Scratch Pad

From The Big Sister’s Guide to the World of Work: The Inside Rules Every Working Girl Must Know, a guide to keeping track of of the favors that you do for others around the office and if they are really paying off. Be more conscious of all the favors you do in the workplace, not only to become more aware of all you do in a single day and pat yourself on the back for being such a swell person, but also because consciousness will lead to a personal strategy and great efficiency.

"1. Turn a notebook into a Scratch Pad. For one week, write down every single time you do someone a little favor and how long it took. That means every time you make the coffee run, help someone get a dinner reservation, answer a question that has nothing to do with your own job, or have a conversation that is totally irrelevant as your workday tick-tocks away, you jot it on your Scratch Pad.

2. After a week, circle all the favors that you think could somehow elevate you in the esteem of your boss. Chances are that those circles are pretty few and far between.

3. Put a check mark next to all the items that were done for people who are in a position to potentially help you in return. That is to say, people who could either advance your career someday or make your current job significantly easier. How did you do on that score?"

The Big Sister’s Guide to the World of Work: The Inside Rules Every Working Girl Must Know

Die Dulci Fruere