Series on Workplace Dynamics -- Part 6: Understand Your Own Needs

Workplace Dynamics -- Part 6: Understand Your Own Needs
by Carl Dierschow
Here's the bonus category: Yourself. We've spent so much time thinking about other people, we might have forgotten that it's important how we feel about our own work! Looking at it this way, you realize that you are independent of your work. So how does the work help you to achieve your life and career goals? How would you LIKE to relate to your work? Examples of this might include: I want to learn new things in my work. I want greater flexibility for taking my career in new directions. I need greater security. I want to build relationships with people who will support me. I want challenging and fulfilling work. I want to use my innate talents. When you become clear on what you'd like to get from your work situation, it helps you to focus on those things which will give you the greatest fulfillment in the long term. You start to address key relationships which you find frustrating, and you look for growth in specific places. When I work with my clients as a career coach, we often end up here – because these are the things over which you have the greatest control, yet get the best value. Feel free to include your family's needs in this category, and other things which might impact your work choices. Perhaps that would include staying in your current location, or moving to a better location for your family. Or you could be investing for your retirement or kids' education. The more you are clear on these needs, the easier it is to address them through your choices. ----- I hope you've enjoyed our trip through the stakeholders for your work. When you're finding your job frustrating and unfulfilling, go through these steps to figure out where you want to work on the key relationships. You'll be surprised by what you learn! Notice that there were two big benefits of developing relationships with key stakeholders: It can make your current job easier. It can give you greater flexibility in your career path, and greater likelihood of finding your next job. Career steps rely a great deal on relationships and influence, so the more you develop these now, the better chance you'll have of going where you want to on your journey! ----- Carl Dierschow is a certified Organizational Leadership Coach and author of the career management guide, Mondays Stink! 23 Secrets to Rediscover Delight and Fulfillment in Your Work. He is a career coach for those going through interesting transitions, and works with leaders who are creating amazing teams. Find out more at www.Dierschow.com and www.PossibilitiesPartnership.com.

Workplace Dynamics -- Part 6: Understand Your Own Needs

Here's the bonus category: Yourself. We've spent so much time thinking about other people, we might have forgotten that it's important how we feel about our own work!

Looking at it this way, you realize that you are independent of your work. So how does the work help you to achieve your life and career goals? How would you LIKE to relate to your work?

Examples of this might include:

I want to learn new things in my work.
I want greater flexibility for taking my career in new directions.
I need greater security.
I want to build relationships with people who will support me.
I want challenging and fulfilling work.
I want to use my innate talents.

When you become clear on what you'd like to get from your work situation, it helps you to focus on those things which will give you the greatest fulfillment in the long term. You start to address key relationships which you find frustrating, and you look for growth in specific places. When I work with my clients as a career coach, we often end up here – because these are the things over which you have the greatest control, yet get the best value.

Feel free to include your family's needs in this category, and other things which might impact your work choices. Perhaps that would include staying in your current location, or moving to a better location for your family. Or you could be investing for your retirement or kids' education.

The more you are clear on these needs, the easier it is to address them through your choices.

-----

I hope you've enjoyed our trip through the stakeholders for your work. When you're finding your job frustrating and unfulfilling, go through these steps to figure out where you want to work on the key relationships. You'll be surprised by what you learn!

Notice that there were two big benefits of developing relationships with key stakeholders:

It can make your current job easier.
It can give you greater flexibility in your career path, and greater likelihood of finding your next job.

Career steps rely a great deal on relationships and influence, so the more you develop these now, the better chance you'll have of going where you want to on your journey!

-----

Carl Dierschow is a certified Organizational Leadership Coach and author of the career management guide, Mondays Stink! 23 Secrets to Rediscover Delight and Fulfillment in Your Work. He is a career coach for those going through interesting transitions, and works with leaders who are creating amazing teams. Find out more at www.Dierschow.com and www.PossibilitiesPartnership.com.