Have you ever felt like you were in a rut? Maybe you are suffering from career stagnation. We have all been there at one point or another in our career. If you are unhappy with your current job or career, perhaps it’s time to plan a change. The change may involve a minor tweak here or there or it may encompass a complete overall. Regardless, if you are feeling the blahs, start by first taking an inventory of what’s going on. Conduct a self audit or self evaluation. Try to pinpoint the problem or issue. What is the source of your frustration? It may be as simple as changing your routine, how you organize your day or how you spend your time at work. Look for ways to change things up. Simple adjustments can go a long way to improve your situation. However, if your career stagnation is the result of a much bigger issue, take the time to think about the correct course of action. A decision to change jobs, careers or move to a new city for a new start can all be very rewarding life events. However, these types of transitions take planning and careful thought. Most importantly, have a vision, plan and strategy. We live in a world of the self-managed career. You and you alone are in charge of your career. As you think about the correct course of action to take, keep in mind that the journey is the reward. Day-to-day frustrations do happen, but find your passion and then do it. Also, learn to laugh. The rut is not as bad with a sense of humor.

Until next time…

Jim

Most of us measure success along a vertical path, moving up the career ladder on the “fast track”. This line of reasoning can, and often does, lead to disappointment. In today’s world it has become the social norm – success equals upward mobility and making more money. I want to propose a different view of success. One of my favorite books is Downshifting, by Amy Saltzman. She articulates a different view of success, one which is not necessarily tied to a particular employer, profession or status in life. Success can come in many forms. The serial entrepreneur, independent contractor, artist, plumber, construction worker, janitor, stay-at-home mother – all of these endeavors can lead to success. Frequently, we allow what we do for a living to define us. There is nothing wrong with that. However, taken to an extreme it can lead to frustration. Looking to our employer, or profession for direction and answers can lead to a dead end. The inevitable restructuring and/or downsizing can change your situation overnight. Generation Y is looking for more work life balance, which is a good thing. They are sometimes referred to as Generation Me. However, what they seek is a more meaningful philosophy of life and career. We can learn from them.

Until next time…

Jim

Growing up we all heard the saying “practice makes perfect”, which has been traced all the way back to the 1500′s but no one knows who originally coined the saying. Have you every thought about what it takes to get good at something? As a recreational triathlete, I’m in awe of the Ironman event. Dave Scott, the 6-time winner of the Ironman world championship in Hawaii was obviously gifted genetically. However, he achieved what he did by endless training and practice. Ask any professional athletic or Olympian and they will tell you practice is the difference in their success. In my experience, ask any senior business leader about their secret to success and you will get many different answers but rarely will you hear “practice” in their answer. The reality is they did not get to where they are by accident. Practice is something we should focus on as we move forward in our career. If you want to get better at something, you must practice. One way to put this principle to work is to identify one professional endeavor you want to get better at. Making better presentations, becoming a better project manager or people manager, etc. Pick something you have some passion around and make a plan to improve. You will get better and your career will benefit. In the words of the legendary basketball coach John Wooden, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

Until next time…

Jim

I’m sure everyone has heard some version of the above quote, attributed to Confucius. Do you find yourself dreading Monday mornings? For many, the beginning of the week is often the worst day of the week. Why is that? For many of us, the monotony of a dead end job is acceptable because the thought of having to start over is far worst than the alternative. Due to our hectic lives and busy schedules, we don’t take action to make a change. Each Sunday night we mentally prepare ourselves to tackle the same increasingly empty role. Maybe its time to do something about those Monday morning horrors! It begins with taking ownership, deciding what you love to do and making a plan to find a position which accommodates your skills and passion.

Some caution is needed here; it is very important to have realistic expectations about doing what “you love”. We all have different passions. For example, I love music and have some talent as a guitar player. That does not mean I can make a living as a musician. We need to remember that we all have competencies and skills in certain areas. It’s much better to have a realistic awareness of what you can or can’t do. That being said, we can still change the way we approach our Monday mornings. Whether it’s the job, organization or the career choice you made, taking ownership to consider what and how you need to change is important. Taking specific action steps to change is a start.

Until next time…

Jim

Performances reviews generally fall into two categories: bad and really bad. This is one of those workplace rituals that most of us dread. Sadly, managers are often not trained in conducting formal reviews, or they simply don’t take the time to prepare for a meaningful conversation. Performance feedback is a key part of our development and learning. They can lead to your perception of being valued and being “part of the team.” Performance reviews can also lead to feelings of anger and resentment. From my experience, taking responsibility and ownership will lead to better results. What do I mean by that? Not being defensive is a start. Listen patiently and don’t make excuses or argue. During a review, you will receive some feedback about what you did or did not do/accomplish. Unless this feedback is based on inaccurate information, it is better to first listen. Try to find the win-win solution. Restating what you hear during the review is important. After your manager finishes, you may simply say , ‘What I hear you saying is…’. I would also break down the feedback you receive into three categories: Start, Stop, and Continue.  After the review, summarize the results into these three categories. Schedule a follow-up meeting with your manager and review your notes. The important thing to remember is to use the information obtained to your advantage. My personal view is that the best performance reviews are the ones given throughout the year. A good manager is someone who gives you feedback year-round. Ask for that! It may yield positive results. In the words of Marshall Goldsmith, “If we stop, listen and think about what others are seeing in us, we have great opportunity.”

