How to Be a High Potential Employee

With all that is written about how organizations should transform to engage today’s employees, it has me thinking about the responsibilities we have as employees. Our actions shape our careers, and the fact remains that going to work everyday is a two-part equation – employers and employees. Both play a role in success and workplace fulfillment – and it seems the dynamic between the two changes with each passing day.

The Door Swings Both Ways

To consider this equation, we should examine the unspoken “organizational contract” that we make with our employers. What should we (as employees) be doing to maximize our contribution and truly excel? I’ve talked to supervising managers to get their view of the attributes they see in their high potential employees. Here’s the list of what we came up with:

• Strive to be industry savvy – If your are not keeping current concerning the “hot buttons” in your industry, you are probably letting your employer down, and yourself, for that matter. The internet offers endless possibilities to tackle industry specific topics. Get up to speed.
• Bolster your overall business acumen – Not sure how the things you do affect the bottom line? Do you understand exactly how your organization makes and loses money? Become financially literate.
• Take a broader view of your work - When completing an assigned project, try not to simply just check off your task “to do” list.  Always focus on the end-user, whether it would be a client or someone within the organization. How can you make your work more valuable to them?
• Work with a sense of urgency – High potential employees create a road map to get things done and stay on task. As one Senior Vice President described, “They get up in the morning and want to accomplish their goals”.
• Ask about company initiatives – Be as concerned about your organization as you would like them to be about you. Inquire about current challenges and initiatives – and offer to help. You’ll be the better for it.
• Know your fellow team members – Are you assigned to a team? Being a team member is an art form – and an important part of work life today – so do your research. You’ll be more invested in your team if you know about the background and experience of your fellow team members. If you have a tendency to “turn off” opposing opinions, you may look at them differently when you know more about the source.
• Don’t play the career comparison game – Career progress is an individual process. It may be frustrating when a fellow employee climbs the career ladder more quickly than you – but there may be a perfectly good reason. Learn more about them and what they bring to the table. Don’t “abandon ship”. Trust and confidence are key.

Have more to add to this list? Let me know in the comment section below.

Your Physical Work Space Matters! A Deeper Look at “The Amandas”

Once in a while I have the opportunity to watch reality TV. There seems to be a series about every topic imaginable, from pitching a new product to remodeling your bathroom. To be expected, I am usually mesmerized by the shows which include a coach that whips a home or business into shape. Most of the coaches are of the “no-nonsense” variety. But,  I’m all for obliterating a bit of denial and the clutter that accompanies it.

The psychology of your workspace

Work spaces are an interesting topic to consider. I find they often reflect problems brewing on a deeper level. I’ve seen all sorts of work spaces – messy environments, dark conference rooms and those without a single picture or plaque on the walls. The environment always seems to say something:  I’m unsettled. I’m depressed. I’m not committed to being here. Does your space say – “Abandon hope, all ye who enter here?” – if so, some changes are in order.

Last week I happened upon a show called “The Amandas” (I am assuming a word play on the movie “Heathers” – although these girls are not nearly as scary). The real “Amanda” is a clutter and organizational maven of tremendous proportions. She’s tough, driven and really knows how to purge unwanted stuff and the attached emotional baggage. When her team is finished, the business or home is in perfect order and the benefits seems to go much further than the outward presentation. There is gratitude and relief – as the process of altering the physical space seems to allow the individuals to move forward and become more effective.

Why it matters

As much as we’d like to think that skills are the only factor contributing to becoming successful and serving customers, the fact remains that where we work contributes to how we work.

Here are just a few reasons to pay attention to the physical space where you work:

• You need to be effective – as form follows function: If you don’t have a workspace that functions properly you will probably be less productive. If you find yourself clearing off a space to work or your team has to stand during morning briefings (because you have no area that allows all of you to sit and gather) some changes are in order.
• Your surroundings can be a source of inspiration: Living and working in a well designed space can help ideas flow. Qualities such as color, lighting, sound, office configuration and furniture all come into play. If your office is so dark it depresses you, that’s a problem. If you have a set up with closed cubicles and collaboration is key, that’s a problem as well. You get the picture.
• You need to project a positive image for your customers: Your physical space is a reflection of how you see yourself as a business. The style, form and function of your space all contribute to your image. If you work in a creative industry (advertising, design, etc.) your workspace is even more important – as it is a reflection of what you can achieve for your customers.

