7 mistakes Driven professionals make when reinventing work and leadership
During this time of the “great resignation, reshuffle,” however you want to call it, people are really re-thinking how they work and lead. As a leadership coach that guides highly driven professionals through career crossroads, transitions and expansions, I notice some common “mistakes” people make during this opportune time.
I made a lot of these same mistakes when I transitioned out of my own decade long career and profession. I really want to help you save time and energy so you can experience more passion, impact and ease doing work you love as soon as possible. So here are 7 of the most common mistakes I see:
Look for new jobs/titles or business ideas without taking time for inner-reflection. I’m a big fan of data but often times what you think will make you happy or successful is based on other people’s data. True fulfillment comes from really knowing yourself and your values, how you are designed and what environments really help you thrive. Few people take the time to ask themselves these questions and really know their own data.
Think you are starting over and that you have to go back to school or start from scratch. Our generation needed a degree for everything -not true today. And your experience whether in “the field” or not is not only relative but something you can leverage. Being a stay-at home parent for example makes you an amazing manager.
Think you have imposter syndrome when really it’s just the discomfort of a learning curve. Here’s the truth, when you want to redesign how you work, it means change. The brain doesn’t like different. Know this going in - you can set up structures to support you through the discomfort of a learning curve. You can join a supportive community or hire a coach to help guide you through the necessary mindset shifts.
Think all or nothing. Either I’m happy or successful. That usually sounds like “I don’t want to give up my lifestyle, I need benefits so that means I have to suck it up.” However, when you take on a both/and mindset, this allows for creative solutions. I’ve had clients keep their job and shift their duties so that it represents more of how they best work and what they care about. I have also had clients consult and create bridge gigs and some that realize they can find alternatives to health care and income. This frees them to pursue their passions full out.
Think hard work brings success. If you are highly-driven, I bet you are good at a lot of things and can make anything work. The truth is that it takes a lot of energy to do things you are “good at” but don’t really care about or are no longer a goal or priority in your current stage of life. Perhaps you get external validation - $$, praise, approval but that only lasts so long. You may have to put in more time for something new but when it’s filled with passion and purpose it’s not hard, it’s devotion. You will be surprised at how much stamina and energy you have when you are doing the right for you work.
Think security comes fr0m outside of self. If the pandemic has showed us anything, job security is a myth. Feeling secure in your own ability to thrive through ups and downs in life is where your true safety lies. . Authentic self-leadership is what will help you feel on the right path and thrive no matter your outside circumstances. That’s something that is available to everyone. If you don’t identify as a leader or want to change how you lead, watch a presentation I gave on this topic here.
Reinvent in isolation. When you are looking to reinvent, it’s usually because there was a disappointment or something is not working for you and you question your choices. This can bring up some shame (it did for me) and so you may avoid certain people and work conversations. But when you ruminate in isolation your disappointment starts to become your identity. Having brave conversations with people you trust or a professional can help shift the story you are telling yourself and open doors you may never have thought about. Find a network or a trusted friend or a coach, just don’t go it alone!
The first step in reinventing how you work comes back to what I shared in mistake #1, not taking time for self-reflection. There are many books that can help guide you through transitions and expansions. Do a quick google search and see which ones most resonates for you. Or you can download an e-copy of my book here.
If you aren’t much of a writer or someone who likes to journal and are more of a verbal processor or feel like you need someone to help you personalize questions for self-awareness and need accountability to take action (that’s where the real shifts happen) book a discovery call with a coach.
There are many types of coaches that can really help you get clear on what’s the best way to help you get clarity on how you work best. Often times you can book a free discovery call to learn more and see if it’s a right fit for you. If you are interested, you can book a call with me here.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to not go it alone, or to rely on people that have their own agendas for you. You can spend months if not years circling the same conversation in your head without actually getting clear on what’s the next right best step for you.
I personally believe we are in a time of a “great awakening.” By investing the time to truly reflect on what you want, value and how you best thrive in work and leadership, not only can you make your life better, but all the people you lead, work and live with will benefit too.
Happy work makes a happy meaningful life. I really encourage you to take this collective era of transformation to give yourself the space and time to know what that would look like for you.
I’m rooting for you!
