Have you ever questioned whether it’s best to do things the quick and efficient way, or to take the slower and more honest route? No matter what industry you work in, or whether your job is as a Human Resources Manager, or a Recruitment Consultant, it’s easy to wonder what’s the best way to achieve success. I know I have done this many times. Whether you’re thinking about work, personal daily life issues, or mastering an art or skill, the answer lies within your personal preference, depth and integrity.
We have no doubt all seen other people advance in life by taking a few shortcuts. Everyone has a different working style, and what works for some may not work for you. The question is: do employers in Asia or even clients care how you do something, as long as you achieve the required results? There is no real right or wrong answer, and it’s important to consider which way pertains to you. As a recruitment consultant in Hong Kong specialising in HR and administration, I often come across candidates looking for jobs in Human Resources or administration who have tried to do things one way or another, but ultimately didn’t achieve their goals and came to me in search of new job opportunities. Let’s look at this from the point of view of employers and clients in Asia.
Employers value hard work and results
Every employer values an honest day’s pay with hard work and determination. How our managers want us to attain our goals is another story, especially when it comes to sales-oriented roles. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the company vision and branding. If your values are not aligned, it will be difficult to work for the same company over extended periods of time.
Some employers will see doing things the quick way as being smart and aggressive; achieving goals by any means necessary. Other employers do value completing every step not only as a promise to clients but also as an assurance to the company brand.
As an example, we can compare a traditional Japanese sushi chef to a more economical Japanese restaurant. Whereas the former establishment may require their chefs to take three hours to prepare the rice (including washing, cooking, seasoning, and so on) to get it just right, the latter requires chefs to complete the task within one hour.
The former values the slow process to get the correct texture in the old traditional ways of the craft, while the latter benefits from faster production, higher turnover, and maximising time efficiency. Both are correct in their own right, and the finished product also speaks for the company.
Competition and Client Expectation
Facing pressures of the general industry can also change your working style. If all competitors are working in a certain direction, do you want be someone ahead of the curb or match the competition? On the other hand, what does the market demand? What does your general client base require from you? Are there companies that still appreciate doing things the proper way, or are they also looking for time and cost efficiency over all?
Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- What industry is suitable to my working style?
- Do clients of this industry value the same work ethics as I do?
- Will my company support me, and are our objectives aligned?
After working for multiple industries, I am very happy to say that here at Links I have found a work place that suits my values and working style. Sometimes there are the little things that get you through the tough times, so it’s important to encourage employees to keep on doing what they do best!
What’s your strategy to success? Have you found a work environment that suits your working style, or are you interested in looking for a new opportunity in Asia? Links International has been voted Best Recruitment Team 2015 and 2016 at the Asia Recruitment Awards.