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How keeping a poker face can help you succeed at work

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Keep your poker face on.” But what does that mean, exactly? And more importantly, why should you do it?

Well, as it turns out, there are a few good reasons why you should keep your emotions hidden at work. For one, if you’re always getting upset or angry about little things, your coworkers will start to see you as a liability. And two, it’s just good etiquette. No one wants to see their boss break down in tears every other day, right?

Here’s how keeping your emotions in check can help you succeed at work.

You don’t want to show weakness

Imagine this scenario: You’re in a meeting with your boss, and you’re presenting your idea. You’ve worked hard on it, and you’re proud of it. But as you start to speak, you can feel the nerves creeping in. You start to fidget, you’ve lost your train of thought, and before you know it, your eyes start getting teary. What just happened?

The truth is, when it comes to workplace mannerisms, keeping a straight face can go a long way. This means stowing your emotions under control and not giving away anything that could be seen as a sign of weakness. It’s not always easy to do—in fact, it’s downright hard at times. But if you can master the art of keeping a straight face, it will help you thrive better in the workplace.

You don’t want to give away too much

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You don’t want to give away too much when you’re at work. In fact, it’s better to keep your feelings concealed. Why? Because if your boss or co-workers see that you’re bitter all the time, they might think that you can’t handle the pressure or that you’re not cut out for the job. And no one wants to be seen as vulnerable or incompetent.

But that’s not the only reason to keep a poker face at work. You also don’t want to give away your strategy. If your opponents can read your emotions, they will be one step ahead of you in the game.

So how can you keep your sentiments in check? By practicing mindfulness. When you’re aware of what’s going on inside of you, it’s a lot harder for your impulsiveness to rule. So take a deep breath, stay calm, and keep that straight face up!

You never know who you’re going to meet

So you’re at work, and you’re having a bad day. You’re feeling angsty, so you let your emotions show on your face. Then you run into one of the key stakeholders in the hallway of your company.

Do you think that’s going to make a good first impression? Probably not. On the contrary, it’s more likely to have the opposite effect. You never know who you’re going to meet, so it’s always wise to put your best foot forward. Keeping a poker face at work can be viewed as a symbol of professionalism and self-control. You may not be able to manipulate the way you feel, but you can handle the way you act. And that’s what counts in the office.

All in all, a poker face is essentially a face that shows no emotions. This can be helpful at work because it means that you’re not giving away any hints about how you feel. This can be advantageous in negotiations, when you’re trying to close a deal, or when you’re trying to get a promotion. Think about it – if your boss knows that you’re resentful about being passed up for a promotion, or if your manager knows that you’re uncomfortable with the new project they’ve given you, they may use that against you. But if you keep a poker face, most won’t know what’s going on in your head and will be less likely to have an edge on you.

Do these things after you’ve sacked your boss

So you’ve finally dropped the resignation letter in your boss’ face after months of contemplating? We’re glad for you.

Now that you’re exiting hell, it’s time to slack your way through that one-month notice, not. Yes, you’ve read that right. Rather than wasting your time reporting for the last month at work doing nothing, there are tasks you need to tick off your checklist before you bid goodbye.

Here are the things to do after you’ve sacked your boss.

#1: Schedule meet-ups with colleagues

When a person chooses to leave the workplace, brains and mouths will start speculating the reasons why. Rather than allowing gossips to prosper, take this opportunity to schedule meet-ups with colleagues and explain your stance for leaving.

Other than your department colleagues you’ve worked with, you may also request to meet with other team members who’ve crossed paths and offered help. While you don’t need to speak to everyone, choose those that you would be glad to remain in contact with.

#2: Do a proper handover

If you’ve had gone through picking up a pile of mess from someone who has left the company before, be sure not to do the same when you leave.

What you can do is to draw up an instructional handover document detailing the ongoing projects under your watch. This will aid your manager and successor to pick up from where you’ve left and enable as few disruptions as possible from your exit. At the same time, you get to demonstrate your professionalism.

#3: Request for recommendations

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Rather than waiting months after you’ve left to seek a recommendation, request for one before you leave for good. It’s an apt time because your supervisors and colleagues still remember the excellent work you’ve put in during your time in the company.

