Clean
Speak: By Hollye Lindquist
Motivation from ‘Within’
Often
times, individuals are quick to believe they are dissatisfied with their
current work environment. The truth of the matter usually stems from within.
Negative influences in the workplace can breed a certain amount of lack of
enthusiasm among team members. However,
when it comes to motivation individuals need to “own” their perceptions and
develop positive approaches to overcoming their obstacles.
Turn your unenthusiastic thinking into a positive vision
quest. Utilizing self analysis may bring to light your inadequacies, however it
is important to remember to stay focused on what can be altered to achieve your
intended destination. It can shed some light about methods and behaviors to which
you’re not consciously aware.
Identify your
strengths
We all have them. It’s a question of whether we utilize
them to our fullest advantage. “Own” your strengths. By focusing on the
positive first you are laying the groundwork for your skills base. Many
individuals go through life attending work sponsored classes to further our
scope of understanding in their chosen field. Only to throw those certificate
of achievements in a drawer. Identify and disseminate what is relevant i.e.
computer skills, certifications, supervision or management experience. Set
aside time to update your dusty resume.
The dreaded
weakness category
Raking yourself over the coals is not what is intended in
this exercise. It is always important to identify weakness, however it is equally
important to observe what is broken in full context. Simply by identification,
the answer can become quite evident on which steps to take to modify it into a
positive feature. You may require additional training or identify sabotaging
behaviors that have affected your performance and promotions. “Own” your
weakness. By turning the negative aspect into a positive you are even closer to
enlightenment and respect for where you are; in relation to where you thought
you were going. Think in terms of….
What are your
opportunities?
‘Knowledge is power’ is the old cliché and nothing could
be truer. Become actively participative in company functions thus “owning” your
own position. You may have been unaware of training opportunities or company
visions you were not actively listening to on orientation day. Self generated
enthusiasm is a must. “Own” your enthusiasm. If you see a way to project a more
positive image, take that opportunity to liven up your professional wardrobe.
Cleaning can be hard work and hard on clothes, but dress appropriately. Your
opportunities may have been right in front of you all along. It also may in
fact open the door for outside enrichment; in which case, take full advantage.
Many people are stuck in the same routine because they can’t imagine any other
way to turn things around. I remember saying to a former mentor, when he made
the suggestion to pursue some extra classes. “I can’t make time to go back to
school, I am too busy running your contracts.” “Own” your opportunity. Make things
happen. You just need to pursue all avenues to its conclusion. Reprioritization
will help you discover new ideas causing you to enhance or alter your original
perception based on the information it presents.
Threats are
everywhere
As with identifying our strengths, weaknesses and
opportunities we must in fact pay close attention to possible threats to
ourselves or the situation. You may in fact be your own worst threat, so when
you point that out, don’t forget to “own yourself.” You can easily change behaviors and methods once you recognize
them as self sabotage.
Perceived or reality based threats may come in various
forms to include mixing with the wrong elements within the company. Every
company unfortunately develops a troublemaker involved in subversive
activities. Despite best efforts to avoid being roped into their ‘drama’, it
happens. Objectivity is a key factor in indicating who’s who within the company
mix. Don’t be quick to assume misrepresented sentimentality is friendship. If
necessary, it may become evident to eliminate subversive elements from within
your social circle. Use caution and compassionate resolve. You never want to
burn your bridges with anyone.
On the road to enlightenment
Recognizing current industry trends and possible outside
threats to the company also affect you as an employee. By showing more interest
and participating with in the company structure, you are developing your
“ownership” of the company; indicating to higher ups, your genuine dedication
to the company.
In doing so, you stand greater chances for success by being proactive about your situation instead of reactive. Too many individuals are quick to blame others for what is going on around them. Understanding our own power over the situation, we can develop alternative methods for handling the situations. Thus, analysis within is the very first step towards true motivation and job satisfaction. We are all human and given to an occasional misstep. Our ability to learn from our mistakes is what sets us above the rest.