Don’t be so sure: 5 beliefs that can lead you astray
In these times of change, it’s great to have some rock-solid beliefs relating to our jobs, our workplaces, and work in general. Beliefs help us make sense of things. They inform our decisions. They guide our actions. They’re all good, right?
Not always.
The fact is, our strongest beliefs and biggest assumptions can be completely without foundation. Just ask the legions of people who believed the Earth was flat. They were certain and wrong.
Other times — and this is more common — we can be certain and only partially correct. This can happen over time as things change around us, rendering our long-held beliefs a bit obsolete.
If you can handle a slightly sobering reality check, review the following. See if these five beliefs are in your own portfolio of certainty.
I know what my customers expect of me.
Actually, you know what your customers expected of you the last time you heard from them, which was…when? Unless you have some telepathic connection to the people you serve, this needs to be a proactive undertaking. Are you talking with some of your customers at least once in a while to see if you’re delivering what they need — and to find out how you can do better? Are you sitting down with the people you serve internally to get feedback from them?
I know my co-workers.
After working with anyone for a while, you’re going to know them pretty well — sometimes too well! But do you know the things that really matter? Right now, can you name the greatest strengths of each of the five people you work with the most? Do you know what they like and dislike about work? Do you know what motivates them? Do you know what they want to learn more about? Of course, you’re not obligated to have answers to any of these questions. But knowing this stuff is a great way to turn a loose collection of individuals into a unified team.
My job is secure.
It doesn’t matter who you are, where you work, or what you do. In this unforgiving economy, job security is an oxymoron — right up there with jumbo shrimp and digital security. So tell the truth: Are you doing everything you can to be indispensable at work? Do you bring something to the table that no one else brings?
My boss will look out for me.
If your manager helps you succeed, that’s great. But what would happen if he or she moved on to another work area or organization? The fact is, only you will stay with you on a permanent basis, so you need to be your own best advocate. Are you thinking for yourself? Are you learning from your manager and others? Are you building a network of contacts beyond your boss?
It’s just a job.
It is a job, but there’s nothing trivial about its impact on your life. Consider the time commitment. You wouldn’t say that it’s just 2,000 hours a year or just 80,000 hours during a lifetime or the equivalent of just 9 years working 24 hours a day (and those are minimums). True, we get a certain amount of emotional protection telling ourselves that it’s just a job. But wouldn’t it be better to seek out and stay connected to some purpose that’s bigger than the job itself?
Get ideas and inspiration with the Better Workplace Now e-newsletter. Subscribe here:
