3 posts tagged “job”
Twice within the past 5 years I have personally met and heard PETER WEDDLE, a recruiter, HR consultant and business CEO turned author and commentator, described by The Washington Post as "... a man filled with ingenious ideas," who has earned an international reputation, pioneering concepts in Human Resource leadership and employment speak at the Kennedy Recruiting Conference, a conference that is widely attended by head hunters, recruiters, employment agencies and representatives from job boards. Both times I was astounded by his breadth of knowledge and boundless energy and enthusiasm for sharing eye opening information about the recruitment process. So, when I read WEDDLE's latest newsletter, I immediately got his permission to share the following article with you.
The Olympic Games will begin shortly and, no doubt, treat us to a showcase of some of humankind's best moments. Despite its imperfections, this quadrennial event confirms just how special people can be when they are dedicated to a goal, work hard at its accomplishment and have faith in themselves. For most of us, however, the athletes who compete in the Olympics seem a very different breed. They are more gifted than we, more talented, more able to succeed at realizing their aspirations. So, we assume that the journey of an Olympian holds little of relevance to our gifts and talent or to the aspirations at which we work. And, that assumption is incorrect.
Olympians are the living embodiment of three principles that are as important to each of us as they are to those who are world class athletes. Why is that so? Because every person has the ability to be a world class "career athlete," to achieve career victories that may not award them a gold medal, but will earn them a perfect ten in self respect and happiness at work. How can that happen, especially in difficult times such as these? By incorporating those three Olympian principles into your career. And the key to doing that is to adopt the goals and beliefs of these special athletes.
Most Olympic athletes are ordinary people striving to do extraordinary things. They set out to be the best they can be in their chosen sport. That's their all consuming goal. To continuously probe the outer limits of their ability to perform in archery, swimming, track or judo. They will reach for the outer reaches of what they can do, but at some point that reach will exceed their grasp. With some wonderful exceptions like Dara Torres, most of these athletes will see their push for perfection limited by the inherent aging of the human body. They have a brief shot at their personal best, and then their chance is gone.
Happily, we can adopt
the very same goal but without the Olympian's limitation. We can (and
should) strive to be the best we can be in our chosen field of work,
and with rare exceptions, we will never have to worry about being
derailed in that quest by the frailties of the human body. All we
have to do is accept the validity of this objective and make the
commitment to work at it. We have to:
and
Unlike Olympians, of course, our quest to be the best we can be will play out in the workplace. Work is the one endeavor where everyone can be challenged and pushed to explore and ultimately express the full dimensions of the talent which is their special gift. Our contest, however, won't be guided by events or lanes, but by jobs and responsibilities. And equally as important, we won't be measuring ourselves against others-against our competitors-but against ourselves-against what we have already achieved and what more we can strive to do.
That's the goal we can borrow from Olympians. It is a worthy vision in and of itself, but it is also the foundation for our understanding and using the three principles of Olympian success. They are:
So, watch the Olympics. Thrill to the joy of victory and reflect on the agony of defeat. Then, turn off the TV set and turn on the contest of your life. You have your own wonderful race to run. It won't take you to the world's medal stand, but it will position you to reach your own platform of perfection. Unlike the Olympians, however, you don't have to settle for gold. Your challenge is the pursuit of Happiness, and victory there shines deeper and richer than any medal. It is the mark of a true career champion.
Thanks for reading,
Peter
P.S. READER'S ALERT: Don't miss the write-up below on our latest book-WEDDLE's Guide to Staffing Firms & Employment Agencies. The American Staffing Association reports that one-third of those who take part time or contract jobs through a staffing firm end up being hired full time by their employers. That's why this book is "a practical path to full and part time employment".
For information about WEDDLE's visit http://www.weddles.com/index.htm
With the cost of living reaching epic proportions is it better to be employed in a job that pays well but isn't rewarding or to take the risk and do what you are passionate about?
Read the following poem asnd ask yourself which verse best describes how you feel about your current position? How does this compare to your above answer? You are welcome to share your comments.
Autobiography in Five Chapters
By Portia Nelson
Chapter I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I'm in the same place, but it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in...it's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter V
I walk down another street.
Creative Visualization written by Shakti Gawain has had a tremendous impacts on my life. Published long before The Secret, this book speaks about the power of visualization or law of attraction. Whatever you call it, this book discusses attitudes that block achievement and then offers a series of guided meditations to help you access you deepest desires. People like Walt Disney, Martin Luther King and Ben Franklin recognized the power of visualization. I have used these techniques, with great success, in my own life and while coaching clients.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey - Stephen Covey is a master of relationship management. He understands the power of listening and asking good questions. The greatest idea I took away from his book is the importance of the emotional bank account. Everyday, I try and add something into the emotional bank account that others hold for me. Be it a kind word, acknowledging an accomplishment or cheering on a friend, family member, acquaintance, client or even a stranger. As my husband so eloquently puts it "my stock is up today." The greater your emotional bank account or stock becomes the easier it is for others to forgive your transgressions.
Getting the Love You Want, Harville Hendrix Ph.d - The lessons I learned about love, relationships and communication while attending the Imago workshop and reading the book were life changing. If I could, I would give the workshop as an engagement present to every couple I know. However, given the investment, I will have to settle on giving the book or CD as present, instead. Hendrix provides the most sensible tools and methods for improving interpersonal relationships. Please read his book or better yet sign up for a workshop http://lindaschnapp.com (in the New York Area) or Gettng the Love You Want (outside the New York area)
Interview Strategies That Will Get You the Job You Want; Greener Pastures; Life's A Bitch and Then You Change Careers, Andrea Kay - I first heard Andrea Kay speak in 2002 at a Career Master's Institute conference in Kansas City. My first thought was wow, this woman is amazing. My second thought was I want to be as good as her and so I bought her book Interview Strategies That Will Get You The Job You Want. It quickly became one of my favorite reference books. A few years later, I heard Andrea was speaking on a teleseminar. So, I quickly signed up. This time not only did I buy her book, Greener Pastures, but I contracted with her to be my coach and mentor.
Andrea's no nonsense, practical approach to career management is a must read for everyone. Her strategies for making a career transition, as outlined in Life's A Bitch, have proven successful with every client I've coached. While I whole heartedly recommend working with a good mentor or career coach to catapult your career, Andrea's books are a close second.
