After listening to inspirational speeches all week, I’m scrapping today’s planned topic.
Instead, the speeches moved me to reflect on purpose, specifically the purpose of my writing. Is it chasing “likes”? Drumming up business? (though nothing wrong with that 🙂 Or something else?
It’s always a good practice to stop and reflect on why we pursue our goals, to feel more committed, and to weed out effort that doesn’t fit anymore.
So I’m modeling that today. Reflecting, I realized that I write because of what I believe, and that it might be illustrative to articulate these beliefs here.
Belief #1: Work doesn’t have to suck.
We spend most of our waking hours at work. Making the experience pleasant as well as productive is therefore incredibly worthwhile. Plus, many of us are fortunate that our work is also an excellent venue for personal growth. While making a living, we can use our work experiences to learn to be better humans.
Belief #2: Everyone has the potential to thrive at work.
I believe there is a job, a manager, and a mindset for everyone to have the satisfaction of a a job well done and to learn. There’s no guarantee of never-ending advancement, to be sure. But the corollary is that if someone isn’t thriving, they’re not in the right place and we should help them find it.
Belief #3: You must treat people with respect at work.
Sure, organizations make decisions that aren’t people-friendly. They are profit seeking (or at least cashflow dependent) and employees are not “family.” But it’s always possible to establish expectations for decency and respect – and I won’t work with companies that don’t. Back to point #1: let’s not make it suck for each other.
These beliefs are why I coach leaders and talk about leadership.
Self awareness helps us be more aware of the impact we have on others. Effective communication allows ideas to surface, and also minimizes misunderstandings and unnecessary suffering. Good strategy and decision making increases the probability that people’s hard work leads to a tangible result.
I believe that writing and coaching can have a “trickle-out” effect where, when one person’s behavior shifts, it impacts the people around them, who then in turn bring that better state of being to the rest of their life. Maybe you, my reader, hears something that makes you more inspired, informed, reassured and your mindset shifts, even just a little bit.
And, whatever your current work, ask yourself what are you working for and who are you working for? Just the act of questioning may bring increased clarity and conviction.
Want to receive more of my tips, reflections and resources? Subscribe to “Try It! The Scientific Leadership Newsletter” and get my content directly to your inbox!