It seems that becoming more effective can possibly start on the surface and trickle down to the other aspects of your work life. When you really think about it – sometimes rearranging the furniture is much more than it seems.

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist and coach located in East Lansing, Michigan. Connect with her on Twitter and Linkedin.

Problem Solving & Dr. House: Another Look at the Eureka Phenomenon

If you have ever watched the television series House, you’ll find that he solves every medical mystery at the most unusual moments. Without fail, his mind-blowing brilliance seems to kick in while sitting in the hospital cafeteria, talking to a team member or any other situation where he doesn’t appear to be focusing on the current problem. It’s always so curious and entertaining to watch. But we shouldn’t be all that surprised at why this happens – our brains work in curious ways.

Your brain revealed

In the classic essay, The Eureka Phenomena  (1971), Issac Asimov explores why these moments of inspiration occur when we least expect them.

“It is my belief, you see, that thinking is a double phenomenon like breathing.” – Asimov

Asimov’s theory is simple, posing the notion that thought includes both voluntary and involuntary components. Moreover, opportunities for both must be present to be highly effective. Essentially we can be thinking about one thing on the surface – but ruminating on another topic below – the involuntary part of the equation.

The Eureka Phenomena sheds an interesting light on how we can become more effective in the workplace when problem solving. As we all have experienced, if you think too long and too hard on one topic you often prove unsuccessful. Asimov would say that involuntary thought was not allowed to flourish and contributed to that failure. He recollects that when he was in the midst of a problem he could not solve, he “shuffled” off to the movies and that helped him work through his challenge. His essay also tells the story of Archimedes, and how a visit to the public baths helped him discover the concept of volume. Of course, you may find that walking your dog or baking does the trick – but the process is of no less importance. You must give your brain the “down time” it needs to succeed.

Office life and the opportunity for involuntary thought

There are millions of individuals who have the responsibility to process information concerning people, places and things in an effort to solve problems. Many attempt to accomplish this in an office environment. Of course, working in a traditional office has its merits – such as opportunities for collaboration – but obstacles to productivity abound. As discussed by Jason Fried in his classic TedX talk, aspects of office life such as interruptions, can prove to be huge offenders. During the course of a typical office work day, an individual may complete a multitude of activities and appear outwardly productive. However their brain power may not be maximized, as there are few opportunities to rest, reflect and digest.

The Eureka Phenomena applied

You must remember that while thought doesn’t require physical output, your brain is still hard at work. So while you may not feel tired, your brain may be exhausted. As studies have shown, allowing the brain time to rest is critical. In this way the brain recovers the fuel it needs, so that energy can be funneled to the involuntary mechanisms that promote deeper thought. If we can learn anything from Asimov’s essay, it is that the brain cannot be bullied into becoming effective – it must be nurtured.

The bottom line is that if your brain is doing a lot of the heavy lifting, be mindful to offer a bit of rest. Discover those activities which help your brain relax and build them into your day – and don’t feel guilty if you need to “shuffle off” to the movies.

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist and career coach located in East Lansing, Michigan. You can also find her on Twitter and Linkedin.

The Great Escape: Is It Really Time to Leave Your Job?

It’s a shock – the sheer number of individuals who are ready to leave their current jobs and venture into new territory.  A recent survey by Right Management, revealed that a staggering 84% of employees are ready to do so. Got to say – those kind of figures will really grab your attention. I am certainly listening. But, I am also wondering how many individuals have really examined the concerns with their current work lives.

Although other surveys reveal numbers that are a tad more moderate, (read about that here) the message is clear. There is currently quite a lot of pent-up demand for job shifting. The state of the economy – which has essentially curtailed free movement within the job market – is taking its toll on attitudes toward work. Job engagement is a real issue and other consequences cannot be far behind.

