Insights from New View - Young Professional Blunders in the Workplace

Everyone makes blunders during their professional careers.  As a young professional, you will be more susceptible to making mistakes due to your lack of experience in the workplace.  Nobody intends to mess up, but it is inevitable to happen so it can be helpful to learn from more “seasoned” young professionals so that you can avoid the same pitfalls.  Below are some actionable insights from the New View board members early career mishaps that are an opportunity for learning and growth in your career.

Don’t talk about it, be about it – Chris Wood, New View Board Member

My two biggest mistakes that I made early in my career was trying to do every task on my own and was confident to the point of being perceived as a know-it-all.  The reason that I tried to do every task on my own was because it seemed more efficient to complete tasks by myself.  I wanted everything to be done the “right way” which can be translated to “my way.”  It didn’t take long (about 6 months) to realize that less work can be accomplished going solo.  Also, it was alienating me from the team and wasn’t an effective way to develop my leadership skills.  The other mistake, an over abundance of confidence, was coming across to my co-workers as me trying to be a know-it-all.  I was quick to talk and very slow to listen during my first year of employment.  My manager was able to identify these mistakes and consistently coached and mentored me.  In addition, he taught me to be less competitive and showed me the value of working on tasks as a team.  He reinforced his coaching by using quotes and sayings as reminders.   “Don’t talk about, be about it” was his favorite phrase and it was a simplified aggregation of all of his training.  The saying stuck with me and is now my mantra that I use in my career as well as my personal life. 

Get agreements in writing and document important conversations.  – Brad Phillips, New View Past Chair

When I was running my old business, I made an agreement with a very large (Fortune global 500) company to produce a film.  We had a written agreement for the production and a verbal agreement that they would purchase 10,000 units after production.  We produced the film, with our budget relying on that large purchase at the end.  The film was finished in September, 2008.  Because of the economic downturn, the company had a freeze on purchases and backed out of the deal, costing me 6-figures.  If I had it in writing they wouldn't have been able to back out.  Getting large deals like that in writing is imperative, for smaller deals or even discussions; get it in writing, even if it means just using e-mail.  Whenever we have a discussion with an underwriter we do it through e-mail, and then we NEVER delete our e-mails.  That way if they gave us bad advice, we have proof of it.  We also take religious notes about our discussions with clients.  We document what they want changed on their policy and request large changes to be in writing.

Be prepared for the Interview – Melissa Heikes, New View Board Member

I went to school at University of Northern Iowa for Elementary Education. I knew that with every fiber of my being that I was meant to be a teacher and that there was no way I could not get the first job I interviewed for. All it took was passion and a desire to help kids to learn and be successful, right? WRONG. 

I was working as a Teacher's Associate at a local elementary school and it was my first year out of college. I was building relationships and getting to know the people within the school. I received the call that I was going to be interviewing for a teaching position. Again, how could anyone turn away someone with SO much passion and a love for teaching. Well, it is easy to turn down someone that literally has no clue as to how to impress interviewers during an interview. I am the prime example. 

There I was, in front of the principal and three of my peers. They were interviewing me around the table and asking me questions that were simple questions (if you prepared for the interview). Questions about curriculum and how I would manage a classroom. Questions that would seem obvious to prepare for... I dropped the ball. Not only had I just failed my first interview, I failed in front of my peers. How embarrassing?!

There is some good that came from this: I learned my lesson. When called for a second interview I prepared. Not only did I prepare, I was the second runner up for the position, beat out by a former teacher from within the district.

This is what I learned and how I prepared:

1. Practice interviewing with someone you know. 

Type up interview questions and answers so that you can become familiar with typical interview questions and how to answer them. There is a lot of information regarding typical interview questions online. 

2. Do your research!

• When preparing, get to know the company. Call people you know that may have information. I called a former professor and she gave me some great advice about district curriculum and where to find resources that could help me for my second official interview.
• Research on the internet. You can find out so much information with just the company's website. Understand their values, successes, history, etc. All of this shows the employer you are interested in their job/organization.

3. Dress for Success

Dress for the job you want. This means that even if you are interviewing for a mail clerk position to get your foot in the door and you eventually want to work your way up to upper management - dress that way! First impressions are key! It takes an employer 7 seconds to determine if they want to move forward with an interview. They could be checked out before you even start!

4. Maintain Eye Contact

Eye contact shows confidence. Don't stare them down but be sure to maintain eye contact in a professional manner. 

5. Speak Clearly and Positively

Never say anything negative about a former employer, co-worker or supervisor. This is a bad reflection on you - no matter the situation.

6. Always have Questions Prepared

If you do not have questions, the interviewer will get the impression you are not interested. I always suggest to have 5 or more questions prepared in the off chance they answer some of your questions during the interview.

7. Find out the Next Step

When does the company plan on making a decision? This helps to give a timeline of events. If you don't hear back by the time designated, feel free to follow up with the person who interviewed you. (Good idea to ask for a business card as well!)

