Newsletter 1/16/08
Many people are unhappy with their current job.
There are many reasons why people become unhappy with their job and go home every night with so much stress. Stress leads to bad mood swings and eventually to a degradation of one's relationships with his family members.
Employment opportunities are harder to find than ever. This is one reason why people stick with a job that they do not like. The reality is, hunger and depravation is a much scarier reality to deal with than giving up a job.
Some people are unhappy with their jobs because impatience and restlessness had caught up with them. They become bored with the lack of movement and mobility in their workplaces.
However, there are solutions. There are several things that you can do to maintain enthusiasm for your job.
Here are some tips:
1. Always look at the positive side of things.
People tend to look at the negative side of things most of the time. Take a time out, or better yet, a vacation, can help you reflect on the things that relate to your job. You can perhaps reflect on your attitudes towards the job. Some times, stress will disable your ability to clearly dissect certain issues regarding your work.
Having a positive attitude towards things will lighten up your life as sunlight would lighten up the mountains. Always look forward.
2. Openly communicate with your officemates
Often times, when a person does not relate to his officemates well, they add up to the reasons why he is losing enthusiasm for his job. People tend to act too stiff in the office because they adhere strictly to professionalism, but professionalism does not entail them to become a loner.
One of the main reasons why people stick to a certain job for a very long period of time is- people. You maintain enthusiasm for your job as long as you maintain good working relationships with your office mates.
3. Talk to your superiors
Enthusiasm goes downhill when you are bypassed for promotion. If you would like to clarify certain policies of an institution, you should maintain open communication with your superiors and let them hear your views. Letting it all out is a good way to catalyze change and bring about development.
4. What would have happened otherwise?
A good question to ask oneself when losing enthusiasm in his work is "what will I be doing if I'm not working here?" People tend to think that they would rather do another type of job but in reality, they just like to think about it, and not actually do it.
5. Be active in other activities in the office
Volunteer for special events in your office. Volunteering to organize a party or a fundraiser can be a good idea in order to acquire another dimension to the job.
6. Beautify your workplace
Put some plants, pictures, trinkets on your desk. This will definitely help in bringing back one's enthusiasm for your job. Pictures of family members are reminders that you are working not only for yourself but for their sake as well.
Happiness is relative to your views and perceptions. Enthusiasm towards your work depends solely on your attitude towards work.
~ Jeff ~
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Don't Lose Your Job After An Argument With Your Boss!
Newsletter 1/9/08
Arthur is known for being a temperamental person. One day, his impulses failed to save him. He got involved in a heated and intense argument with none other than his boss.
The situation was so flaringly intense. Everyone in the office fell mum and shocked. Many opted to pretend that they did not to hear and see anything, although majority of them had their ears glued to the door and heard the exchange of hot and flaming words between a superior and a subordinate.
Situations like these are sometimes unavoidable and come even if people never like these to happen. These incidents do happen, even under all unfavorable and awkward circumstances.
For the subordinate, the next problem now is how to fix the mess. Arguments and strained relationships with the boss are some of the most disturbing yet preventable situations confronting most employees and subordinates.
In the normal and conventional corporate setting, most employees go to the extent of kissing their boss' ass just to earn good favor and ratings from the boss.
When things happen, the usual and logical question to ask himself or herself would be, "How do I get out of this mess?"
Things are really screwed up when you get into an argument or disagreement with your boss. This can put your job at risk.
Understandably, it is hard to lose a job nowadays. The cost of living is always on the rise and you have bills to pay on a regular basis. Yearly, millions of younger and brighter new graduates are competing in the ever declining and narrowing job market.
So, what would be your best move?
When things are screwed between you and your boss, analyze the situation very carefully and try to humbly admit who is on the wrong or erring side.
If you realized that you made the terrible mistake, plan to make amends. Never burn bridges because your boss is the only way in and out of your occupation.
Professionalism would prevent your boss from firing you just because of that one instance or episode. However, the situation still depends on the gravity of your offense and the way you handled the disagreement.
