You’ve got gifts to offer and choices to make.
I know that a career process raises questions about self-worth, identity and purpose. It requires talking about yourself and promoting yourself. No wonder it often challenges self-esteem and brings up doubts, fears and confusion. That’s especially the case when you’re in a transition—beginning your career, returning to work, facing a lay-off, considering a change, or wondering what’s next.
That’s why I focus on WHAT YOU OFFER and YOUR GEMS. (To me, gems are your strengths and your gifts… the special contributions you make.)
Here’s the philosophy that guides my work:
Values—and honoring your values—are the foundation of my coaching practice. I want to know what’s important to you. I want to help you get clear about your gifts. And I want to help you set career goals that align with your values and your strengths.
It’s your offer. I believe that you will find your right work when you have the mindset that you’re the one making the offer. You get to choose who is worthy of your good works. I believe that the more you value what you have to offer, the greater your success in landing a job that will give you satisfaction.
Giving and getting—work is an exchange
Giving. You are giving your precious time, talents, skills and attention. Your unique mix of job-doing skills, social skills, and work and life experience. What do you want to offer to the world of work? What parts of yourself do you want to use? What do you want to develop? What’s your offer?
Getting. What do you want to get out of work?
There’s the tangible stuff like a paycheck, benefits and organizational structure; and there are the intangibles.
Think about what’s important to you: what you earn,training and professional development, mentoring, structure, promotions, etc.
There are intangibles. Value goes deeper than your paycheck. It’s a question of what leaves you feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Big stuff like status and recognition, camaraderie, influence, a legacy, a product…
In service of what? (or the “so what” or “why bother”) Your good works have an impact. What you give makes a difference. So, think long and hard about who and what you want to benefit from your precious time, skills, talents and energy. I believe that it’s critical that you define success for yourself in each of these areas. Some of us work for profit. Others work for a cause. Others need to develop something concrete. Or help people. Or get people into action.
It’s critical that you sit with your why bother, and to share your vision with others. It’ll get them interested and inspired to help you find your right fit.
People hire people. Communicate to connect.
I believe that you have to reach out and talk to people to get hired. You know face-to-face communication is where the good stuff like interviews and offers happen. It’s about authentic self-promotion and committing to communicating. When you know what you value and where you want to make your offer, you’re on the path to effective self-promotion. That’s the right career path for you!
Ready to get going? Contact me and I’ll help you celebrate your gifts and get the offer you’re after.