Hey there, Maverick!

Let me summarize last week’s live session if you haven’t watched it yet, though I highly encourage doing so!

I talked about the two (really three) things that you need before embarking on any journey of discovery, including searching or hunting for a job. You need:

A Map (showing the path from Point A to Point B)
A Compass (to help you stay on the path)
A Vehicle (the transport to complete the journey)

I realize that I’m discussing esoteric conceptual strategies right now and I understand that many of you need more actionable, tactical advice, like help with resumes, or how to prepare for interviews, etc. And we will be getting to that in the coming weeks. In fact I’m going to put together a Challenge or Masterclass called The Job Hunt Mastery Challenge with some colleagues of mine very soon. But I believe it is important to begin with the end in mind, as Stephen Covey would say. Because many times, I see people making a job change to escape a bad situation, rather than to go towards something truly fulfilling. So that’s why I’m spending so much time on the foundational stuff right now, because it’s probably not the kind of thing you’ve heard from recruiters, head hunters or staffing agencies before.

I started, like always, with a story. Like Captain Jack Sparrow, from “Pirates of The Caribbean” we all would like to have a magic compass that leads us to our ultimate desire. But we are able to craft a reasonable approximation of a magic compass by using the tools we talked about last week to create clarity, about where we are, who we are and where we want to be.

Recall the STAARS acronym–all of these things must change in concert with each other in order to successfully navigate from your current Point A to your future Point B.

Situation
Thinking
Attitude
Actions
Results
Support

The final S (Support) is the primary reason I created this group. Successful people tend to want to do it themselves and go it alone, but as Einstein said, and I’m paraphrasing, “The current way of thinking that created the problem will not be adequate for solving the problem.” You need another person’s perspective, and possibly some assistance to complete your journey to the next summit successfully. I am happy to talk with anyone in the Community at any time to help you get deep clarity and develop your compass or roadmap. All you’ve got to do is ask!

But the real focus for this past week was on you as the vehicle to get you to your ultimate destination. Who are you, what are your values, and how do you implement a mechanism for continuous growth so that your value to others in your life, including your current or future employers, continues growing, so that you can always get paid what you are worth? Jobs and titles come and go, especially these days. But your values and your principles should never change. Don’t sell out, but don’t sell yourself short either!

I get it, it sounds so simple, but it’s not easy. If you don’t know where to start, look without envy or jealousy for someone who is walking a similar career path ahead of you. Maybe they are in the exact job or position you want to be in five, ten, twenty years from now. See if they would be willing to be an active mentor for you (we’ll talk more about that this week). If not, then observe them. What do they do? What motivates them? How do they handle work challenges and situations? Do they have any skills or experiences that you don’t have, and if so, how did they get them? Or just simply think about people from your life that you wish to emulate. Your pastor, your favorite aunt or uncle, someone you look up to as a role model. Remember, you have to be authentic, so don’t try to be someone you are not, but if there is someone who exemplifies a particular characteristic that you admire, or want to improve, then evaluate your thoughts, attitudes and actions and see what changes you’d need to make to create more alignment towards those characteristics.

Then I talked about DISC Personality Types. Knowing yours is extremely helpful, because there are certain types of job that are best suited for each personality type. I covered them briefly during the live season, but if you are interested in learning more, I prepared a downloadable pdf guide for your reference. If you want it, let me know in the group!

I also passed along some helpful advice I received early in my career. Always view yourself as an independent contractor, and that your current employer is merely your biggest customer. There is no employer/employee loyalty anymore, so take control of that dynamic. You get to choose who you work with and work for, and nobody owns you but YOU!

Ah yes, but doesn’t that just lead to the hustle culture and gig economy, where everybody peddles their wares and worth, competing on volume (more hours worked) and price (less pay per hour). For commodity skills, sure. My daughter argues this point with me all the time. But at the same time, she prints 3D props and makes costumes for herself and her friends to go to anime conventions. Because she LOVES it. And I bet she could make a decent living at it if she really committed to it. And at that point, is it a hustle? Going back to the ikigai conversation last week, if you love it, are good at it, the world needs it, and you can get paid for it, then DO IT!

I wrapped things up by talking about a couple of resources included in the book “Designing Your NEW Work Life” by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans, founders of the Stanford d. School. First, was the “Imagining Your Quit” worksheet, and second was the “Quitting Well” plan. I essentially followed a very similar process when I shifted jobs in the Government, long before this book was published. Simply put, leave any place you’ve been better than you found it. As you become more of a leader, especially as a leader, people are watching. And if they see you leveling up the organizations you touch, one of those people will end up reaching out to you with the perfect opportunity that you didn’t even know existed. And THAT’s what we’ll be talking about this week!

Happy November, Maverick! See you in the group!

Troy

P.S. If you are not in the group, you’re missing out on some great topics of discussion with even greater people. Come join us! It’s free!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/careerchange4techpros