One point to consider, as discussed by the consulting firm Blessing-White, is that employees will stay for the work, but leave for their career. So taking a closer look at your current situation might be in order. What’s really bugging you at work? What would need to change to make you want to stay?

Sort out your thoughts

Before you decide to take the plunge and possibly look for a new role, ask yourself a few key questions to gain some perspective:

What is it about my current role that really bothers me?  Is it a supervisory problem, or is it problem with a specific co-worker? Not enough feedback or opportunities for development?  It’s amazing how you may not have a real conversation with yourself about the reasons you are unhappy. Make a list of the reasons that are contributing to your feelings, and rank order them in terms of importance. Label the top 2 or 3 as “deal breakers.” Take the “deal breakers” that you have identified and meet with your supervisor to discuss them. You may find a way to resolve the issues and love your job again.

Are there personal reasons that may be affecting my opinion? Stress in other areas of your life can spill over into your work life. In general, try not to make career decisions when other things in your life are in flux. If possible, let some time pass before you consider a drastic change. Work-related decisions that are made during times of great stress, are generally poor decisions.

What is the state of opportunity in my field? If the market in your line of work is still appears to be extremely tight – stay put and work on modifying your current role. Want to expand your horizons? Prepare for a “pivot” and arrange for an “in-house” mini internship within another department. This is a great way to acquire a new skill.  Know an inspiring coworker? Ask to make that person your mentor and move forward in that way, while staying put at your current organization.

It is true that being happy at work can greatly enhance your life – and change just may be  the only avenue to achieve this. However, examine the aspects of your work that you may be able to revise, before you take the leap.

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist located in East Lansing, Michigan. Work with her by writing to marlagottschalk@comcast,net. You can also find her on Twitter and Linkedin.

Want to be an entrepreneur? A cautionary tale and a checklist

I recently saw the film Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen’s latest take on life and failing relationships. It was an engaging and entertaining movie about a Hollywood screenwriter who had lost his way. The story romantically portrays the lives and careers of writers past – as exemplified by the likes of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Of course, there was little mention of the struggles these individuals faced in their lives and the fates they eventually met. I suppose that would have ruined the nostalgic gestalt of the story.

It seems that the role of entrepreneur has become a modern-day version of these early 20th century writers. In today’s world entrepreneurship is surrounded by a similar mystique – filled with notions of adventure, fulfillment and success. Our lives are filled with the fantastic success stories (that sometimes do really occur) of motivated individuals developing products and services that have virtually taken the world by storm.

It’s really not for everyone

The reality is that starting up and owning a business is tough. Yes, the rewards of being an entrepreneur can be substantial – you serve as your own boss, work with people who share a vision and there is the hope that your endeavor is wildly successful. But for every business that begins, there is a high probability of failure (read about some of them here). Over 500,000 new businesses opened each year during 2005 -2009, with the odds stacked against them.

Entrepreneurs are amazing people and I have been fortunate to have worked with many of them. They are a remarkable blend of creativity, tenacity and plain old guts. Bravery might top my list of “must have” qualities – and  I worry about any individual that chooses this path without thinking it through very, very carefully. No job or lifestyle is right for all people. Essentially, it is all about the matching a skill set with the right role. That rule applies to the role of entrepreneur – it’s just not for everyone.

As one of my clients once explained when I asked him how he dealt with the stress of owning a business, he replied, “You have a lot of sleepless nights.”

A checklist

The following is a set of questions that may help you decide if the entrepreneurial lifestyle is right for you. If any of these points bring up a red flag in your mind, you might want to reconsider.

