Management Training for Success- Are You Kidding Yourself?

TODAY’s Subject:  Are you kidding yourself?

Some of you have heard me say recently, either in a seminar or in our private coaching sessions together that we (humans) “have an infinite capacity for self-deception.”

It’s funny at first, depending on your sense of humor.  And then, it’s a statement that makes you go “Hmmmm.”

“What am I deceiving myself about?”  If the word “deceiving” is too brutal, how about the phrase “kidding yourself”?

Are you “kidding yourself” about what it takes to get what you want?  What you are WORTHY of?

Time for a “BFO” (blinding flash of the obvious).  What got you where you are now, will NOT get you where you want to go.

So, think about what kind of results you want.  Let’s say you’d like to take your career to the next level, but you’re feeling, well stalled out, so to speak.

As long as you do nothing new, nothing new will happen.  In fact, probably worse than nothing new will happen, because your company does expect a minimal amount of learning new skills, processes, procedures, yes?

Ok, if you want big changes in your career, what will you need to do?  Something big, right?  Tiny changes are just fine, and in some cases, I’m a HUGE fan of tiny changes.  Just know that those tiny changes will take a LOT longer to yield you the results you want.  Don’t kid yourself about this.

Here are a few ideas about some tiny changes you could make in your career progression and some bigger changes:

Tiny changes:  These are especially helpful for people who are more quiet at work.  Because don’t kid yourself, sometimes people have weird misconceptions about those reserved types.

The stereotypes include: They aren’t friendly, they don’t like people, they’re cold and unapproachable.  Trust me on this one, if people are getting that vibe about you, you are likely limited in career progression.

So, if you are more quiet and reserved on the job:

Start talking with more people at work.  Then just start with eye contact and saying “good morning.”  Told you these were tiny changes. More ideas for tiny changes, when someone says something in a meeting, even if you don’t have anything else to say, say, “great idea” (Obviously, only if you really think so!) When you walk by someone who is wearing something that looks good on them, if you’re comfortable, say, “Nice blouse.”

See, baby steps, here.  You will start to seem more friendly, open and approachable.

And now, bigger steps for those of you ready to make something big happen:

Join and be an *active* member of your professional association.  See if they have a mentorship program and get enrolled asap.  Ask someone at work (who is in the “inner circle”) for a piece of quick, specific advice.  Take a seminar, and return to work and share the knowledge with others.  AND, be sure to start your professional portfolio and give your boss monthly updates.

Advanced tips:  When you’re ready, consider a career coach.  Tuck this away for when the timing is right, I do professional and personal coaching, so if that’s something you think might help, just give me a shout out, okay?

Happy Friday, my friends.  Talk with you again soon!

Warmly, Crystal
P.S. Cool fact, now, 65% of my clients are getting their companies to pay for coaching with me as it helps with professional development.  Neat, yes? I’ve got some coaching slots available come mid-May, sorry, nothing open until then.  Be sure to get on the list if you’re interested, just send me an email, saying you’re interested.