Try on these shoes to be happier at work
When I feel in a rut or less than pleased with my performance, I break out of that stasis by stepping into a different pair of shoes. Here are three that work well for me, enhancing my perspective and improving my job satisfaction.
1. The fan: It feels good to be an enthusiast of others. When I blog, I like to point to the good ideas of others. When I am in meetings, I try to give credit to others for their work. And when I am annoyed with someone, I try to find an aspect of their agenda that I can champion. The more I do this, and the more generous I am, the more happy I feel. It’s about approaching work from a place of sharing and abundance rather than self-absorption and scarcity. It’s more fun – and it’s more effective. Especially when it comes to the online world. We live in an economy of affection, not dollars, in the world of social media. Celebrate the people who champion your cause - or your company - and give them the spotlight.
2. The teacher: I take a few days off my day job each a year to teach an executive program at American University, and I do a lot of public speaking and training. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others, and teaching – or mentoring – gives me a sense of meaning. It’s an act that is both vain and humbling. Vain, because if you teach, you believe you have something important to say. Humbling, because when you teach, you realize how much you don’t know. Which brings me to…
3. The student: The best life is lived in a state of perpetual intellectual curiosity. I try to read every good book I can get my hands on about business - or fiction. I invite experts to speak to my organization's community. The mind is happiest when it’s in an expanding state. There is no better way to make work fulfilling than to be learning all the time.
What roles help you enrich your professional life?
director at metal gama industrias s.a. de c.v
10yhola soy juan miguel gutierrez cepeda tengo una empresa que da servicio a carrier utc de un tienpo a tras empece a dar curzos de meditacion a mis trabajadores con resultados inprecionantes hoy por hoy la gente en todo el mundo esta muy embotellada con todos sus problemas del dia a dia en la meditacion solo pide que llege tu guia de luz y te cambiara tu vida para siempre saludos de monterrey nuevo leon mexico
Sr. Document Controller @NS via Essentium 🤓 | Wellness Masseur @ Uredu Wellness 💆🏼♀️ |
11yInspiring article, thanks Katya! This concept of keeping yourself motivated and giving a deeper meaning to your job, instead of the 9 to 5 mentality is refreashing. It made me think about my shoe closet and some of the roles you mention I can identify with (except teacher, I need more experience:)). I figured out two other roles that keep me motivated professionally: the Host, organising socials and bringing people together. Meeting collegues in a non-work environment creates room for different conversations. Also participating in initiatives to create awareness amongst students and potenial collegues keep me energized. And the Sports Chick. I actually never thought I had it in me, but it has been a habit for several months now. When I go to the gym before work I clear my mind and start afresh. Keeps me going during the day :)
Training Consultant, Board of State and Community Corrections
11yReally profound thoughts! Useful for everyone, I would think! What I glean from this is that when we are willing to look pass "our own nose," and contribute to the "greater good," it makes us better citizens.
Continuous Quality Improvement and Accreditation Specialist
11yHow true! Changing shoes is a great metaphor for a needed shift in persepctive. When we're feelng that tight, closed hearted feeling and negative energy swils around us like a gathering storm cloud, looking outwards, focusing on others and supporting them in their accomplishments can make all of the difference and bring the sun out again!
Leader Building Sustainable, Culturally Aware & Inclusive Practices | Leadership Coach | Consultant
11yNow to answer your question - what role helps me enrich my professional life - the role I am proudest of and most humbled by - Mother! I do everything to help my child succeed, including learn myself and listen; my child humbles me everyday. I strive to channel that passion into every other role in my life.