• Do you have passion for the service or product you are considering? If you don’t eat, breathe and dream about your product or service, reconsider
• Have you developed a solid business plan? If so, have you had a mentor review it?
• Have you culled a team of experts to guide you? Going it alone is not a wise move.
• Are you confident?  If you are an individual that is easily shaken by information that may discourage you, look for another career.
• Can you handle delayed gratification? The payoff for your time and other resources you invest may not be right around the corner. Be prepared to wait.
• Do you consider yourself to be persistent? There will be a lot of potholes and bumps in the road leading to success.
• Are you intrinsically vs. extrinsically motivated? If you are in it just for the external rewards such as money or prestige, you are at a serious disadvantage. In plainer terms, the motivation and the success you feel should come from within.
• Are you a self-starter?  Remember that there will be no threat of your boss or supervisor passing out punishments if you lose focus. When you decide that you want to sleep in or just take a break from your work, the only one who is going to care is you. If you fail to meet a deadline again the only one who will really care is you. You get the picture.
• Do you have a high tolerance for ambiguity? Let’s be plain – when becoming an entrepreneur, you may not know if your life is up or down for quite a while.  If you are the type of person that has to know that you can pick up your paycheck at 5:00 PM on Friday, run in the other direction.
• Do have enough funds to carry you through until your business is profitable? This may seem cliché, but some serious time may pass before you can support yourself with your new venture. Be sure to do some reading about financing your business – you can start here.

Moving forward with confidence is important to success and preparing for the ups and downs will be a key advantage.

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist located in East Lansing, Michigan. You can find her on Twitter and Linkedin.

Thanks for Your Concern: How to Deal with That Difficult Person at Work

It’s a simple fact, that just like family, you can’t choose your co-workers. It’s also likely that at some point you will be forced to deal with seemingly erratic and mean-spirited individuals in the workplace. It’s tough to prepare for this scenario. When it does happen, most people are shocked and dismayed.

The co-worker that loves what has gone wrong with your day

One category of co-worker that really gets the blood pressure rising is the one who loves to dwell on your mistakes. “So sorry that presentation wasn’t a total home run.” they might comment. Or after witnessing a bit of a criticism directed at you they whisper, “Wow, that’s upsetting.” The behavior catches you off your guard. But take heart -  this is a common reaction to this subtle type of workplace bullying. Most people aren’t able to react right in the moment.

They get under your skin

The memory of the interaction can get stuck on replay. But, you cannot allow this type of individual gain access to your stores of self-worth and start a negative internal script. Talk yourself through the situation with calm and clarity, and put the interaction where it belongs – out of play. Remember, they want to rattle you. That was the intention, so don’t feed into the negative loop.

Strategies to deal with unsolicited commentary

Your first reaction might be to duck around corners to avoid your offender, but you have to take on the attitude that you can handle any situation that comes your way. But, remember the goal should be to end the negative behavior all together and retain your dignity – not to sling an insult in return. Accept that you cannot change this person, only how you digest and respond to their behavior. You have to develop a method to deal with the madness.

Keep these points in mind:

• Don’t feel the need to defend yourself. Remember they are not the ultimate judge of your work. When all is said and done, only your supervisor’s opinion, and your own assessment really matter.
• Limit the “payoff” for their negative behavior. Stay calm and recite a calming mantra. Without the anticipated reaction from you, to be thrown off-kilter, the motivation to converse about your work is greatly reduced and the possibility of a repeat performance is lowered.
• Role play for the next time around.  Change the entire dynamic with a new internal script. Re-play the scenario in your mind, but this time respond diplomatically to the comment. If you are armed with some quick responses, you can approach a similar situation with a bit more confidence

Some suggested responses:

• “I am glad you pointed that out – I’ll consider it.”
• “Is that how you saw it? I am actually very pleased with how things turned out.”
• “Thanks for your concern. “

So, the next time a co-worker shows an unhealthy interest in your blunders, take a moment to collect yourself and remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt:

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Thank them for their concern, assure them you are just fine and calmly walk away.

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist. Find her on Twitter and Linkedin.

The Evolution of Work: Permalancers, Slashers & the Career Pivot

Change is inevitable, and when a strained job market has to flex with the increasing pressure of a sluggish economy, something has got to give. Not necessarily for the betterment of organizations. Not necessarily to the advantage of employees. What occurs is simply Darwinian theory applied to work. Jobs evolve and mutate.

