BEING IN PR CHANGED ME
I personally think that being in PR over the years has gradually imparted me a great deal of invaluable insights through the experience of working with multiple parties; which I believe is absolutely essential for personal growth, and ultimately helped in shaping me into the person I am today.
One of key things I’ve learned is to view things more objectively – by understanding people’s perspectives and the reasons why things happen the way they do. The proverb “never judge a book by its cover” couldn’t ring any truer. When we understand better, misconceptions are lessened and the bridge between two parties is shortened. The mutual understanding formed will enable us to work more efficiently since the underlying issues have been resolved.
Another thing I’ve learned from my work experience is to accept opinions and criticisms with an open mind and take things in stride. We have to remember that everyone is entitled to their opinions and undoubtedly, we can’t stop people from forming perceptions about us. Whether we like it or not, we are bound to hear things that we might not like. Instead of being overly sensitive about it or letting ourselves to be affected by it, take the criticisms as an opportunity to improve ourselves. Just like how the saying goes, “It’s not what happens to us, it is how we respond to it that matters”. Think about it positively – would a person waste their time telling us what we did wrong had they not cared about us? Once we channel something negative into positivity, you will probably be surprised how much of a change it will bring to us mentally and emotionally.
In the past, one of the issues I frequently encountered was the trouble in asking colleagues for help. Or asking questions pertaining certain things at work when I clearly didn’t know how to go about it. I was afraid of being labeled as someone who wasn’t too intelligent. Oftentimes I had let my ego get better of me, instead of focusing on solving the matter at hand. I cared too much (unnecessarily!) of what others would think of me. I ended up taking longer than expected to complete a particular task because of this very same fear and overthinking attitude.
After going through many setbacks, I’ve come to realize that the only person who’s stopping me from being great at what I do is actually… myself. Shake off the fear, and start doing what is needed to get the job done. Ask, and we shall get. Overthinking brings no benefits. Well… of course, before asking others for help, it’s also important to put some effort into conducting our own research and finding solutions first. It has been my credence that other people’s time is just as valuable as ours – therefore always be respectful of other people’s time too, for they have to lay aside their current tasks just to assist us with ours.
I believe that humility, having respect for others and good work ethics will make us go a long way in any profession.
Sharon
October 2017