A Simple Strategy to Get What You Want Out of Your Career

“Why don’t they put more time and attention to that client? If
they don’t, they might lose them.”


 


“Can’t they see I would be excellent in that position? Why don’t
they consider me?”


 


“Don’t they understand that if they’d just have more team
building activities throughout the year everyone would work
better together? Collaboration clearly improved after our yearly
retreat.”


 


“Why don’t they spend a little extra money on the furniture in
our waiting area? At least they could provide fresh tea/coffee
and relaxing (or energizing) music for guests! Seriously, don’t
they understand that we’ll have a better reputation, and
therefore more customers, if we did?”


 


Ever find yourself saying or thinking any of the above
statements?


 


They, of course, are the responsible ones—the Owner, CEO,
Executive in charge. And if they’d simply listen to you, then
everyone would be better off, including them.


 


This is the way many of us think when faced with subpar
performance, communities, election results, and even our
workplaces. We see and hear a clear problem, even
life-threatening, and chose to pass the buck, saying, “It’s not
my responsibility.”


 


Those were almost the exact words Jackie said after I shared my
concern about a slick spot on the pool deck where I narrowly
avoided a serious injury. Concerned for others, I brought it to
the attention of a long-term employee, Jackie, who casually said,
“Yeah, we know about that spot.”


 


“You know that spot is there and you’re doing nothing to repair
it?” I thought, loudly while desperately wanting to shake her and
the entire leadership team.


 


Recognizing such an action (or even a complaint to the manager)
would do no good, I’ve begun thinking about how I can help. Not
because I have to—indeed, I’m a paying member—but because I love
swimming there.


 


The idea of asking myself how I can help fix that slick spot was
inspired by Dr. Marc Cesari, a chiropractor in Baltimore,
Maryland. As the only employee in a new office space in Towson,
Marc wanted the waiting area to be inviting, peaceful and filled
with inspiration. Rather than wait for the Owner’s approval to
outfit the waiting room, he bought the furniture, painted the
walls and ensures cleanliness.


 


“Wait, what—you paid for this furniture out of your own pocket?
It’s not your business—you’re his employee. Is he going to
reimburse you at least?” I asked.


 


“Yes, I did pay for it, and without asking for permission to be
reimbursed. If he can’t see the value of this furniture, then
I’ll eat the cost to ensure I get to work in a space I’m proud
of,” he responded almost as if everyone should behave in the same
way.


 


Indeed, such thinking aids greatly in getting the results we
want. In fact, it prompted me to send a message to the manager
asking how I can help remedy the situation. Not that I know a
thing about pool decks, but I’d certainly be happy to sand it
down if that would help.


 


What do you find yourself irritated with or complaining about?
What can you do today to be a part of the solution?  


 


Here’s to Your Greatness,


 


Misti Burmeister


 


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