Survival Guide
Getting along will help you get aheadIt doesn't matter what job, trade or profession you are in, if you can't get along with others, you won't get ahead. |
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And in these tough economic times, moving up the ladder and getting ahead will keep you employable, if not secure in your current job.
A recent survey developed by Accountemps, a worldwide staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals, found that almost half of chief financial officers say interpersonal abilities are the most important communication skill for financial professionals.
'Interpersonal skills'
"Strong interpersonal skills are a key factor for success in any profession," says Max Messmer, CEO of Robert Half International and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies.
"Businesses seek accountants who have the requisite technical skills but who also can build rapport with colleagues, resolve conflicts and develop consensus among team members," he says.
In the survey, executives were asked, "In your opinion, which one of the following communication skills is most important for accounting and finance professionals to possess?" Here are the responses:
Interpersonal skills, 45%
Negotiation skills, 26%
Presentation/public speaking ability, 17%
Writing ability, 5%
None, 1%
Other, 5%
Don't know, 1%
Randall S. Hansen, founder of Quintessential Careers -- one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Internet -- says that being a team player and acting professionally at all times are both on his top 10 strategies for moving up the ladder at work.
"Earn a reputation for being dependable, professional and co-operative. Act and look the part," he writes in an article on his website at www.quintcareers.com.
'Team player'
"Because so much of work is now accomplished through teams -- departmental or cross-functional -- it becomes even more important to share successes with your team and to avoid pointing your finger when there are failures," he writes. "And by being a team player, you only build your reputation and increase your value to the organization."
In other words, what your elementary school teacher told you was right. Not playing well with others can keep you from getting ahead, particularly at work.
P.J. Harston is the business editor of the London Free Press. Reach him by e-mail at Pj.harston@sunmedia.ca.
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