Angel's Closet : A new chapter for Angel

And that’s the dangerous thing about comfort zones. Once you get trapped in there it’s so difficult to get out because you make a list of everything you are then forced to give up. Like your routine, your familiarity with the company and the people you have become accustomed to. It’s not easy. But I knew it was time to leave and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have shared a building with the President of our country and other great Ministers including late Minister Colllins Chabane. Those opportunities come once in a life time and I was honoured to be a few of the chosen who had been “groomed” by some of the greatest minds around.

And you stare blankly at them, especially in a working environment. I once refused to let in the Director-General and the Presidents advisor into my boss’s office, because I didn’t know who they were. Awkward for days….needless to say the Presidents advisor is still not talking to me…..lol But the point is-make it a habit to know your colleagues by name (esp if they are very senior) and great them by their name. Let’s face it-everyone loves to special and what better way than by acknowledging someone by their name?

There is nothing more annoying than someone who does something which they applied to do and makes it seem as if they are doing you a favour. For example, the lady who give you petty cash makes it seem as if she is doing you a favour when it’s her job. Be someone who can be relied on to do her job no matter how insignificant you may feel it is, do it to the best of your ability. What I learnt is that we all have a part to play at work. Some of us have bigger roles than others but it doesn’t mean that it’s not important, it’s just your part. If you want a bigger part, work harder. But in the meantime do your job.

This all starts with doing your job and being good at it. So good that people will sit up and notice your contribution. Once you have achieved that, ask for other responsibilities which are over and above your work load. Now remember no one is going to give you more work if you can’t cope with your current work load, so master that first. Then start doing little things around the company in other units. Not only can you add this experience to your resume, but you are also building your own reputation in the company and setting yourself up for promotion. People talk about good people, remember that.

Okay I know it sounds like doom and gloom but the truth of the matter is work is work, it’s not personal. Don’t ever mistake the friendliness of a colleague as friendship. At work everyone is trying to get ahead and sometimes at your expense. So make sure you are friendly but also make sure you cover your back at all times. Written instructions are always best if it’s not coming from your direct supervisor and most importantly never gossip about your boss or anyone else at your company -that’s what friends and spouses are for. Like I said before people talk.

There is nothing more daunting than going to a job you don’t like and complaining every day. First of all it’s painful to listen to someone complain about their job day in and day out-you killing the vibe. If you are unhappy –leave. But while you are still there, make the best of it, learn to work with what you are given, be tactful in those relationships which you unhappy with, be it with a boss or colleague. Remember work is not personal unless you make it that way. Everyone has their off days, we all human, so if things are not going your way, just remember that every day is not going to be a good day. You are dealing with a lot of personalities and someone is bound to piss you off at some stage so remain calm, fake a smile and move on.

I hope my Top 5 tips were useful and you gained some insight into my experiences. I miss The Presidency so much already but I know it was the best decision to leave. I learnt so much there and I take that with me every day to my new job. I hope the Ombudsman also have a lot of lessons in store for me too.