As a result of hundreds of conversations with clients it is pretty clear to me what people really need at work. It is really important for people to have challenging positions with an opportunity for growth and development. As humans, we continue to grow and change so we need to have opportunities for new projects. Many people leave jobs because they become routine and no longer offer an opportunity for growth. I always teach my students and/or clients to learn to evaluate their values. Values are what really guide us. What you want at age 20 is different than age 30, 40, 50 and so on. Career development is a lifelong process and you have to continue to evaluate what is really important to you!
Another common reason people leave is due to the management. You have a great position when you have the support of a supervisor who is investing in you and helping you grow and learn! Hence, the old adage that “people do not leave jobs…they leave managers.” It is very true! A good supervisor will praise and encourage people. Regardless of the budget, it costs nothing to notice an employee’s good work and verbally acknowledge it. Employees are people and need recognition and support! Some personality types require it more than others but it really helps to motivate people. If you want to have employees who are really engaged in their careers you need to provide a positive work environment. Office culture is top down so managers need to communicate well and set a positive tone for the office.
One of my favorite terms that I use in sessions with clients is “goodness of fit”. A good job is one where you fit the environment, the culture and the nature of the job. During the interview process both sides are looking for the “goodness of fit”. We are all meant to be somewhere and timing is the key. Sometimes the nature of the job does fit you well but you were not the best fit with the management or existing employees. Personally, I believe that you can feel that “fit” and you know in your gut if you are the right person for that place of employment at that point in time.
It also helps to remember that everything is temporary in life. Many of my current clients are extremely stressed and feel the need to switch jobs immediately. Patience is the key to making the right decision. The next step becomes very important so you do not want to make a hasty decision. Navigating your career is essential for all of us. You are making a career decision even when you are deciding to stay where you currently are. Be careful about comparing yourself to others. This is your career journey and you are the only one who can really make decisions about your next step. I hope you have a good journey and always remember that “the journey is the goal.” Stay in the moment and enjoy your life!
Another common reason people leave is due to the management. You have a great position when you have the support of a supervisor who is investing in you and helping you grow and learn! Hence, the old adage that “people do not leave jobs…they leave managers.” It is very true! A good supervisor will praise and encourage people. Regardless of the budget, it costs nothing to notice an employee’s good work and verbally acknowledge it. Employees are people and need recognition and support! Some personality types require it more than others but it really helps to motivate people. If you want to have employees who are really engaged in their careers you need to provide a positive work environment. Office culture is top down so managers need to communicate well and set a positive tone for the office.
One of my favorite terms that I use in sessions with clients is “goodness of fit”. A good job is one where you fit the environment, the culture and the nature of the job. During the interview process both sides are looking for the “goodness of fit”. We are all meant to be somewhere and timing is the key. Sometimes the nature of the job does fit you well but you were not the best fit with the management or existing employees. Personally, I believe that you can feel that “fit” and you know in your gut if you are the right person for that place of employment at that point in time.
It also helps to remember that everything is temporary in life. Many of my current clients are extremely stressed and feel the need to switch jobs immediately. Patience is the key to making the right decision. The next step becomes very important so you do not want to make a hasty decision. Navigating your career is essential for all of us. You are making a career decision even when you are deciding to stay where you currently are. Be careful about comparing yourself to others. This is your career journey and you are the only one who can really make decisions about your next step. I hope you have a good journey and always remember that “the journey is the goal.” Stay in the moment and enjoy your life!