8. Send a Thank You

So many people miss out on this opportunity. It is important to send a thank you as it reiterates your interest in the company. It is also a good idea to reemphasize your qualifications within your Thank You. Handwritten is always nice but an email will suffice!

Follow these steps and I am sure that you will be more successful in your next interview. Just don't make a fool out of yourself like I did. Just because you are a likable person doesn't guarantee you the job. Whereas, if you are a likable person that has prepared for the interview your chances increase tremendously!

That’s not my job… - Lindsey Mathews, New View Chair

I went to college and earned a degree. I felt as though that meant there were certain tasks in the workplace I would not have to do...unload a dishwasher, make coffee, clean up conference rooms.  In the beginning of my career, there were many times I wanted to say "that's not my job," but I never have. Unless it's something I'm really unqualified to do or cannot do for a good reason, I refuse to use that phrase.  Picking up slack or lending a helping hand in the office is what makes a team player and that's an invaluable quality in an employee for any organization.

These are just some of the experiences from our New View Board.  I'm sure you've had some of your own.  Feel free to leave any thoughts or tips in the comments section of this blog.  Who knows, we may reach out to you for a guest blog on blunders to avoid in the workplace!

The Importance of Why

Melissa Heikes - Career Development
Manager
Kaplan University

Have you ever wanted to have some of that naiveté that comes with being young again? My son is two. This ages me a little but that is fine. He has recently started asking questions. I am sure he has learned this new talent through his new friends at daycare. He always asks "Where mommy going?" ...or daddy, or Herky the cat, or baby... all of this depends on the last person he sees. You can just walk out of his line of sight and the question flies.

The next question is "Why?" I can tell you that it sounds so cute and sweet until you hear that question after everything that is said. But there is some truth to the importance of the question of "Why?"

Examples:

Mommy -                                                                                             Calvin -

"We need to change your diaper."                                                       "Why?"

"It's time to go night-night."                                                                 "Why?"

"Don't hit your sister."                                                                         "Why?"

"Turn down the iPad, please."                                                              "Why?"...and so on.

There is a true importance to the word why.  That three letter little word tells us so much information. If the information is not received, the question can be asked numerous times until the information needed is received. So, how can we use why to our advantage?

Recently, my boss has had our team asking "Why?" to gain more information from the students we are working with to help each individual determine why they are making the decisions they make. If the student wants to work in corrections, we need to determine why they want to. We need to dig deeper.

You are probably wondering why this applies to you.... Being a young professional working in this market, there are so many things you can learn from others. With a group like New View and other networking opportunities, there is a great opportunity for you to get valuable information from your peers.

You may ask, "Why network?" There are numerous reasons to network: meet new people, learn about job opportunities, make friends, socialize, and hear about successes of others, and so on. When meeting new people through these networking opportunities you can find out more information. For example, if you are curious about certain companies, you can search out a New View member and ask them "why do you like your job?" If you want to know about the job they do because you are curious, again, why works.

This small little word can tell us so much. Try it sometime and you'd be surprised. Why...? You'll soon find out!

The Bow Tie Guy

Danny Beyer
Business Development Manager
Experis IT

It happened.  I was out networking a month or so ago and someone came up to me and said, "Hey, you're the bow tie guy right?  So why aren't you wearing one?"  It's official, I'm now the bow tie guy for the West Des Moines Chamber.  I wrote a blog last fall called The Case for Bow Ties.  I think now is a good time to revisit that post and maybe convince a few more guys to make the switch they've been thinking about for months.  Enjoy!

You may have noticed some changes to my profile picture the past week.  I’ve finally made the leap and done something I’ve wanted to do for years – learned how to tie a bow tie.  So why now?  Why finally figure out how to manipulate that silly piece of fabric and wear what some might call “nerdy” and others call “cool” or “hip?”  It’s simple really.  Because I want to.  Not to be with the in crowd or try and impress all the hipsters out there.  It really comes down to the fact that I like bow ties.  The variety of patterns, the different knots, and most importantly, the way they look.  I understand not everyone will agree with these thoughts and so here are a couple of other reasons for those of you who may be considering a bow tie but don’t want to put up with the strange grins or the hassle of learning to tie one.

1.  Bow ties are actually in fashion.  Richard Cristodero of Brooks Brothers explains that bow tie sales are up every week compared to last year while everything else in the store is either holding course or even declining in sales.  They’re also in more and more ads recently.  And not just “old guy” ads either.  Turn on any celebrity award show or concert and I’d bet you a dollar you’ll see some young actor or musician sporting a bow tie.

2.  It’s not as hard to tie one as you might thing.  Can you tie your shoe?  Then you can tie a bow tie.  That’s the easiest thing to compare it to.  Google “how to tie a bow tie” and literally thousands of YouTube videos come up to help you figure it out.  Still having issues?  Just go a clothing store that sells them and ask for help.  Odds are someone will be able to help you tie it and will be more than happy to give you lessons!