If only heated words were exchanged, there is still a chance. Just make sure that you learn your lesson well. The next time a similar event occurs, make sure you have complete control on your self and never utter profane words to your boss again.
If more than just heated words were exchanged (such as the involvement of physical violence), chances are you already lost your job and you should start looking for a new one!
Making amends and admission of guilt are gestures of humility. Doing so would effectively save your face.
For sure, your boss got angry at your attitude and behavior, but this is already a given. Bosses are human too. They are also prone to impulsive reactions. The difference is that they are tasked with greater and even grave responsibilities.
Make amends by admitting your guilt or saying that you are sorry. Never burn bridges with your boss because as mentioned earlier, your boss decides if you are still in or out of the department. If saying sorry is never enough, try to give him or her little tokens.
If you decide to voluntarily leave the office, it is good to have a good closure by making peace with your boss. He could still help you by giving a referral, which you will need for your next job application, don't you think?
~ Jeff ~
Arthur is known for being a temperamental person. One day, his impulses failed to save him. He got involved in a heated and intense argument with none other than his boss.
The situation was so flaringly intense. Everyone in the office fell mum and shocked. Many opted to pretend that they did not to hear and see anything, although majority of them had their ears glued to the door and heard the exchange of hot and flaming words between a superior and a subordinate.
Situations like these are sometimes unavoidable and come even if people never like these to happen. These incidents do happen, even under all unfavorable and awkward circumstances.
For the subordinate, the next problem now is how to fix the mess. Arguments and strained relationships with the boss are some of the most disturbing yet preventable situations confronting most employees and subordinates.
In the normal and conventional corporate setting, most employees go to the extent of kissing their boss' ass just to earn good favor and ratings from the boss.
When things happen, the usual and logical question to ask himself or herself would be, "How do I get out of this mess?"
Things are really screwed up when you get into an argument or disagreement with your boss. This can put your job at risk.
Understandably, it is hard to lose a job nowadays. The cost of living is always on the rise and you have bills to pay on a regular basis. Yearly, millions of younger and brighter new graduates are competing in the ever declining and narrowing job market.
So, what would be your best move?
When things are screwed between you and your boss, analyze the situation very carefully and try to humbly admit who is on the wrong or erring side.
If you realized that you made the terrible mistake, plan to make amends. Never burn bridges because your boss is the only way in and out of your occupation.
Professionalism would prevent your boss from firing you just because of that one instance or episode. However, the situation still depends on the gravity of your offense and the way you handled the disagreement.
If only heated words were exchanged, there is still a chance. Just make sure that you learn your lesson well. The next time a similar event occurs, make sure you have complete control on your self and never utter profane words to your boss again.
If more than just heated words were exchanged (such as the involvement of physical violence), chances are you already lost your job and you should start looking for a new one!
Making amends and admission of guilt are gestures of humility. Doing so would effectively save your face.
For sure, your boss got angry at your attitude and behavior, but this is already a given. Bosses are human too. They are also prone to impulsive reactions. The difference is that they are tasked with greater and even grave responsibilities.
Make amends by admitting your guilt or saying that you are sorry. Never burn bridges with your boss because as mentioned earlier, your boss decides if you are still in or out of the department. If saying sorry is never enough, try to give him or her little tokens.
If you decide to voluntarily leave the office, it is good to have a good closure by making peace with your boss. He could still help you by giving a referral, which you will need for your next job application, don't you think?
~ Jeff ~
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Know What You Want To Get Ahead (Step Four)
Newsletter 1/2/08
You've probably heard the famous Albert Einstein quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This adage is particularly applicable to the world of work.
Many people get stuck in jobs just because it's "what they've always done." Or, they get tagged with "dog" assignments simply because they involve skills set they've demonstrated in the past. Furthermore, too many clients get trapped in a career rut by settling for what happens to be offered to them.
