Stop Saying Stupid Stuff 9: Impress for Future Transfers

This continues our series to help you stop saying stupid stuff that can stall your career

Suzanne wanted to transfer to a new division in her department. The mission of the new division promised future global growth and improvement for humanity. Her office, as training manger for another division, sat next to the offices given to the new division. The proximity allowed her to talk to the director frequently. She politely enquired about the progress of the new division, his goals for it, and his challenges getting it going. She listened and learned. Then, she found ways to help. She offered to work on training materials as needed. Soon, she received an invitation to fill the training manager’s position in the new division.

Stupid Stuff that May Cost You the Transfer

You want to impress potential supervisors when you talk to them. Unfortunately, you may consider saying certain things that you meant to impress them, but which in reality are stupid stuff.

You may think you will impress them, while in reality certain comments will raise red flags about whether or not you can do the job they want done, fit into their team, or provide a great ROI.

For example, the following conversations will hurt your chances:

• Sharing how bored you are with your current position
• Criticizing your current supervisor or co-workers
• Lecturing the potential manager on how you can improve their work
• Focusing conversations on what you want and desire
• Telling too many personal details about your family and friends

Smart Stuff That Impresses Future Supervisors

Some statements (smart stuff) will increase their admiration for you. For example:

• Ask questions about the potential manager’s goals, plans, and challenges
• Learn about the members of the team: their strengths, backgrounds, frustrations, and contributions
• Seek to serve them and help them achieve their goals or  resolve their challenges
• Share how you helped past employers achieve similar results or solutions (use home run statements)
• Offer to your assistance in your spare time or with your supervisor’s approval

Monday we share the stupid stuff said to co-workers that could cost you your job