It would be advisable that you approach them directly to ask for a recommendation. Sending an email might work too, but it’s not that personable. Don’t be afraid to have them comment on the specific skills you would like to be endorsed for.

#4: Back up your accomplishments

Certain documents won’t be accessible upon your exit from the company. Hence, don’t forget to do the necessary screenshots or capture evidence of your accomplishments. This is especially so for those who’ve been with the company for years and cannot readily recall the works you’ve executed when you’ve held various positions.

Depending on your contributions to the company, it may take more than a day or two to back up the important stuff. The last thing you want to do is leave it to the last day to do so and realise there’s not enough time.

#5: Mass send or customise farewell emails

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So we suppose who’ve done the things listed above and ready to leave the company on a positive note. On your last day, it’s good to send a mass email to everyone who’ve journeyed with you through the months and years.

Should you have the time to do so, customise farewell emails to show your sincerity towards the people you want to keep in your work and social connections. Say your thank-yous, share a big picture of your next venture, and let them know how to stay connected with you.

Here’s us wishing you all the best in your next endeavour!

8 ways to fine-tune so you can get into the productivity zone ASAP

It’s midweek, and you’re dying for the weekend to come.

Most of us who clock a 9 to 5 job often face such situations, so you’re definitely not the only one entertaining such thoughts. But it’s also due to such a mindset that we constantly find ourselves loitering out of the productivity zone.

This can be a massive problem if you have a work schedule to complete but can’t seem to get your head in the game. We’re here to the rescue! Or at least allow us to share with you some ways you can fine-tune to get your productivity engine moving.

#1: Clear your mind

One of the most persistent distractions we face is our mind.

Whether it’s piling bills, housework, relationship woes, or even just random racing thoughts, our mind can be an obstacle to our productivity.

As such, it’s time to take control! Clearing your mind can be as simple as jotting down your thoughts, taking a 10-minute walk around the park, or simply meditating before starting your day. For those who can’t seem to practise mindfulness at home, check out these meditation centres in Singapore to help you get started.

#2: Make changes to your environment

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Temperature, lighting, and surrounding noise are environmental factors that affect our productivity.

It isn’t easy to focus on work if you are not physically comfortable. That’s why making changes to your environment can ease you into the productivity zone faster.

We’re sure deskbound people would agree that it somehow affects your typing speed when the office is freezing cold. Since many are still working from home from time to time and don’t have to fight over the air-conditioner’s remote, ensure you’re at ease.

Also, we hope your workspace is already well-lit and uncluttered.

#3: Create a work playlist

While we can control temperatures, we can’t always control background noise.

When working in the office, we may have talkative colleagues, noisy pantries, or other sound sources that we can do nothing to silence. While at home, there is a whole different noise level, from inconsiderate neighbours to chattering kids.

There are benefits to listening to music while working, so slip in your earbuds. Some of us are used to upbeat tempos to get ourselves fired up, while some may focus better on instrumental music. Whatever it is, find the tunes that rock your boat and make that your personalised work playlist.

#4: Keep unnecessary interruptions at bay

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Even when we have our environment optimised and our favourite tunes playing, our focus and productivity can be swiftly destroyed by interruptions.

Do you know that according to a study at the University of California Irvine, it is revealed that a person takes about 22 minutes to return to their original task after an interruption?

We can’t eliminate all distractions, but we can take proactive steps to manage the probability of being interrupted. For example, peeps who suffer from nomophobia can set their phones to “silent mode”. Or better still, place those distractive devices in a drawer to practise “out of sight, out of mind”.

You know yourself better than anyone else, so anticipate your needs and meet them before they start creeping into your productivity zone. Yes, go ahead and get that cup of warm water or coffee and use the washroom before settling in.

Little routines like that can help you sink into your work cycle faster.

#5: Practise a pre-work ritual

Rituals can act as a powerful tool to boost performance.

Setting a consistent routine of words, thoughts, or actions before getting to work can help us clear our heads and focus better on the task at hand.

