Have you ever moved on to a new job or a different position in your organization or with a new company only to realize how unhappy and unproductive you were in the old job? It’s interesting that many of us don’t realize how bad it was until we have had a chance to look back in from the outside. Usually everyone else sees it but us… we’re the last to know! Some people call it burn out and in some cases (actually, very few cases) that may be true. The real reason, most often, is that you were miscast. You were placed in a job or role that didn’t fit your talents. You were doing a job instead of building a career. It could be your manager’s fault to a degree, but ultimately the blame falls on you. No one can have a fulfilling career doing something they are not good at or don’t have a talent for. A great manager will be able to spot an employee not working within her area of talent and should be able to help move this employee to the right role. Many managers see when you’re not performing up to standard but ignore their responsibility to manage. Most of your coworkers see it but leave it to the manager to handle. But ultimately, it’s your responsibility to build a fulfilling career. So how do you know you’re going down the wrong path or heading toward a dead end road in your work life? We’ve listed 5 signs to look for so you can spot what everyone else has probably spotted.
How can you know what everyone else knows?
- You’re constantly finding excuses not to work – This is partly showing up late or in the nick of time for work and watching the clock for your time to leave. But it is mostly finding ways to get you away from doing the important and productive work at hand. Maybe it’s reading the same emails over and over throughout the day. Maybe it’s playing on facebook when no one is looking. Maybe it’s going on “business calls” outside the office but in actuality you’re spending that time running personal errands. We could go on for a day with these types of things but hopefully you’re kind of getting what we’re talking about.
- You’re not getting positive feedback or “pats on the back” from your manager – If your boss or someone at work can’t give you at least one “pat on the back” in a seven day period then something might be wrong. If you’re in an area of talent there’s no way you can’t do something remarkable in a week’s time. Maybe you feel like everyone is trying to fix you or is never satisfied with what you are doing. Don’t continue to make excuses and place blame. Take a good look in the mirror. It might be you! If it really isn’t you and this is what you’re getting at work, then run Forrest run!!!
- You’re in a perpetual state of negativity – No one, other than a negative person, likes to be around a negative person. We can all have a bad hair day or get irritated with a situation, but most people move on and enjoy the rest of their day and week. What we’re talking about here is someone who constantly complains or constantly has issues with management and leadership. If you find yourself in this state, then make a change. Either a change in attitude (which is solely your responsibility) or a change in scenery.
- You’re not making innovations – If you’re in a job you love and one where you have a talent (those go hand-in-hand 99% of the time) then you are going to bring about innovations to your department and organization. If you’re completely out of innovative ideas and are just going through the motions collecting a paycheck you might be stuck. When is the last time you’ve improved a process or implemented (not thought about) an idea. Are you finding yourself talking about all the things you’re going to do but not actually doing anything? Talk is cheap, innovation is priceless.
- Paranoia has set it and taken hold – They’re out to get me!!! Odds are, they really aren’t. This gets back to one finding excuses for every criticism, every mistake and a lack of performance. Many times, those closest to us will enable us and in their mind protect us by not really telling us what we need to hear. So the bottom line is, it’s often entirely up to you to self-evaluate and be honest with yourself as to what could be done differently.
If you’re seeing just one of these signs, pay attention. Make a change or adjustment. If you’re seeing three or more of these signs you should talk to your manager immediately and prepare to make major changes. Choose to do nothing… you’re headed for the cliff and that usually doesn’t end well.