The clients who hire me want to change these negative patterns. They want to proactively manage their career instead of taking what's given.
When I ask my clients: "What do you want to do?" I'm usually met with deafening silence. Many, if not most, people really just don't know what career will make them happy.
It certainly can feel overwhelming to answer the "What do you want to do with your life?" question. One of the key steps in this process is getting clear on what you don't want.
Know What You Don't Want
To make sure you don't end up in yet another job that is the wrong fit, you must define what you don't want at work.
This week, let's discuss your individual work style. Ask yourself this simple question:
How does my current job not support my individual work style?
For example:
· Do I want more team projects?
· Do I want more independent work assignments?
· Do I want more time for creative thought?
· Do I want more variety or less multi-tasking?
Schedule time in your calendar to answer these questions in the next seven days. That way, you'll be sure to get it done and not let it linger on that never-ending to do list.
I wish you much continued success as you move towards defining and working in your authentic career fit!
~Maret~
You've probably heard the famous Albert Einstein quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This adage is particularly applicable to the world of work.
Many people get stuck in jobs just because it's "what they've always done." Or, they get tagged with "dog" assignments simply because they involve skills set they've demonstrated in the past. Furthermore, too many clients get trapped in a career rut by settling for what happens to be offered to them.
The clients who hire me want to change these negative patterns. They want to proactively manage their career instead of taking what's given.
When I ask my clients: "What do you want to do?" I'm usually met with deafening silence. Many, if not most, people really just don't know what career will make them happy.
It certainly can feel overwhelming to answer the "What do you want to do with your life?" question. One of the key steps in this process is getting clear on what you don't want.
Know What You Don't Want
To make sure you don't end up in yet another job that is the wrong fit, you must define what you don't want at work.
This week, let's discuss your individual work style. Ask yourself this simple question:
How does my current job not support my individual work style?
For example:
· Do I want more team projects?
· Do I want more independent work assignments?
· Do I want more time for creative thought?
· Do I want more variety or less multi-tasking?
Schedule time in your calendar to answer these questions in the next seven days. That way, you'll be sure to get it done and not let it linger on that never-ending to do list.
I wish you much continued success as you move towards defining and working in your authentic career fit!
~Maret~
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Know What You Want To Get Ahead (Step Three)
Newsletter 12/19/07
Know What You Want To Get Ahead (Step Three)
You've probably heard the famous Albert Einstein quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This adage is particularly applicable to the world of work.
Many people get stuck in jobs just because it's "what they've always done." Or, they get tagged with "dog" assignments simply because they involve skills set they've demonstrated in the past. Furthermore, too many clients get trapped in a career rut by settling for what happens to be offered to them.
The clients who hire me want to change these negative patterns. They want to proactively manage their career instead of taking what's given.
When I ask my clients: "What do you want to do?" I'm usually met with deafening silence. Many, if not most, people really just don't know what career will make them happy.
It certainly can feel overwhelming to answer the "What do you want to do with your life?" question. My 12-part program-"Discover Your Authentic Career Fit"-breaks the process down into simply organized and manageable action steps. One of the key steps in this process is getting clear on what you don't want.
Know What You Don't Want
To make sure you don't end up in yet another job that is the wrong fit, you must define what you don't want at work.
This week, let's cover the people with whom you work.
Ask yourself these three simple questions:
What don't I enjoy about the people at my current workplace?
What didn't I like about the people at past places of employment?
In what way(s) would I like the people to be different at my next place of work?
For example, am I looking for a group of people who are:
Friendlier?
More professional and dedicated?
More family-oriented?
Schedule time in your calendar to answer these questions in the next seven days. That way, you'll be sure to get it done and not let it linger on that never-ending to do list. Next week, we'll focus on the next phase of defining what you don't want in your next job: Your individual work style.
I wish you much continued success as you move towards defining and working in your authentic career fit!
~Maret~
Know What You Want To Get Ahead (Step Three)
You've probably heard the famous Albert Einstein quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This adage is particularly applicable to the world of work.
