Have you ever used Yelp to find a great place to eat? I was in Denver last week and used the Yelp app to find a new place. I love that Yelp rates various places by “stars.” If a place has 5 stars, you know it’s a great place to try. As I was eating, I was reminded that over 80% of people don’t enjoy their work. If there was a Yelp app for employees to rate their jobs, most would be below 3 stars. Why? Why not have a 5-star career? Everyone deserves a career environment that empowers them to be effective, enthusiastic, and energized. Unfortunately, statistics tell us this environment generally does not exist.
You see, sooner or later everyone realizes that chasing cash will NOT provide them long-term happiness or fulfillment. Working in a job that maximizes your strengths and passions is more fulfilling than money any day of the week. Believe me, I tried chasing cash in corporate America for many years and crashed hard. If you find yourself not fully enjoying your job, then start developing your personal 5-star career filter and find jobs that maximize you! Here are 5 qualities you need to define:
- Step 1: Strengths – Identify your top skills and passions. Think of how doing the things you LOVE most (sales, leading, teaching, etc.) in a job might cause you to feel more effective. Then think about your passions – those fields of work you’d likely find more enjoyable. Maybe it’s healthcare, finances, teaching, or some other area you’ve always wanted to pursue.
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- Step 2: Schedule – Identify the type of schedule that best fits your values and season of life. Maybe you want a 9 – 5 job. Maybe you need a flexible job that allows you to set your own schedule. Maybe you desire to travel as part of your job…then again, maybe not. Talk to others who work at the company you’re considering and see if they feel their lives are being valued. Are they burning the candle at both ends? Everyone needs margin in their lives.
- Step 3: Setting – Identify the ideal environment that’s likely to draw the best out of you. Would you flourish in a big company or in a smaller one? Maybe it is working in an office or working on the road. Does the company have values that match yours? Does it promote from within? Does it offer the benefits you need? Does it invest in you?
- Step 4: Supervisor – Having the right supervisor can make a big difference. What type of supervisor brings the best out of you? Do you need accountability and feedback? How much contact with your supervisor do you need? Daily; weekly; more often; less often? When you get ready to interview for a job, try talking to at least five people this person supervises and ask about his or her management style. Do they micro-manage or are they more hands-off?
· Step 5: Salary – The question, “How much do you pay?” should be the last part of the puzzle. Does that surprise you? It’s usually the first question we ask. But if you compromise your strengths, schedule, setting, and supervisor for a big check, you’ll end up in the same place in 6 – 9 months. I’m not saying you should settle for less; just don’t make salary the only thing you search for.To help you find a 5-star career, please use this simple worksheet. I hope it helps you live everyday focused and fulfilled.
NEGU,
Erik