The best thing about rituals is that they do not have to be complicated. For example, watering your desk plant at 8.30am, making coffee at 8.45am, or turning on your laptop at 8.55am can become daily rituals to help you buckle in and get into the work zone.

#6: Give yourself specific deadlines

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Deadlines may not resonate very well among people since only a few enjoy having a fixed period to work on a project.

Regardless, they are still an effective way to curb procrastination and enhance your productivity. Setting a deadline such as “update the project board before the next meeting” may be too generic a goal.

A more concrete deadline would be, “Update the project board on 15 April, by 3pm”. The deadline has a specific date and time, so you can schedule right into Asana or your Google calendar. For more significant assignments, it would be best to break them down into smaller tasks so you can still practise setting deadlines.

#7: Find the right balance

The ideal task would leave you feeling engaged but not bored or overburdened.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychology and management professor at Claremont Graduate University, shares that you will start feeling the proper flow when there is a good balance between your skills and the challenge presented.

Your work should be neither too easy nor too hard, but it must be challenging enough to generate engagement. Realistically, this kind of work may not always be available. Thus, when work becomes too demanding, ask for guidance or attend a course to improve your current skillsets.

#8: Tap onto social facilitation

Image Credits: BBC

As we come to a close, know that sometimes it’s good to have someone you can account to.

Call it an accountability buddy if you would like. This person should ideally be someone you can get along with and assist you to keep your pace at work. It’s very similar to a workout buddy, encouraging you to push on when you feel the temptation to slack off to do something else.

A mutual partnership like this can aid both you and your buddy to stay in the productivity zone when the time calls for it.

5 red flags it’s time to quit your job

While some of us have a career that makes us feel energised every single day, most of us are in a job that we fantasise about quitting. Whether it’s the early mornings, the stress level, or the over-commitment of time, there are often a few common reasons.

If you’re feeling at a loss on what to do, this article will share some red flags you need to ponder over. Maybe it’s about time you quit your job and say “yes” to a better work opportunity somewhere else?

#1: Spending all weekend dreading Monday

Most of us suffer Monday blues, but if you are dreading Monday morning so much that it leeches all of the fun out of your weekend, quitting should take a front position on your mind. A career that drains and has to have you give up a well-deserved weekend isn’t worth keeping.

#2: Having deep hatred for your job

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Do you hate everything about your job – your boss, your employees and, even your work tasks? It’s time to quit. Plain and simple. Yes, we understand that most of us are working to bring food to the table. But consider your mental health if you want to keep your feet on the race track.

#3: Getting passed over for deserved promotions

Have you been putting in extra time and effort to better yourself on the job but keep getting passed over again and again for a promotion? This is a real reason for concern.

Sure, it makes sense if the person who won the position is more qualified. However, if someone underqualified or entirely undeserving gets that promotion, maybe it’s time to pack up and go somewhere else where your skills are better valued.

#4: Feeling unappreciated and stagnant

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Working with a management team who doesn’t appreciate your presence or contributions is dangerous for your overall sense of self-confidence. Simply put, you deserve to work at a place that takes you seriously.

Also, peeps who think they have stayed too long and become stagnant in their learning curve should rethink their position. A job is not all about money. It’s also about growth opportunities. It’s your chance to be a better administrator, consultant, or marketer (for example) than you were when you first started.

#5: Continually running on the work treadmill

From dawn to midnight and from Monday to Friday, work may constantly be plaguing you. Maybe it’s the worry or stress over deadlines, or perhaps it could just be the general fear of it overhanging you.

But if it’s always on your mind, even on rest days, it’s probably time for a change. Folks who find themselves venting about it endlessly to their loved ones should also take this as a warning sign.

After all, work is just work and shouldn’t invade your personal life to such an unhealthy extent.

Final thoughts

Image Credits: Monster Jobs

Deciding to quit your job is often very challenging, indeed. It can be even scarier for those who’ve been with the company for long enough to feel too “okay” to move.

However, if you think about it, having a job that fulfils you and makes you feel treasured has a more prominent part to play in retaining you for the road ahead. Well, sleep on it and make the decision when you’re ready.

