Look Inward Before Looking Onward

The world is beginning to see some bright spots post pandemic. As a result, many people are thinking of shaking up their careers as restrictions are lifted and economies improve. In fact, experts are predicting a ‘Great Resignation’ due to people wanting to move on and try something new.

I have been in consulting, government, and private and publicly traded businesses. Early in my career I would spend two to four years with an employer. I have since been with my current employer for over ten years.

If you are considering a move I would first challenge yourself to look internally. What is your why? Is your ‘why’ actually external to you? Consider these scenarios:

1. Money

2. Location

3. Work/Life Balance

4. Change in Status

5. Policy or Political Divergence Or is it internal to you? Consider these scenarios:

6. Peer or Manager personal conflict

7. Dissatisfaction with the work

I would challenge that in every case, you should look inward before looking onward. I used to look to the next role where I would find more job satisfaction. I guarantee that your leader would love to hear your ideas about how to make your career better at your existing employer. More importantly, your leader would love to hear your thoughts on how to improve the work product not just by precision or efficiency but also by its resulting enjoyment and flexibility. If leaders are actually leading, then they are challenging their assumptions about all aspects of our business after a historical event like a pandemic.

SO, CONSIDER:

1. Would you like more money? Ask your leader what you can do to provide more value. Better yet, give them three things you could do that would add value to the business and would propel you into the top performer bracket for promotion.

2. Would you like to move? Maybe be closer to family or change a commute? Communicate this to your leader and see if there is any flexibility in the location you are working or in the time you need to be in the office. Could you work a shifted schedule to avoid traffic? Can you work some from home? Is there an office location that is more convenient for your family situation? Many leaders would rather work this problem than lose you.

3. Are your responsibilities changing and allowing less time for a balance? If you are going to leave because of work/life balance I would consider a few things. Can you look around and see where you or your peers could be more efficient? Are you in meetings that are not ‘tight’ enough? Have you evaluated all your responsibilities by business value and challenged them? As with prior arguments, I would pose that your leader would rather see this ownership and challenge than have you leave. Look inside yourself and grab some of that time back for you and your family. Communicate this to your leader so that the plan you come up with can be collaborative.

4. Have you had a ‘change in status?’ Maybe you added to your family or are dealing with an illness. We all have times in our lives where we might need more understanding and flexibility. Like in the prior two examples, working with your leader to find the support you need is preferable than separation.

5. Has your employer started a policy, had a change in leadership, or taken a political (perceived or actual) stance on something that is disconnected with your beliefs? Leaving does not change or challenge. Often, the organization will cherish their diversity and welcome your viewpoints. It may not change their direction but having a trusted opinion of someone on the inside is easier to hear. Be the change you want to see in an organization that you once felt loyalty.

6. Are you walking on eggshells around someone? Do you feel a disconnect with your leader? I first look internally to see if it is my perception. Then I watch that person with others. Whether it is me or them, the answer is always me. It is my responsibility to make myself a successful person and it is my responsibility to raise up my peers and leaders. Everyone is dealing with something you may not be privy to; if you start there you can apply empathy to the person that is causing you stress. Give that person extra attention and understanding, schedule some oneon- one time with them, seek first to understand their point of view, and lastly, ‘fake it until you make it’; sometimes being nice and understanding rubs off on that person and they reciprocate. A final thought on this topic is the old saying that ‘people leave managers not companies’; leadership knows that and would like to see you find a good cultural fit. Sometimes it is not the fault of the associate or leader, it is just a mismatch. The organization would rather make a change for you than see you move on.

7. Are you not being challenged by your work any longer? Is it not as new and exciting as you once found it? I saved this one for last because this is probably the point that is the most personal. I have experienced the others, but I think this was always my impetus for change. I would read a shiny new job description and get excited about the work. What has made me successful at my current employer is turning that around on myself. If I no longer find the work challenging or fulfilling, then question why. I love analysis and business change, so all my roles are in this area. If I ever start thinking of a move I look around at co-workers I love, a culture that is fantastic, company values that are second to none, and leadership that I would follow anywhere, so it comes down to the actual work. If I find it less fulfilling, I will challenge myself to look at trends in analytics and apply them within or seek out emerging projects in the organization and see if I can help or contribute. Maybe I need to reorganize my time and start working projects in a more relevant order or I need to reach out to my internal customers for real feedback on how I could serve them better. Job satisfaction can be driven from within. This approach has also helped in my career and tenure. As I seek out the next challenge, leadership gives me more responsibility and I create the work I want to do and derive great satisfaction as I see it drive value to the business. All of this equals job satisfaction and company loyalty. But I am really being loyal to myself.

I suggest you put yourself first and be loyal. Look inward before looking without. Challenge yourself and reap the rewards of a fulfilling career. Thank you for your time and I hope this provided something to think about as you consider one of the biggest decisions of your life.