3.  Girls dig bow ties.  Let me repeat – Girls Dig Bow Ties.  It’s true.  Sure there are some who will giggle or won’t get it.  But if you’re considering wearing a bow tie you probably don’t want to be around those girls anyway.  I’ve been to numerous events wearing a bow tie now and it’s amazing how many compliments and smiles I get when wearing one.  Still don’t believe me?  Try wearing one the next time you go out.  I dare you…  You’ll see!

4.  They’re a great conversation starter.  Not only do girls dig them, but most guys are generally interested in them as well.  Let’s face it, even though we (guys) like to give off the macho vibe and act like we’re not interested in fashion or what’s “hot” most of us secretly know.  Or at least we see enough television ads and other pop culture references that we typically subconsciously have an idea of what’s going on.  At the events I’ve worn my bow ties to more guys have come up to ask me about it than girls.  Things like, “cool, did you tie it yourself?”  ”Where did you learn to tie one?”  ”Is it hard?”  ”Looks good, wish I could pull it off.”  These are real quotes from the last wedding I went to and they’re from complete strangers!

5.  There’s just something about a bow tie.  Whether you’re trying for that trendsetter look or the intellectual look or even the polished gentleman look nothing can do it better right now than a bow tie.  They go great with Tuxes and jeans, full suits and tweed jackets.  They look great whether you’re smoking a cigar and drinking scotch or just having a Bud Light on the deck.

Just remember if you make the leap start simple, a classic solid or polka dot is always in fashion.  Learn to tie it!  There’s nothing worse than jumping into the bow tie scene wearing a clip on.  Wear it with pride and confidence.  There’s always going to be the haters, so let them hate.  They’re more than likely jealous of your confidence and the fact that you can pull it off!  I hope I’ve inspired you to give bow ties a try.  Now go get a bow tie and spread the love!

Some Words from our Vice Chair



Kristen George - Audit Supervisor,
McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith



It’s hard to believe it is already 2013!  I am looking forward to a great year for New View as the Vice-Chair of the New View Board for 2013.  We have so many great activities planned with many different speakers, panel discussions, casual and structured networking, and a chance to learn more about our sponsors.

As I write this it is my second day back to work at McGowen, Hurst, Clark and Smith after a 10 week maternity leave.  I am a supervisor in the audit department and it is going to be a busy few weeks getting ready for all of our year end audits.  While coming back to work is an adjustment I am grateful that I work for an employer that allows me the flexibility to take such a long maternity leave and also to allow me to continue to do the things that help me not only to grow as a professional, but also as a person.

One of those important things in my life that has developed over the last few years is New View.  It has been a lot of fun getting to know the other board members, both new and old, and to work with them in planning events and finding new ways to promote our name in the community.  It has also been a great way to meet new people as they come and go from our monthly events and spend time volunteering their time and expertise on our committees. 

New View is a fantastic way to network with other young professionals especially if you are new to networking.  It provides a structured environment to meet new people with a very casual and laid back attitude.  We have many returning faces each month but also new ones with many different professional backgrounds and career paths.  New View is also flexible in the timing of its events to hopefully allow everyone a chance to join us.  Alternating lunch and after hours events make it easy to get to several events throughout the year – especially for a new mom who will not always be able to make it to after work events I will always know I can make the lunches. 

Whether you are new to our group or attending for the first time please feel free to come discuss any suggestions or ideas to improve our events this coming year with me or with any of the board members.  Also, we are always looking for fresh ideas and new people to join our committees.  If you are at all interested please let me know and I will get you more information.  I am looking forward to an exciting year for New View in 2013.  I hope you are too!

Get Viewed with New View in 2013!

Lindsey Mathews
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive Hattery

Pigs aren’t flying and the underworld hasn’t frozen over...yet here I am:  the 2013 chair of New View. 

I have high hopes for New View this year.  We’ll continue growing and building our group to make sure we provide worthwhile events for you to attend.  And we’ll work together to get New View more involved in our community too.

We have some new faces on our board (although not new to New View).

·         At Large Board Member:  Melissa Heikes – Kaplan University www.kaplanuniversity.edu

·         Secretary & Outreach Committee Chair (Over-achiever):  Danny Beyer - Experis It  www.experis.com

·         Communications Committee Chair:  Raylee Melton – Moth Media www.moth-media.net  

I’m sincerely excited about working with the 2013 board.  We’ll get lots done and have fun doing it!

First, you’ll notice more activity on this blog.  Danny Byer is working hard to schedule guest bloggers who will be blogging on all sorts of subjects.  So stay tuned for that.  It could be food one week and then an interview the next.  You’ll just have to check in at the blog to find out!

Second, we’re mixing up our after-hours format in 2013.  Glen Oaks Golf & Country Club has been kind enough to offer to host all of our after-hours events for the year.  We’ll also be trying out some themed after-hours events.  Be ready to experience a new location and participate in some unique networking!

Lastly, we plan to provide opportunities for you to give back to our community by volunteering as part of New View throughout the year.  Whether it’s donating items when you come to one of our luncheons or signing up to work an event with us on a weekend, you’ll get to feel like you’re a part of something big; and you will be.

Thanks for reading and I’m looking forward to seeing you at New View events in 2013!