You want that promotion? You need to wow your employer.
You want to land that client? You need to impress them.
That’s why I asked Frances Cole Jones for an interview. I read her book “The Wow Factor,” and I knew that a podcast would be a good resource for people who want to get an edge up on their career.
I’m going to be honest. You can skip over some of the chapters. There is one on proper hygiene that most people don’t need to read, but this is easy to do since the chapters are so short. You can pick and choose what you need.
My favorite part of the book is the last third. She has so many good ideas that will help you improve your life. You won’t be disappointed.
Self Acceptance
You’ll love the section on self acceptance. Frances really breaks it down. We try to keep improving so much that we sometimes forget to enjoy where we are.
You have probably improved a lot in these past five years, but you don’t always take time to acknowledge it. This self acceptance can bring happiness into your working life, more than any promotion ever could.
6 Layers of Why
The book also talks about getting to the heart of a problem. The only way to do this is to ask “why” 6 times. No more, no less. It helps an individual understand what they are really trying to accomplish.
If you don’t know why you are doing what you are doing, then I guarantee your career will flounder. You must find the why behind your effort so you can steer your energy to accomplish your goals.
Plan for Courage
I’ve talked about the value of confidence at work. Without confidence, you will be too afraid to tackle the type of work that will wow your boss or clients.
The best way to plan for courage is to create lists. You probably create a list for projects all the time, but do you ever think about creating a “to do” list for things that make you happy? If you are working on a stressful project, make sure you add fifteen minutes to take a break and play a game on your phone or take a walk around the building. When you add fun stuff to your list, you will keep your stress level tolerable and your confidence high. You’ll find the courage to tackle tough projects.
Who This Book is For
There are a lot of great ideas in Frances’ book, and the people who can use this book the most are 18 – 29 year olds. I know that a book like this would have helped me survive in the corporate world.
So pick up this book right now and learn a few new ideas on how to wow the people that can help your career - The Wow Factor: The 33 Things You Must (and Must Not) Do to Guarantee Your Edge in Today's Business World
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s podcast. It’s 22 minutes long. Just cut out that one sitcom that you watch that you know you really don’t like. There is your time.
In order to wow people, you have to appreciate the details because that’s how you separate yourself from the average Jane next to you.
If you want a Free copy of the book then tweet (I'm reading: Need an Edge Up on Your Career? http://bit.ly/4owGtf via @WorkHappyNow) or leave a comment right here and you'll be eligible to win. I'm paying for the shipping.
Are you on Twitter? Then check me out at @workhappynow. I give stress relief tips, happiness ideas, and cool quotes that save the day.
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I'm a game changer. That's right. Go check out my audio interview at NathanHangen.com.
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At work, we use a practice of asking why 3 times ... 6 times sounds hard-core.
I think the most common trip up is when people confuse their means for their ends.
Karl - I'm also a big why questioner but only when seeking our true motivation or driver. Another good way of asking it is. What will this decision give me? Then, why do I want that? In some cases I've had to ask the why question only twice to get to the essence and in others more than six. I'd like to here her reasoning on why 6 is a magic stopping place.
Karl,
The whole concept behind "wow" is one I think is so important. We all have something that is unique and wow! It's in finding what that wow factor is, and then living it in our lives. When we do, we are living in harmony with our true selves, and that shines through in what we do! And that is a sweet and wonderful place to be!
I am leaving a comment here - but did tweet and have followed you as well!
Thanks for the book review. I look forward to reading this.
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Wow, that sounds like a great book, and I would love to read it! And according to my niece, I still fit into that age frame, so we're good! (wink)
Thanks for this awesome recommendation, Karl!
Hi J.D., 3 times is probably a good number too. I think it just depends on the situation.
Hi Lance, Living in harmony is very important to being able to wow people. When we believe in ourselves other people have an easier time believing in us too.
Hi J, Hope you enjoy it.
Hi Tom, Great question. When we ask how will this "thing" meet our needs it gets us even more clarification.
Hi Mysti, Thank you.
Hi Megan, Glad to help.
That is great book. I would recommend that book to those employees who are not being promoted. By reading this book, you can conceptualize what really your wow factor that is unique among your co-workers. But always bear in mind that, always do the best that you can for you to be promoted.
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