An excellent way to get started is to begin browsing for job openings and sending resumes. When a suitable role presents itself, and you’re offered a contract, then you know it’s the right time to send in that long-awaited resignation email.

Employ SEO and SEM to rake in more revenue for your business

If you’re involved in the business field, there’s a likelihood you’ve heard of SEO and SEM. These terminologies are commonly tossed around, but what do they mean exactly? Is there a difference between the two?

Although the distinction can be minimal, if you understand how to execute them effectively and correctly, they can lead the organisation to extremely high traffic and growth.

Let’s look at the difference between SEO and SEM and how they can be game-changers for your company. Ready for results? Let’s plunge into this integral part of marketing for your business.

An overview before we begin

Image Credits: Inc. Magazine

The average person will most definitely click on the top few links in a typical search on Google, right?

That’s why the first page on Google search is where you want your website to appear. These days, human attention is short, and it’s essential to be the first few to grab your target customers’ attention before your rivals do. Here’s where SEO and SEM come to play.

They’re ways to promote the company so that your potential customers can access them on search engines, such as Google or Bing. If your company has a website rival, SEO and SEM are essential for more traffic to be guided to your domain.

Let’s explore their primary purposes to grasp these promotional tools better.

SEO otherwise referred to as search engine optimisation, is a concept that lets you organically appear in search results. While SEM, known as search engine marketing, depends on paid strategies to get you ranked on search engines.

Here’s a more insightful look into both approaches.

The four parts of SEO

Technical SEO – This focuses on improving your website’s technical aspects and constructing it to provide a fantastic user experience. It’s also part of on-page SEO.
On-page SEO – Involves tweaking the web pages themselves so that search engines can understand your title tags, content, internal links, and URLs.
Content SEO – Your content needs to match what the searcher intends to find. This is one of Google’s most important factors for its rankings. Consider these: keyword strategy, site structure, and copywriting.
Off-page SEO – Connect your website to other trustworthy and high-authority webpages through hyperlinks, PR, or different strategies, and the search engines will push you up the ranks over time.

Now, moving on to SEM.

SEM and PPC

SEM includes PPC ads instead of organic growth. PPC is also better known as pay-per-click. In the form of embedded advertisements, Google or other search engines can showcase your website and display them to your prospective customers.

Not all campaigns, however, are expected to yield results. To make your advertising stand out so that you get the best bang for your buck, you will have to see what your rivals are doing and choose your keywords wisely.

SEO vs SEM

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With every click your SEM ad gets, you have to pay.
In the form of clicks, SEM usually has immediate effects, while SEO takes much longer.
SEM advertisements give you more control over how they appear. This doesn’t apply much for SEO.
SEM provides you with data specifics so that you can quickly tweak your advertising for instant results. When it comes to SEO, that’s a bit more challenging.
Over time, SEO visibility expands, so the impact snowballs as you progress. With SEM, exposure comes to a halt as soon as you disable your advertisements.

Is one better than the other?

There is no straightforward answer as it falls on how your organisation is structured and what priorities you have at hand. But here are a few pointers to note:

What is your objective? You want to go for SEM if it’s a short-term one.
How is your current SEO health? SEM can be a great backer if it is already substantial.
Go with SEM if you expect that your company would have a higher consumer lifetime value. SEO could be ideal if it’s the opposite.
Did you have your sales and profits assessed? See if making a profit from SEM is practical for you. Go with SEO if it’s not urgent.

When it comes to driving traffic, either SEO or SEM is useful for your company. But why not use both? Most of the time, having the financial capacity to combine them will allow you to reap the benefits of both.

Here are some of the benefits of implementing both strategies:

Do you recall how we mentioned data was available only for SEM but not for SEO? Well, now you can use SEM as a tester for your SEO strategy.
Through incorporating remarketing strategies within your SEM plan, you will make your SEO efforts go the distance to convert those who didn’t buy before into paying customers in the future.

Final thoughts

Now that you know what SEO and SEM are all about, you can use your new-found insights to refine your competition strategy and make the best of both worlds to conquer the organic and paid regions. All the best in ranking your company site at the top of search engines!