As a professional, one faces many challenges. But one of the most uncomfortable and tricky situations you can find yourself in is when you believe you are doing your job well, but your employer holds a different opinion revealing workplace assumptions on both sides. Perhaps you have noticed signs that your employer is unhappy with your performance, but you haven’t received any explicit feedback.
Then, one fine morning you are handed the pink slip, leaving you completely devastated.
Assumptions in the workplace can be incredibly dangerous. Not only do they lead to miscommunications and misunderstandings, but they can also lead to discrimination and a hostile work environment. Stereotyping colleagues based on characteristics such as race, gender, or sexual orientation can severely limit opportunities for career advancement and can create tension and discomfort in the workplace. It’s important to recognize that challenging assumptions do not foster inclusivity which is essential for creating a healthy and productive work environment. By encouraging open dialogue and a culture of respect, workplaces can become more diverse and welcoming, ultimately leading to increased success for all.
In this blog, we will discuss how to take control of assumptions that float around workplaces, and what steps you can take to avoid being fired.
The Importance of Intent vs. Behavior
As human beings, we tend to measure ourselves through our intentions. We believe that we have good intentions, and therefore our actions should reflect that. However, others measure us through our behaviors.
Even if we have the best intentions, if our actions don’t align with those intentions, others may not see us in the same light. This is especially true in the workplace, where most employers expect their employees to deliver results consistently. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the importance of both intentions and behaviors.
Signs that You May Be in Danger of Being Fired
Before we get into how to take control of assumptions that float around the workplace, let’s first look at some signs that you may be in danger of being fired. These signs are not definitive, but they are things to look out for:
A Lack of Feedback
One of the most significant signs that you may be in danger of being fired is a lack of feedback. If your employer is not providing you with regular feedback on your performance, it could be a sign that they are not happy with your work.
A Negative Change in Attitude
Another sign that you may be in danger of being fired is a negative change in attitude from your employer. If they were once positive and supportive but have become critical and dismissive, it could be a sign that they are unhappy with your work.
Changes in Your Role
If your role has changed significantly, it could be a sign that your employer is trying to move you out of the company. This could involve a reduction in responsibilities or a shift in your job description.
Your Co-Workers are Being Let Go
If your co-workers are being let go, it could be a sign that your employer is looking to downsize or make changes to the company. It could also be a sign that they are unhappy with the performance of the team as a whole.
Taking Control of Assumptions
Now that we have looked at some signs that you may be in danger of being fired, let’s discuss how to take control of assumptions that float around the workplace. While you cannot control how people thing, here are a few steps you can take.
Ask for Feedback
One of the most important things you can do to avoid being fired without realizing it is to ask for feedback. If your employer is not providing you with regular feedback, it is up to you to ask for it. Schedule regular check-ins with your employer to discuss your performance and get feedback on areas where you can improve.
Take Responsibility
If you receive feedback that your employer is not happy with your performance, take responsibility for your actions. Don’t make excuses or shift the blame onto others. Instead, acknowledge the feedback and work to make improvements.
Set Goals
Another way to take control of assumptions that float around the workplace is to set goals. By setting specific, measurable goals, you can demonstrate to your employer that you are committed to improving your performance. Make sure your goals align with your employer’s expectations and that you have a plan in place to achieve them.
Be Proactive
Being proactive is another way to take control of assumptions that float around the workplace. Don’t wait for your employer to give you feedback or tell you what to do. Instead, take the initiative and look for ways to improve your performance. This could involve seeking out additional training or taking on new projects that demonstrate your commitment to the company.
Build Relationships
Building relationships with your co-workers and employer is another way to take control of assumptions that float around the workplace. By building positive relationships, you can demonstrate your value to the company and create allies who can advocate for you if the need arises.
Stay Informed
Staying informed about changes in the company or industry is another way to take control of assumptions. By keeping up-to-date with the latest news and trends, you can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise and position yourself as an asset to the company.
In today’s competitive job market, it’s essential to take control of assumptions in a professional space. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can position yourself for success and demonstrate your value to the company.
According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 74% of employers have let an employee go for not being a good fit for the company, and 73% have let an employee go for performance-related issues. This highlights the importance of staying proactive and seeking feedback to ensure you are meeting your employer’s expectations.
Furthermore, a study by Harvard Business Review found that employees who received regular feedback from their managers were 3.5 times more likely to be engaged at work. This emphasizes the importance of asking for feedback and using it to improve your performance and engagement with your job. If you still feel like you are unable to figure out what is going on in your manager’s mind and it is causing you enough unrest, feel free to sign up for our executive coaching sessions.
