One reason people come to executive coaching is to sort out questions, situations, or inner conflicts surrounding their work, job, and career. We put our heads together to zero in on the real issues, think of alternatives, and weigh the risks and benefits, actions, and decisions.
A quick and effective way to address the confusion is to ask a simple question.
Is this helping or harming my career and/or me?
Easy, yes? Maybe. If you really dive in, it becomes more complex than it initially appears.
Here’s an example:
Should I look for another job?
Early in my corporate career I faced that dilemma. One year into what I thought was a dream job, I found myself stressed, distracted, and disappointed.
I questioned, “Is this job helping or harming?” From a career growth perspective, I thought it best to slog through another year. People had advocated for me. My scorecard said I was doing well, and a promotion would be quickly coming my way. Salary and bonus increased as did my visibility within the organization. The easy answer was — it would be helpful to my career to stay put.
There was a big BUT! But, despite the fact I was good at what I was doing, it really was not me. I found myself looking at numbers and saying, “who cares.” I took obvious and not too smart actions, searching for a similar role with another company. I kept getting offers and turning them down, still saying, “who cares.” The work still felt personally harmful. I was beginning to question my career choice.
I switched strategies asking myself what was helpful about my current situation? What would be positive for my career and what made me happy? I had been blind to the obvious answer. The company I worked for was supportive of me. They were ethical and fair. There were many other internal career tracks available. I had a mentor/advocate in a senior role who would encourage and push for me. The question became “What would be helpful?” versus “What would be harmful?”
Looking at all the roles I had held to that point, it was clear the more interaction I had with people, the more positive my experience was. People contact was helpful for me and had been helpful to my early career.
The move into a more positive role was easy. The competition was limited since most people had no interest in managing anyone. The company had a need for a person with my skills and aspirations, and my mentor was all in. I flourished in the position and rose at a much faster rate than I would have in my former position. I was happy, loved going to work, and remained with the organization for seven more years. The helpful/harmful question framed my decision making. It can assist you as well.
Here are some questions frequently asked by my executive coaching clients.
Is leaving a company during a pandemic a good idea?
Should I quit and go to graduate school?
I hate my boss and love the work, should I look internally or leave totally?
I can make more money working at “X”, should I go for the dollars?
My company has a hiring, promotion, and salary freeze going on, should I be looking elsewhere?
Can I tell my boss what salary I expect?
I want to give back; do I have to change careers?
Is it smart to switch careers at 38 years old?
We want to have children. Can I continue at this work pace and have a family?
The next step in my career is a role I do not want. What are the risks and benefits of saying no?
I like this working from home, should I ask to make it permanent?
Work is making me sick; can I take medical leave?
When I get stressed, I cry. Lately this has been happening openly. It makes me feel better. Is it okay?
In each I would ask my coaching client the same question — is what you are considering doing helpful or hurtful to your career and/or you?
For many people there is risk sharing these types of questions with your boss or colleagues. It can be used against you. Also, they often do not know the answers. But more importantly, they don’t know the questions. This is why people work with me as their coach.
Leave a Reply