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Who's the Boss? Taking Control of Your Future By Cliff Hakim |
The first step toward taking charge of your work-life is to know that the process begins with YOU. You may expect an in-your-face awakening, but rarely is there a sledge-hammer bang. Usually the message is subtler: it beings with a ping. Ping . . . I think I’m dissatisfied, but I’m not sure. Ping . . . Work was okay today, but “just okay” isn’t good enough. Ping . . . People say that no company will look after me and help me build my career. Am I really on my own? Do you pay attention to the ping, as you scuttle about? Or do you simply ignore these insights? What would happen if you opened your heart and mind and listened? Try this test: Begin each day by telling yourself: “You can be your own boss, take charge of your work and bring your own special gifts into the world.” Do the pings of doubt and dissatisfaction then begin to fade? As a career consultant, I’ve learned that the only sustainable work comes out of leaning how to cultivate your own goals and values. It’s impossible to follow the dreams and aims of others for very long. “When I heard the ping and started to explore the source of my discontent,” says Anne, a human resources manager. “I realized I was always blaming others for my lack of business acumen and it was time to take charge of this myself.” Anne enrolled in quantitative decision-making and investment analysis courses. The classes helped her realize she had an aptitude for numbers and shifted others’ view of her as well. “When you’re your own boss, you find different ways to grow as a person,” she adds. Organizations also benefit when workers — staff, managers, and executives — view themselves as self-employed. Infighting and political games are replaced by a focus on the work itself. People have a vested interest in serving customers and improving the workplace. They give more value because they view themselves as worthier. As Anne says, “I’m amazed by how this works. People begin to see their colleagues as valuable customers and ask each other, ‘What do you need from me?’” “A self-employed attitude also can help you to earn your manager’s confidence, says Samuel, a purchasing supervisor. “It’s as though I don’t have a boss; I’m my own boss,” he said. “I take full responsibility, consistently, for managing the purchasing process.” “A self-employed attitude does not mean you have to travel the road alone,” says Phil, a course developer and trainer. Being independent and interdependent helps him take responsibility for completing his projects. Independence gives him the self-confidence to be a resource to others. On the other hand, with interdependence tells Phil, “I don’t have to learn from the bottom up. I can ask a teammate to contribute experience and knowledge to solving the problem.” You’re the boss when you update your resume and cover letter to reflect your growth and focus. You’re the boss when you listen to your heart’s desire and shift your career from financier to boat builder. You’re the boss when you ask questions and make suggestions that propel your team toward its goals. Whether you’re looking for a job or career change or you’re goal is to enhance your current position you can replace fear and dependence with the belief you are the boss. RETHINK YOUR WORK To find out “Who’s the boss?” you’ll need to ask: |
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