Many people get stuck in jobs just because it's "what they've always done." Or, they get tagged with "dog" assignments simply because they involve skills set they've demonstrated in the past. Furthermore, too many clients get trapped in a career rut by settling for what happens to be offered to them.
The clients who hire me want to change these negative patterns. They want to proactively manage their career instead of taking what's given.
When I ask my clients: "What do you want to do?" I'm usually met with deafening silence. Many, if not most, people really just don't know what career will make them happy.
It certainly can feel overwhelming to answer the "What do you want to do with your life?" question. My 12-part program-"Discover Your Authentic Career Fit"-breaks the process down into simply organized and manageable action steps. One of the key steps in this process is getting clear on what you don't want.
Know What You Don't Want
To make sure you don't end up in yet another job that is the wrong fit, you must define what you don't want at work.
This week, let's cover the people with whom you work.
Ask yourself these three simple questions:
What don't I enjoy about the people at my current workplace?
What didn't I like about the people at past places of employment?
In what way(s) would I like the people to be different at my next place of work?
For example, am I looking for a group of people who are:
Friendlier?
More professional and dedicated?
More family-oriented?
Schedule time in your calendar to answer these questions in the next seven days. That way, you'll be sure to get it done and not let it linger on that never-ending to do list. Next week, we'll focus on the next phase of defining what you don't want in your next job: Your individual work style.
I wish you much continued success as you move towards defining and working in your authentic career fit!
~Maret~
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Know what you want to get ahead (Step 1)
Newsletter 12/5/07
You've probably heard the famous Albert Einstein quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
This adage is particularly applicable to the world of work.
Many women get stuck in jobs just because it's "what they've always done." Or, they get tagged with "dog" assignments simply because they involve skills set they've demonstrated in the past. Furthermore, too many women get trapped in a career rut by settling for what happens to be offered to them.
The women who hire me want to change these negative patterns. They want to proactively manage their career instead of taking what's given.
When I ask my clients: "What do you want to do?" I'm usually met with deafening silence. Many, if not most, women really just don't know what career will make them happy.
Know What You Don't Want
To make sure you don't end up in yet another job that is the wrong fit, you must define what you don't want at work.
This week, let's cover roles and responsibilities. Ask yourself these three simple questions:
· What roles and responsibilities do I not enjoy in my current position?
· What tasks and duties did I dislike in past jobs?
· What roles do I not want to get stuck with again?
Schedule time in your calendar to answer these questions in the next seven days. That way, you'll be sure to get it done and not let it linger on that never-ending to do list. Next week, we'll focus on the next phase of defining what you don't want at work: The Culture.
I wish you much continued success as you move towards defining and working in your authentic career fit!
~Maret~
You've probably heard the famous Albert Einstein quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
This adage is particularly applicable to the world of work.
Many women get stuck in jobs just because it's "what they've always done." Or, they get tagged with "dog" assignments simply because they involve skills set they've demonstrated in the past. Furthermore, too many women get trapped in a career rut by settling for what happens to be offered to them.
The women who hire me want to change these negative patterns. They want to proactively manage their career instead of taking what's given.
When I ask my clients: "What do you want to do?" I'm usually met with deafening silence. Many, if not most, women really just don't know what career will make them happy.
Know What You Don't Want
To make sure you don't end up in yet another job that is the wrong fit, you must define what you don't want at work.
This week, let's cover roles and responsibilities. Ask yourself these three simple questions:
· What roles and responsibilities do I not enjoy in my current position?
· What tasks and duties did I dislike in past jobs?
· What roles do I not want to get stuck with again?
Schedule time in your calendar to answer these questions in the next seven days. That way, you'll be sure to get it done and not let it linger on that never-ending to do list. Next week, we'll focus on the next phase of defining what you don't want at work: The Culture.
I wish you much continued success as you move towards defining and working in your authentic career fit!