Until next time…

Jim

I was recently reading Doug Silsbee’s great book, Presence-Based Coaching, where he brings up the topic of “habits”. Habits have an interesting way of influencing our behavior, both on the job and away from work. Some are good habits, while others are bad. At times, bad habits can effect our professional life in a very negative way.  Exactly, what is a habit? A habit is anything we naturally do without consciously thinking about it.  It’s something you do on a regular basis. Silsbee defines it as being “hardwired” into our brain.  Webster defines habit as “a thing done often, and hence, easily.” Throughout our childhood we develop our habits. The way you hold your knife and fork when you eat is a habit. A bad habit might be biting your fingernails, whereas exercising daily is an example of a good habit.

Have you ever thought about those bad habits you would like to change? Habits which get in the way of our professional success. Interrupting someone when they are speaking can be a negative habit which hinders our success on the job. Can you think about a recent interaction you had on the job where a negative habit got in the way? Being mindful of these things can help us improve, particularly when they get in the way of our personal success. Make your own list. Spend time thinking about that list.  Finding success on the job is difficult enough without our own bad habits getting in the way.

Until next time…

Jim

One of my favorite singer songwriters is Keb Mo. As a fan of music, I’m always inspired by his powerful lyrics. His song Inside Outside has some interesting implications for us as professionals. The theme of his song is that as we exist on the inside, we are just that on the outside. Another way to think about it, our thoughts on the inside can influence how we interact with others, e.g. boss, peers, clients, customers,etc. Negative thoughts, angry thoughts yield bad results. At times the ordinary difficulties of life in general are stressful. A slight shift in perspective can be the best thing for us to get out of a rut. Mental frames are powerful and influence behavior. If you find yourself thinking negatively about your specific situation, perhaps its time to change your mental frame. Someone once told me they hated their job so much, they would recite to themselves every night before falling asleep, “at least when I sleep, the pain will go away”. That is a negative frame. Dr. Wayne Dyer wrote a book titled, Change Your Thoughts – Change Your Life. The book is about using the wisdom of Tao Te Ching, the Chinese philosopher, to help shape our thoughts about life’s difficulties. Check it out; it’s a good read.

Managing a career, holding down a non-inspiring job, dealing with a difficult boss, all of these things can be particularly challenging for all of us. We do create our own reality by how we think about a given situation. Maybe its time to think differently.

Until next time…

Jim

When you think about our everyday interactions, the importance of presence can not be overlooked. It does not matter if you are discussing social or professional interactions, presence is everything. So, what is presence? Presence is being in the moment with the person you are speaking and interacting with. It shows caring and attention. Why is this important? The lack of personal presence can derail you as you progress in your career. Individual presence – you know it when you see and experience it. A good listener is someone with presence, but its more than just listening. It is also showing some warmth and genuineness, not being distracted when interacting with someone. Have you ever had the experience of your manager taking a phone call during your annual performance review? That is not being present!

How do you acquire presence? Just like any learned skill, you need to develop presence through practice. Most of us have either worked for someone or observed a business leader we admired because of their ability to be present, authentic and attentive. Think about a recent interaction you had on the job with a colleague.  Where you demonstrating presence? Where you paying attention, listening and mentally in the moment? If not, try it next time. You will find it can improve your work performance in terms of your interpersonal interactions.

Until next time…

Jim

I can’t recall the first time I heard the above expression, but what a powerful message! First impressions are important. As we navigate the trials and tribulations of a long career, you want to avoid those situations where you constantly “second guess” the impression you made. In less than one minute, people will often form an impression of you. Sad but true. So, what are those things you should be working on to insure you make a lasting impression. First, begin with how you present yourself. Posture, attire, eye contact and a firm handshake are a start. You want to look and act professional. In addition, listening and thinking before you speak are critical to a positive first impression. I’m a firm believer that we learn more by listening than we do talking.

Generally, when it comes to first impressions, we find ourselves in two distinct situations. Situations which are planned and scheduled, you have time to prepare. Having time to think think about the questions you want to ask in advance is critical. In situations which are impromptu and sudden, you don’t have time to prepare and often need to think quickly.  Having your “elevator speech” ready at all times is your key to success here. Every professional should be able to introduce themselves in a clear and concise manner.This elevator speech, or professional introduction, is your way to familiarize the listener with who you are. Rehearse and practice it. Have it ready so you are not caught flatfooted.

Until next time…

Jim

How many times have you heard the above cliche? I don’t necessarily buy into the message 100%, but in terms of career management, relationship building is extremely important. In today’s world of social media, networking equals business success. There are many on-line tools at your finger tips which facilitate relationship building through networking. These tools are essentially free and only require us to reach out, communicate and sell ourselves. It does not matter what you do professionally, building a solid foundation of contacts is key to your success and development. Joining a professional organization, regularly attending seminars/conferences and being involved will expand your network exponentially. You are your best marketing tool. Who you socialize with, socially and professionally, can benefit your career. Accept invitations to participate within your professional association, run a project, participate on a panel, organize an evening event, etc. All of these things work to your advantage in building your network. Non-profit work is also an excellent way to build your network. We all have a passion for a cause or multiple causes. Volunteer where you can. Serve on a non-profit board. Get involved. It’s good for you professionally, as well as good for the soul.

Personal contacts are one of your most valuable resources and tools. Keeping in touch will help you personally, as well as professionally.

Until next time…

Jim