by Ever feel like you have more to offer your organization?
I have.
It is one of the worst feelings to know you are being under-utilized.
I few years ago, after being passed over for a promotion, I fell into an elephant-sized funk.
I questioned my value to the organization.
I even questioned my worth as a man.
…and then I got angry.
Yeah, I became jaded and cynical at work and did not behave as a leader should have.
I wear my emotions on my sleeve and it showed to those who knew me.
Eventually, however, my anger drove me to improve.
I requested feedback and sought out help from folks I trusted.
My friends and colleagues helped me understand that, although I understood the work, I was not very good at communicating aspects of the work.
I watched how respected colleagues, friends, and co-workers communicated. The words they used. Their body language. Even how they dressed!
I took courses.
I researched online to learn how to better communicate at work.
You know what it came down to?
- Knowing my audience
- Mastering business vernacular
I know that sounds simple, but it took a while to master the new skills I learned.
I practiced at home.
I practiced at work.
I practiced with my hockey team.
There are several different situations that require some finesse and ability to react appropriately situations, but I kept at it until I felt good enough to really put my new skills to the test.
I started sending out resumes and getting job interviews. The first interview I had I nailed it and got the job.
It was a great feeling to walk into a communication nightmare situation like an interview, where you typically have one opportunity to make a good impression, and leave the interview feeling confident.
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