PPB March 2020

most importantly, share it with others in a respectful way. Ask your manager to help spread the word that the topic is your specialty or put together a training presentation for the rest of the team. Anytime you’re asked for assistance on that topic, thank them for coming to you and freely share your knowledge. Each time you’re helpful, word will spread and soon you’ll become the point person on that subject in the office. Build Integrity Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In an office setting, integrity is one of the most influential tools at your disposal. Integrity isn’t something that you’re born with, and it isn’t something you can be immediately known for once you step into a new role. It’s something youmust build and maintain over time, and your value as an employee will growwith it. Most importantly, always be honest and transparent. This can be difficult for people-pleasing Millennials, but it is vital. Youmust be up-front about what you can and cannot do, especially on things like meeting deadlines. Don’t be afraid to pass on additional projects or duties if you already feel like you have toomuch on your plate. Integrity is also strengthened when you don’t participate in office gossip, avoid staying out late when you have to work in the morning and decline a toxic coworker’s invitation to lunch. Know and embrace your limits, and push themonly when you have the room to grow and time to focus on the challenge. Lastly, take accountability and ownership of your mistakes. Admit when you’re wrong, apologize sincerely and fix the issue as best you can. Don’t dwell on the error or beat yourself up but learn from the situation and focus on doing better at the next opportunity. Maintain Your Composure Professionals act as they must, not as they feel. Millennials have a strong focus on emotional intelligence and mental health, which puts us at an advantage when it comes to being in touch with our feelings. However, when the pressure is on at the office, it can be difficult to know if we are presenting ourselves at our best. First and foremost, don’t take things personally. It can be tempting to be emotionally invested in an experience, but when things go wrong and someone is upset with you, don’t forget to remind yourself that you’ve done your best. Take your time in reacting. Instead of assuming the worst, ask questions. Get the full picture before you react to something negative to avoid saying something you may regret later. When you do respond, choose your words carefully and keep it short and sweet. If you do find yourself getting emotional at work, excuse yourself as quickly as possible. Take a walk if you can, even if it’s just to the restroom or break room for a moment to compose yourself. Take deep breaths—in through your nose and out through your mouth—and focus on letting go of the strongest part of your emotion. Think of someone you look up to and try to imagine how that person would respond to the situation that you’re in or imagine how you’ll view this incident in the future. This is a great way to remind yourself to behave in a way that will make you look back with pride instead of regret. Listen In For more on making your presence known in the office, check out the SPARK 2017 session “Making Your Mark” with Mary Ellen Harden, president of Wall Street Greetings. This 60-minute session is available via archived recording 24/7 on PPAI’s Online Education portal: https://onlineeducation. ppai.org/products/spark- 2017-making-your-mark Join Us In San Antonio If you’re a young professional in the promotional industry, we’d love to see you at SPARK Conference 2020 in San Antonio, Texas, July 15-17. This event will help you learn and connect with topics specific to the beginning stages of a career—and expand your network of colleagues who can help you. Seats are still available at press time. Register today at www. ppai.org/events/spark. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone or beyond the scope of your current role. | MARCH 2020 | 97 THINK