Common Sense In The Workplace: Six Easy Steps To Get It Right!
The dictionary definition of ‘common sense’ is: ‘the basic level of practical knowledge and judgment that we all need to help us live in a reasonable and safe way’. Sounds simple enough, right? However, whilst we use common sense day-to-day, we often overlook the importance of it in our work lives. Sometimes we spend time focussing on the ‘bigger’ things at work that simple, basic things get overlooked and forgotten. By keeping common sense front of mind we can easily avoid those silly mistakes.
Over the years I’ve been left dumbfounded at the lack of common sense displayed in workplaces. It’s not difficult to master the basics. After all, you can train an intelligent person to do a job, as long as they have common sense.
Here are six things to consider to make sure you’re not lacking in that area:
1) Use intelligent email subjects
This is my pet peeve. There is nothing worse than trying to refer back to an important email and the subject is generic or there is ‘no subject’ or it does not even relate to what is actually in the email. Not only does this make life harder it also looks sloppy. Just like you spend time thinking about the content of what you are writing in the body you really need to consider the subject.
2) Make use of diary markers
Your diary is your best friend. If you have a meeting or call put it in the diary! Likewise, if you are arranging an appointment for a client send them a diary marker. It’s not rocket science. It sounds basic but include all the key information; location, dial-in details, directions, a map. Do not forget to copy in the relevant people so they know where you are and when to avoid any diary clashes which can be easily avoided.
3) Finish what you start
Every employer wants someone who follows through and does what they say they will do. If a task isn’t worth finishing, it probably wasn’t worth starting. Keep in mind that just because something might seem like a small, trivial task, it has been given to you for a reason. You have not been given the assignment just for the sake of it. What might seem insignificant to you can have a knock-on effect on a bigger project. If you are asked to do something make sure you finish it and deliver on time.
4) People aren’t mind-readers
Never assume that people know what you mean. It might be fine when talking with friends who probably do know exactly what you mean. But, in the work environment, this does not cut it. Co-workers, clients and suppliers are not mind-readers. If you need something in a certain time frame, if you expect a reply or if you want an answer to a particular question spell it out. When communicating in the workplace, whether verbally or on email, get to the point, be pragmatic and make your intent clear.
5) Check, check and check again
It goes without saying that if you want to succeed in a career you need to aim for excellence. Any work that you produce, you really must check it. It is ok to make mistakes in drafts but it is important that you check your work to pick up on errors and correct them before submitting final versions. Put in place protocols to check things before it is presented to your line manager or client. Use tools and apps available, such as Grammarly and Hemingway. Read your work out loud - the ears pick up errors that the eyes miss. Finally, ask a colleague to sanity check it. If you follow these easy processes it will help mitigate any slip-ups.
6) It’s not better late than never
Unlike the proverb suggests, just turning up is not enough. Every profession has deadlines, PR especially. The ten o’clock news does not happen at five past ten because the newsreader was late leaving their house to get to the studio. Deadlines exist for a reason and the best way to make sure you meet them is preparation and organisation. Just as before the pandemic, if you had a meeting at a certain time you allowed enough time for travel delays. The same goes now for the new normal of virtual meetings. If you know your internet is a bit slow give yourself enough time to dial into the Zoom call.
Have you been guilty of any of these? Remember not to overlook the little things as they are part of the bigger picture when it comes to a prosperous career. Common sense really isn’t rocket science. If you can nail the basics you’ll be on the path to success in no time.
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