~Maret~
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Career Values (Part 5)
Newsletter 11/28/07
Identify Your Strengths and Talents
Know Your Strengths and Talents
If you haven't done so already, take a moment to complete the exercise I laid out in last week's Newsletter.
Once you have completed this exercise, review your notes and identify the top skills that have emerged. Make a list of all the professional competencies you have identified. Even if they seem unimpressive to you - write them down anyway. This is all vital information to discovering what you are naturally good at.
After you've completed your list, organize it into categories. You'll find that certain skills go together and can be combined under similar headings. Arrange your skills list into these groupings and then distill them into your top five professional competencies. Narrowing it down to your top five is very important because this will tell you the type of work you enjoy the most.
Schedule time in your calendar to complete this exercise in the next seven days. If you haven't finished the previous three exercises I've outlined this month, take the time to do them this week as well.
Working in your career "sweet spot" is about having a profession in which you can truly be yourself. Life is way too short to work in a job that is not a good fit for who you are. As you know, when you're miserable in your career, it darkens your entire world.
However, when you have a position that fits with your life values, work values, passions and skills - you have the makings of a phenomenal career! I wish you much continued professional success as you move towards discovering and working in your career "sweet spot!"
~Maret~
Identify Your Strengths and Talents
Know Your Strengths and Talents
If you haven't done so already, take a moment to complete the exercise I laid out in last week's Newsletter.
Once you have completed this exercise, review your notes and identify the top skills that have emerged. Make a list of all the professional competencies you have identified. Even if they seem unimpressive to you - write them down anyway. This is all vital information to discovering what you are naturally good at.
After you've completed your list, organize it into categories. You'll find that certain skills go together and can be combined under similar headings. Arrange your skills list into these groupings and then distill them into your top five professional competencies. Narrowing it down to your top five is very important because this will tell you the type of work you enjoy the most.
Schedule time in your calendar to complete this exercise in the next seven days. If you haven't finished the previous three exercises I've outlined this month, take the time to do them this week as well.
Working in your career "sweet spot" is about having a profession in which you can truly be yourself. Life is way too short to work in a job that is not a good fit for who you are. As you know, when you're miserable in your career, it darkens your entire world.
However, when you have a position that fits with your life values, work values, passions and skills - you have the makings of a phenomenal career! I wish you much continued professional success as you move towards discovering and working in your career "sweet spot!"
~Maret~
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Career Values: Part 4
Newsletter 11/21/07
Identify Your Strengths and Talents
This week, I am guiding you through the process of defining your career "sweet spot."
Working in your "sweet spot" means your job is in alignment with your values, skills and passions.
The final step is to identify your top professional skills. A big part of working in your "sweet spot" is doing what you are good at. This allows you to be in a job that comes naturally to you, rather than a position in which you have to try way too hard to make things work. (Been there, done that!)
Instead of feeling like heaving a huge boulder up a mountain, working in your "sweet spot" feels like rolling a rock down a mountain with momentum - joy in what you do and the rewards it brings you - easing you along. On a typical workday, if you feel like a square peg being pounded into a round hole, you owe it to yourself to explore other career options either within or outside your current profession.
The following written exercise will help you identify your top skills:
Review all of the jobs you have held, including your current position. Go all the way back to your first job - maybe it was in high school. Take out a separate sheet of paper for each position and write your title at the top of the page. Then, brainstorm what you liked about each job.
Ask yourself questions such as:
- What did I enjoy about this position?
- What assignments did I like working on?
- What elements of this position gave me the most satisfaction?
- What tasks were easy for me to accomplish?
- What types of projects elicited the most compliments from managers and clients?
There are no right or wrong answers in this exercise. Let your brainstorm flow and do not censor yourself. This document is for your eyes only, so there is no risk of judgment. I recommend you work on this a few days in a row for about 15 minutes each day. Give yourself enough time for all ideas and observations to surface.
Schedule time in your calendar to complete this exercise in the next seven days. Next week, I will guide you through the process of analyzing your results.
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