The structure of work has a rich evolutionary past 

Often the impetus for the change comes from the external environment. Certainly, over the course of time jobs have changed to meet the state of the world. From the inception of the role of apprentice to effectively transfer needed skills through the generations, to the presence of women in the workforce during World War II, the world of work has continued to change and adapt to the state of the world.

In today’s economy, organizations can be fragile and funds are often tight, limiting the number of full-time employees that can be supported. In response, changes have occurred to the structure of work to deal with these imposed constraints. Whether these changes are transitory in nature, or here to stay, remains unclear.

New developments in the structure of work

• Permalancing – The notion of permalancers, those freelancers who spend long periods of time at an organization without actually being considered a full-time employee, raises all sorts of legal and ethical questions. Of particular concern is the obvious lack of job security and its eventual impact upon job satisfaction and performance. In a nutshell, these employees do not enjoy the same benefits as other employees within the organization. Some have viewed the positives of the arrangement, as flexible and realistic.  However, are these employees able to fully commit to organizational goals? Are freelancers distracted by their search for a permanent home?

• Slashing – When full-time jobs are few in number, employees might have to take on more than one role to meet their financial obligations and fill a 40+ hour work week. Slashing, a type of career “multi-tasking”, has provided some workers the opportunity to pay the bills and stay afloat. Many may actually enjoy the variety of their roles – others may prefer a less dissociative career path. Sometimes, slashing can allow an individual to pursue an entrepreneurial dream, while still working at another role. But, how many of these individuals will choose to stick with this option when the economy stabilizes? What are the long-term ramifications for careers and pay?

• Career Pivoting – Pivoting often entails a change in work setting or industry, where components of the current skill set are applied to a new role. These more “controlled” career path revisions seem to be occurring more and more often (Personally, I recommend them). Sometimes the pivot emerges out of the need to follow the work, in other cases to pursue an improved career fit. How pivoting is actually accomplished will be a focus, as vehicles such as mid-career internships become more popular. How many career changers are choosing a pivot, instead of a more drastic career change? How plentiful are the opportunities for a career pivot? Are internships there for those who want or need a mid-career revision?

The evolution of our world of work will continue in the coming years.  Learning how these changes impact employees and organizations is certainly the next step.

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist. You can find her on Twitter and Linkedin.

More skills for the game of life (and work)

The world of work has changed. With the rise of such categories as permalancers and slashers, it’s difficult to assess what skills to develop to help you survive and become a success. Certainly every college student is doing their very best not to panic. What subjects should I study? What skills do I need? Will I actually have a job when all is said and done?

You’ll need more than a solid major

Last year I read a fantastic article by Harvard professor, N. Gregory Mankiw entitled, A Course Load for the Game of Life, which offered a clever perspective on the types of skills that will help an individual excel.  Yes, you need training in your field of choice – but in today’s world (and job market) that is probably not all you will need. I was in total agreement with his perspective, which included content in statistics, psychology and economics.  I would like to offer a few other topic areas to the list.

A few to consider:

• Idea management - Learn to value your own ideas – as innovation requires that you pay attention to moments of inspiration. Have a system to record your thoughts and develop ideas further.
• Proposal Development - Know how to develop an idea clearly and prove its worth. Master the one-page proposal, and learn how to present it to a decision maker.
• Project management skills - Learn how to carry out a project from start to finish. Be sure to learn how to specify tasks required for completion, and the needed time and talent to complete them.
• Tolerance for ambiguity – Being creative requires you to delve into territories that are uncharted. Try new things (such as a class in a new topic area) and see how you fare.
• Team skills - This skill is a real deal breaker for many employers.  Gain a couple of honest evaluations as to how you function on a team. If you have a problem area – work on it.

Gaining these skills may require a bit of footwork. Join an organization, secure an internship, or work with a professor to help you gain exposure to these areas of expertise. Becoming a well-rounded employee is key to progressing at work – so take the extra effort required to build your cache of skills in the “course of life”.

