FaithRalston.com

It's late December and time to wrap up presents - as well as loose ends. This weekend I spent time throwing out old things to make room for the new. The Goodwill Institute loves to see me coming with my trunk load of stuff. Cleaning out is how I get ready for what's new and what's next in my life and career.

Recently my colleague and friend Jill Konrath told me about the work she is doing for an 81 year old man who is launching his first website and the next phase of his career. Far from retiring, this man is on the move and committed to making a difference.

In the New Year, I want to help each one of you make a difference at work by doing what you love. On average we spend 50% to 60% of our waking time at work. We feel great when our personal passions align with the needs of the organization. Ideally you are doing work that's right up your alley.

Enjoy this month's article!

In This Issue

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Are You in The Right Job?

Is This Job Right For You?

When someone asks you what you do for a living, how do you respond? Is there enthusiasm and excitement in your voice? Are you playing big or playing small?

Here are eight symptoms that indicate distress with your job. Do you:

• Frequently complain about work to friends and relatives?
• Often feel overwhelmed and unappreciated?
• Feel angry with your manager or colleagues?
• Believe you have more to offer the organization?
• Feel increasingly less confident and unsure of your abilities?
• Daydream and look for ways to escape during the day?
• Often feel bored and disengaged?
• Receive little support or encouragement from others?

The grass may look greener elsewhere - but it rarely is. Instead of rushing out and finding a new job, first try to tackle what you've got. Often the best solution is stepping into the situation in front of you. You may need to learn a new skill or address an issue you've never tacked before.

So if your job isn't satisfying or as rewarding as it could be, here are some actions you can take:

1. Notice what zaps your energy.
Get specific. Write down the specific tasks, interactions, or expectations that drain you. You might not feel supported by your boss and worry that one of your employees is slacking off. Getting specific helps you clarify your real concerns. This is the first step to turning things around.

2. Recognize what energizes you.
What aspects of your work do you really enjoy? Identify what you love to do and the relationships you value at work. You might really like your co-workers and enjoy the project you are working on. Take time to acknowledge what's going right. Tell others. Sharing what you love to do is one of the best ways to create future opportunities.

3. Choose one energy-zapping issue.
Don't tackle the biggest issue first! You may want to start by dealing with the employee who is slacking off. Then tackle your frustrations with the boss. Start by focusing on a minor or less significant problem. You must build new muscles before you tackle the bigger issues.

4. Take simple, easy steps.
Avoid throwing out the baby with the bath water. Brainstorm immediate and small steps you can take to address one issue. You might set up a meeting to share your concerns with the employee. It's amazing how many big issues are resolved by simply taking small steps and implement simple solutions.

5. Check in with a colleague.
Share your goal and the actions you are taking. Don't try to go it alone. Keep this person updated on your progress. Notice what works and what doesn't work. Ask for ideas and suggestions. Share your progress along the way. Keep going and keep making small changes.

6. Realize when it's time to move on.
Sometimes, there's nothing you can do to change the situation. During these times, your career will start to go backwards. Nothing works.

7. Make a change.
It's always a risk to change jobs. But I've noticed that 99% of the people who do so, land on their feet! When nothing works - don't take it personally or blame others. Simply make the decision and move on. Life is calling you to contribute in a meaningful way. Take the leap, welcome uncertainty, and trust that you'll land in a new and better place.

NEWS AND EVENTS

2006 OPPORTUNITIES

In the New Year we are offering several programs to help you expand your leadership and team contributions. I hope you'll sign up for some of these empowering programs.

You can sign up forPlay to Your Strengths Coaching to take your career and leadership in new directions.

Enroll in "Interactive Feed-Forward Session" where peers and colleagues help you launch a new direction.

Sign up for "Give Voice to Your Vision" coaching and share your direction and vision with others.

Become a Certified Play To Your Strengths Coach and empower employees in your organization and team to contribute their best. Call or email me if you want to talk about your specific situation at 612 333-7047.

For Women Only
Join us for our monthly "Awesome Women's Night Out" at the Midland Hills Country Club. January 11 from 6 - 9 p.m. Learn more at www.awesome-women.org. Hope to see you there!

That's all for this month. Have a Happy New year!

Faith
President, Leaps of Faith, Inc. and Creator of Play to Your Strengths Talent System