keeping women connected - HERLIFE Magazine

ideas at this time—just refer to your notes later to start the creative
processes flowing.
Create separate email addresses for your work and private lives,
along with appropriate email auto-responses. For instance, if you know
that during your workday you won’t check your private email, set up an
auto-responder to your family and friends that lets them know you’re
unavailable during working hours. Likewise, on the professional side,
set up a response that lets your clients or coworkers know the hours
they can reach you. Then be sure you are diligent about being available
so you don’t discredit yourself.
Be smart about how you conduct
yourself on blogs, social networking
sites and in posted photos.
Using technology to establish boundaries makes things easier
but some areas can get a bit stickier. What happens when you have
personal issues that carry over into the workplace such as a divorce,
death in the family or financial problems? It’s important to do your
best to only bring your professional persona into the office. Otherwise,
you might cause your boss or peers to lose confidence in your ability to
do your job. Create a plan of action that allows you to tackle whatever
you’re dealing with so that you’re not adding job loss to your already
stressful situation.
Avoid hanging out with gossipy colleagues. If they will dish their
own dirt, they will surely dish yours as well. Many accomplished
women have regretted being open in the workplace about their private
lives and putting their “business in the street.” While it’s human nature
to want to reach out and connect with others, you need to carefully
assess who you can trust with your personal issues. But if you find that
there’s no one in the workplace you can turn to, seek outside professional
help. If available, your company’s Employee Assistance Program
is a great confidential resource to use.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “dress for success”—this adage
still rings true. Sweat pants and flip flops are perfect for a night of movies
and popcorn on your couch. But don’t even think about showing
up to work in them if you want to be taken seriously. And keep your
conversations and language professional at all times in the workplace,
even if you cuss like a sailor at home.
Finally, remember that sometimes things you do in your private
life have a way of finding themselves being discussed around the office
water cooler. Be smart about how you conduct yourself on blogs, social
networking sites and in posted photos. And don’t ever bash your boss,
place of employment, or your peers and coworkers. ■
Sources for this article were found at: profitably.com,
bradleygauthier.com and www.wikihow.com.
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