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Today's shrinking world coupled with an increasing sense of urgency
seems to have many of us looking for the answer to, "what the heck am I supposed to be
doing and where can I do it"? On the surface it seems like a funny question. Yet,
the same question comes up for those entering the job market, or who have accomplished
their career objective. "What is next for me?" The answer lies in presenting your
unique talents, education/experience, capacity for change, and aspirations for growth
to the employment community. The easy part is finding the employment community.
The hard part is identifying and concisely presenting your 'offer of service' in a
way that sets you apart from others. Today's environment has pushed many into the
workplace as independent agents and others into jobs that do not offer the satisfaction
that fosters sustained high performance.
One of a job seeker’s mysteries of life is to match your talents to a profession that produces a happy, healthy, and energetic condition. Working for
money without satisfaction is usually viewed as a temporary condition or means to an
end that all too often becomes "hard labor" instead of a "labor of love". A job that
gives one an opportunity to give back to community more than you get from it is ideal.
The following intentions can be your guide to a fulfilling match 'of person - to work'
possible for those who seek it out.
First, engaging in some form of 'assessment' is necessary in order
to target a career path that directs your education and work experience. One method
is simply to inquire with those close to us to reveal what they see or feel when they
observe us in action. For example, others observations or stories about us are valuable
feedback especially as they see us when we are in high performance and joy. This may
seem a bit "out there", but those who know us can generate descriptors and situations
that identify what they see that sets us apart. To get specific, have them tell you a
story of when, where, and what you were doing when you demonstrated excellence. This
exercise is designed to align your self perceptions of ability with those others see.
Another method is to engage in assessments that match potential 'job fit' with your
unique personality style and motivational preferences. There are many validated
assessment tools available and several should be taken to identify common career,
personality, and motivational themes that fit you like finely tailored clothes.
Second, after identifying our unique talents we can combine them
with the education/experience that directs a job search with an employer (or
marketplace, if you choose self-employment) that offers the potential for a high
performance relationship. Combining your talent with work experience and education
produces a visible expression of a passionate life. This passion when focused is the
key ingredient to becoming a magnet for job opportunities. The expression of passion
produces a confidence in ability that allows employers to sort out applicants of equal
experience or background. Also, in a professional setting the search for job fit
should be viewed from a global perspective. Even if you intend to work locally one
is wise to expand their flexibility in working with various cultures, the international
marketplace, and work practices imported from other countries. Remember, high
performance is supported by a positive relationship with the people you work with.
When the pressure goes up or when we make mistakes it is the relationships you develop
that make the difference in giving you the space to learn and grow when work or life
throws you a curve.
Finally, presenting and challenging your capacity for change
coupled with the aspiration to grow personally and professionally demonstrates to
others your commitment to producing results when the target is constantly moving.
Developing a capacity for change requires constant attention, similar to muscle toning
and stretching exercises. Being alert to this allows you to be prepared to interact
with change by demonstrating flexibility and enthusiasm. This ability 'not to be at
the affect of change' gives you the edge needed to find the flow in life and at the
same time keeps you sharp and able to help others struggling to adapt to changing
circumstances. Employers of choice place higher value on those who find ways to
stretch themselves and not fall into the trap of job proficiency. Aspiring to become
better keeps one ahead of the change curve and can prevent stagnation or boredom with
work activity. Years of experience are no longer the distinguishing attribute for a
competitive job market. Operating with these intentions; presenting your unique
talents, education/experience, capacity for change, and aspirations for growth will
give you a destination/destiny that makes a career path possible. With patience and
persistence you too can find fulfillment and prosperity in your life's work.
Written by Mark Gross, Principal of Leadership Services, Ltd.,
a Santa Barbara based Leadership Coaching and Assessment Firm. For further
information call 805-899-2660 or go to
http://www.leadershipservices.com.
© April, 2003
Learn more about Mark in our Meet Us Section.
Thanks for visiting; your comments and reflections are welcome.
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