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist. Contact her practice at marlagottschalk@comcast.net. You can also find her on Twitter and Linkedin.

Considering a job change? Find the right job for you

I am aware that many of you are contemplating a job change. The prevailing zeitgeist of the last 3 years or so, which has leaned heavily toward playing it safe and staying put (for fear of no job at all), seems to be evolving. Many seem ready to seek out roles which are more rewarding. and a better fit overall.

Are you daydreaming of making a change?

Stats have shown that many in the workforce are entertaining just that thought. So as you secretly view job postings, what should you consider to help ensure that any transition is worthwhile?

Nail it down

Gather some pertinent stats of your own. Because while you are making a change, you might as well get the aspects of work that matter to you, and make the change worth your trouble. Here are a few areas to ponder:

• First of all, would you consider an organization that is smaller or larger? Remember that there are advantages to both – it all depends on what you need. Larger organizations can offer more predictability – but transitions to different core areas would be a slower, more bureaucratic process. Smaller organizations are more flexible and allow you to wear different hats with more ease.
• How has your current boss factored into the equation? Have you found that the supervision you receives at your current job (or the lack of it) caused your eye to wander. Consider what type of leader would maximize your work performance. Ask questions about this topic when you are interviewing (diplomatically, of course.)
• How much feedback do you feel comfortable with? If you like to operate like the Lone Ranger and you have been dealing with a boss that prefers to micro manage, be sure to consider this. On the other hand, if you have felt like you have been left at sea for dead, search for a role that provides more information about your performance.
• Work life balance issues? If you feel a need for a change in this area – be sure to get a realistic job preview of what may be in store in jobs you are considering. Review travel requirements carefully, and be sure you assess whether or not you are considering a role that requires 24/7 access to you (when that is exactly what you are running from.) If you feel your life would allow you to be a bit more job involved, let future employers know this as well. Maybe a bit more responsibility is just what the change needs to look like for you.

We could go on forever…if there are more areas we should discuss – send me a note. Above all, if you require help delineating these aspects, seek help from a career expert. Above all, make the impending change a worthwhile investment in your career.

Reflection: What we can all learn from mid-term exams

I loved college. You were required to work hard, but there were moments when you had the time to hear yourself breathe. One aspect of college life which always made perfect sense, was the opportunity to stop and review subject matter directly before a mid-term. This review  process always seemed to settle the information in my mind, and helped me realize that I was actually learning something.

A little reflection can go a long way

Interestingly, we rarely seem to have the opportunity to reflect on what we have actually learned in our work lives. In our information packed, message intense world, we never seem to make the time. The information and experiences come at us at a break neck pace – but there are few moments to really pause and reflect. This deficit of reflection (and solitude) has been discussed quite intelligently in recent years, and it has also been pointed out that innovation essentially requires these types of moments to percolate– (read about that here.)

A review, reminiscent of the college mid-term variety, before we change jobs or at year’s end, would offer a mandatory moment of pause and reflection often missing in our work lives. This would provide an opportunity for us to obsess for a moment on the lessons we have learned, what has worked, and what has failed.

Take the time to make a note to yourself

If you take the time to form a list of the things you have learned, you might be very surprised. Even if situations or projects at work were not a total success, you learn from the process. When jotting down your thoughts, try not to defend or justify your work as you might do in a performance review. Simply emphasize what you will take with you moving forward – even if it’s something you vow never to do again.

I have not done such a review in a while. To that end, here is my review of a few lessons that I have learned in the past year.

• Long periods of change and uncertainty within an organization will inevitably have a negative impact upon employee performance.
• Letting employees flounder is not a management style – it amounts to neglect.
• Everyone benefits from a mentor, be sure your employees have the opportunity to find one.
• One unhappy employee can infect an entire work group. Be sure to address this issue as soon as possible – as a multitude of problems can develop if you do not.

So, what have you learned in the past year through your work? I would love to know – write me.

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist located in East Lansing, Michigan. Contact her practice at marlagottschalk@comcast.net. You can also find her on Twitter and Linkedin.