Key Ideas
Here are some important terms that will help you understand what you need to know to deal with difficult work situations. You can look over these terms before you go to the "Activity" step. You can also return to this list while you do the activity.
- Job Savvy
- Human Resources
- Coworker
- Liability
- Discretion
Job SavvyJob savvy is the practical knowledge you need to handle difficult situations at work.
When you start a new job, it is often hard to know how to handle problems at work. You may try to ignore them and hope that they will go away. But usually they will just get worse. Job savvy will help you figure out the right way to handle these problems.
Job savvy means understanding your role in the company, your rights, and your responsibilities. To do this, you need to study your company's rules and policies. You need to understand how to act toward your boss and other workers.
You also need to have a basic knowledge of your legal rights and duties. There are many laws made by the state and federal governments to protect both you and your company.
When you have a problem at work, think about it from different points of view. Then get all the information you need to help you make the best decision.
Human ResourcesHuman Resources (HR) is a department in the company that handles employees and their needs.
Most companies have a HR department. Sometimes it is called Personnel. The HR department is usually responsible for hiring and firing people. But it also introduces employees to the company's rules and policies.
HR gives out information about pensions, vacation, sick leave, and other important benefits. If you want to know how often your company gives raises, you can ask the people at HR. If you want to know if the company will pay for a class you want to take, HR will give you answers.
CoworkerA coworker is a person who works with you in your company or organization.
A coworker is not your boss or someone who works under you. It is someone who works together with you to complete tasks and projects. You solve problems with coworkers. You come up with ideas together. Therefore, it is important to have good relationships with your coworkers.
Here are some ways you can get along better with your coworkers:
- remember that there are always two sides to every argument
- be honest and kind when you have a problem
- come up with many different ways to solve your problem, then discuss them.
Getting along with your coworkers will make working much more enjoyable.
LiabilityLiability is legal responsibility.
If someone has a liability for something, they are held responsible for it by the law.
If you break a law outside work, you are liable or responsible. If you park in the wrong place, you will get a ticket. If you jaywalk, you will be stopped by the police.
However, if you break certain laws at work, your company is liable. For example, if you refuse to hire someone because of their race, your company can be taken to court. This is why companies must make sure that all of their workers follow the law.
DiscretionDiscretion is the quality of being cautious and careful.
When you are dealing with problems at work, it is important to be discreet or to have discretion. This means being careful about who you talk to and what you say.
Most people have a problem with a boss or a coworker at some point. It is better to talk to friends and family outside of work than to talk with a coworker. A coworker may gossip and make the problem even bigger.
When you have a problem with someone you work with, think about what you want to say beforehand. Choose the best words to use. Don't blame anybody. Try to come up with as many solutions as you can.
Being discreet will help you get along well with other workers.