The secret to never getting stuck in your job!

During my interview at my beloved Guidant Corporation, the VP of HR said, "We're a family. We never lay people off." It was true. Guidant was a glorious place to work.

Until it wasn't. We got acquired. National political priorities changed the industry. Product issues shone an uncomfortable spotlight on internal processes. Beloved leaders were walked out the door, and the promise of "no layoffs" could no longer be kept.

In layoff meeting after layoff meeting (as HR, I conducted a lot of layoffs), I heard people's anger that the "family" had betrayed them. Maybe. And maybe not. The company did what companies do, and employees shouldn't have been surprised. The company perpetuated itself and looked out for its future.

Through my years as a coach, I've come to realize an ugly truth about business. This truth will set you free:

Your company doesn't love you.

The humans will love you - your boss, your colleagues, your HR representative. But, the company exists for itself. Even the most progressive, employee-centered company can get acquired. They move your favorite director to a new division. They restructure. They decide there will be 1% merit increases or slash your budget. That's what companies do, and it's ok.

If this sounds bleak or cynical, take heart. This statement is GOOD NEWS for you and your company.

Once you internalize that your company doesn't love you, you become a free agent who has choices. When you feel free, you have a great attitude and enjoy your contributions. That is good for you and your employer.

Here are three important strategies for creating, and keeping, your freedom at work whether you love your job or already feel stuck:

1. Look out for #1. No one has your best interest at heart like you do. Make yourself and what you contribute a priority at work.
2. Be strategic. You work for your company. That is clear. Now consider that your company works for you. Beyond the obvious assets of salary and benefits, your company offers many opportunities for growth - training, conferences, relationships, and new experiences. With each role, project, and relationship consider the skills you will develop, the gaps you want to fill, and the network you will develop. Make sure that you spend your time at work strategically leading yourself where you want to go - both personally and professionally.
3. Locate your nearest exit. Even if you love your job and plan to stay forever, it's smart to know what changes would push you from happy to stuck. Losing your flexibility? Another new boss? Diminished responsibility? Keep your skills current. Keep your network activated. Know your value.

My client, Adrienne, recently applied for a new job. She's not sure if a change is the right direction, but brushing up her resume reinforced the depth of her experience and value. Just preparing the application enhanced her sense of freedom and choices.

Like any relationship, you will have to do things you don't love at work. That's part of the deal in any job. And, with a mindset shift and a few strategic choices, you will always be free.

With love,

Christina

Is anxiety running you? There is a way out.

Estimated read time: just under one minute

You can be free! And keep your job. At the same time.

I hear from many people that their anxiety about work runs high. The economy is bad. They've lost their mojo. They feel stuck, pigeon-holed. They don't know the way out of the rut. Does this sound familiar?

My client, Todd, was run by anxiety. He was short-tempered in meetings, and his team's performance was suffering. He believed that only a buttoned up, carefully controlled version of himself was welcome at the office. That belief was stifling his creativity and happiness, and the stress of stuffing important parts of himself was coming out sideways. The anxiety was killing him and his team.

Working everyday from anxiety is never going to get you what you want. Certainly, it affects things like your sleep and fun, but it also affects your performance and engagement and therefore your opportunities, promotions and at the end of the day, your money. Todd turned his anxiety around, and you can, too.

In coaching, Todd created practices to manage his anxiety and took risks to bring the creative, funky parts of himself to work. He got familiar with his own unique processes and strengths. As a result, Todd's anxiety was gone. He became physically active again. His team got happy and productive. He became a vital, positive contributor in meetings, and his director couldn't believe the fast turnaround.

You can learn to manage your anxiety to take charge of your life and choices again. You can find meaning and bring joy and creativity back to your day.

If you feel ready to lose the anxiety and claim your success, let's hop on the phone. In 30 minutes, we'll create an anxiety-busting, creativity building strategy that will send you back to the office transformed. Email me at christina@boydsmithcoaching.com to schedule a time with me.

I can't wait to connect.

Christina

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