Its Time to Re-Evaluate
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Allow me to begin with a discussion of how and why to evaluate things, and
then move on to a discussion about either changing occupations or re-inventing
yourself and your business. Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean
you like it! I know an insurance agent in my area who, every time we run into
one another, asks me if I have any good ideas as to how to find new clients
without actually having to talk to people. This guy is in the wrong business. He
needs to re-evaluate his life and decide to either change his attitude or get
out of the insurance business. Maybe you’re in that same place right now…
Don’t get me wrong, I’m NOT saying that if you aren’t at the level of success
you want to be then you should quit. What I AM saying, however, is that if you
aren’t where you want to be in your business, then you need to re-evaluate your
business and your life. You need to take a step back from your everyday efforts
and gain clarity as to whether you need to start doing things differently or
find a different occupation. Allow me to begin with a discussion of how and why
to evaluate things, and then move on to a discussion about either changing
occupations or re-inventing yourself and your business.
It’s been said that about 65-75% of people are in the wrong kind of
occupation for their natural skills! No wonder so many people are either unhappy
in their work or achieve only modest levels of success. Let me share my own
experience with this concept. I have a VERY analytical background – a couple of
engineering degrees and an MBA in finance. Consequently, as you would expect, I
spent the first 25+ years of my business career in analytical occupations –
engineer, treasurer, controller, Chief Financial Officer, etc. I was very good
at what I did, but was always dissatisfied, unfulfilled, or just plain unhappy!
No position ever brought me satisfaction. I tried large companies, small
companies, and expanded responsibilities. But nothing worked. I was
dissatisfied. I made good money. I had some prestigious positions. But I could
never get enthused about the work I did. What I eventually came to realize is
this: Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you like it!
After lots of reflection and self-examination, I realized that I enjoyed
working with people much more than I enjoyed working with numbers! What’s more,
I discovered that I was just as good at it! I believe that we all have
undiscovered talents. We have abilities that we don’t think we’re very good at
or don’t think we have at all. I believe that most people set out to do a good
job. I just don’t believe that most people set out to be mediocre. So when I see
or hear about someone who just isn’t performing well, I always first evaluate
whether they’re using their natural talents in the work that they do. And I
suggest you do the same.
One of the problems we have is that we often get completely caught up in our
day-to-day routine. This prevents us from stepping back from our work,
reflecting on our lives and our business, and reevaluating what we really want
to do. My suggestion is to do just that. It is CRITICAL to your success and your
happiness to take the time to reflect. When you get away from your office you
gain new perspectives.
If you know anything about my philosophies regarding recruiting and
prospecting, you already know that I’m a big advocate of getting out of the
office. Do yourself a favor. Take a notebook and a book to read (preferably a
personal growth or business success book), and go to a coffee shop. It doesn’t
matter what you drink or whether you sit inside or outside. What does matter is
that you get out of your office and take an hour or so to begin this process.
Most everyone I know who does this - who gets out and sits at a coffee shop -
reports that by getting away from their everyday environment, sitting down in a
very different environment, and placing oneself in the middle of activity, it
somehow allows them to focus better and get new insights!
About the Author
Written by Michael Beck, an executive coach, speaker & trainer. He is the
nation’s leading expert on recruiting independent sales representatives, and
helps executives and managers build and lead productive sales teams. For more
information, and to receive his program: "Smart Recruiting Strategies in a Tough
Market!" for FREE, please visit:
www.XLeaders.com
