Many people believe that a crappy workplace will become better with some huge change that happens out there (with “out there” looking an awful lot like the CEO’s office). It’s important for you to know what actually makes your workplace the kind of place you want to be every day.
Story time!
One of my clients (let's call her, Susan) finally got the once-in-a-lifetime leadership job she had worked toward for years. Aaaand, the promotion came with a team of unpleasant (and to use her words) "back-stabbing" colleagues as a result of an acquisition. To say the situation has been draining would be an understatement.
At first, our conversations revolved around "those people" and the things they did or the ways they sucked and how the combination of two conflicting departments was to blame. Over time, Susan's focus has shifted to her responsibility for the dynamic and to claiming her own self care and boundaries.
She has applied herself diligently to addressing her relationships with these colleagues and to making her workplace the happier and more supportive environment she wants. It's been a journey of baby steps, and things are starting to change.
Which brings me to the wisdom for you.
The path to change is always a journey of baby steps. If you think the road to change in your workplace is going to come from a new CEO or a culture initiative from the HR Department or as some big lightning strike, shazaam!, flash moment, your hair will be turning grey as you wait.
The road to change is more subtle and smaller than you might think. Your progress will be one foot in front of the other, the result of your commitment and consistent action.
Susan reminds me daily of her favorite words from our coaching (these are the two powerful words I promised you):
Keep going!
When you are trying on new behaviors or making a change, your main job is to keep going. Keep trying the new thing. Keep showing up. Keeping experimenting and watching your impact. Don't allow setbacks or fears to derail you. Just keep going.
The Everyday Rebel Challenge is one way to keep going with small, actionable steps you can take every day for 21 days to bring you more joy and more calm at work. An amazing community is gathering for the challenge who are so done with stress and conformity and so ready to be more fully themselves at the office and claim time for the things they love. We start on March 27 and would love to have you join us.Grab your spot here.
Here's to baby steps!
Christina
P.S. Sign up for the Everyday Rebel Challenge for free here. Share it with your friends and colleagues. You might even form a little Everyday Rebel Challenge team for added fun!