finish it off by sprinkling some salt and pepper.

FOR YOUR PROPOSAL JITTERS

Congratulations! Your boss finally entrusted you with presenting a proposal to your important clients. Speaking in front of a “demanding” panel can make your stomach growl with extreme nervousness. What must you do?

Make a cup of plain yogurt your morning staple. Yogurt helps in boosting your energy and digestion. Look for a brand with no added sugar or flavors to avoid stomach irritation. You may add fresh fruits if you want.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

One serving can cost you about S$4 or less!

Sources: 1 & 2

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