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August 13, 2010

Do You Have an Exit Strategy?

Hmm, why would a frustrated flight attendant who breaks all the rules on the way out suddenly find himself an overnight hero?  What is it about his story that resonates for so many? 

 

Consider the statistics: 

1. More than 60% of us are either disengaged, disenchanted or totally miserable in our current jobs.
2. Revenues in some sectors are growing yet job growth remains slow to flat.  This means the current employee population is taking on the extra work resulting from revenue growth.
3. Retooling some workforce sectors is sorely needed yet state and local funding for such programs is dramatically reduced. 

No wonder the average American is inspired by Steve Slater's slide down the emergency shoot with a beer in classic "take this job and shove it" style!  It's a fiercly independent response and isn't that core to our heritage?

 

What's your exit strategy?  Do you have one?  Rate your job satisfaction on a scale of 1-10.  1 low and 10 high.  Don't over think this, just go with the first number that comes up. 

 

If your number is between 5 and 7 you either need an exit strategy or a re-engagement strategy.  If your number is 5 or below, you need an exit strategy.  Consider three good reasons 1) life is way too short, 2) you are wasting your talent and 3) people around you are tired of hearing you whine and complain about how miserable you are.

 

Before you get all defensive and grumpy, just take a deep breath for a moment and consider some possibilities.  What might happen for you if you took three simple steps out of your misery?

1. Admit you are unhappy and unsatisfied
2. Open up your thinking and ask yourself "If I could be doing anything I wanted, what would it be?"
3. Identify two steps you can take in the next week to begin developing your exit or re-engagement strategy. (slides and beer are not a requirement!)

If you got to number three you should already be feeling a little lighter and a bit more hopeful.  Now find a buddy and tell that person your two steps.  Tell them you will text them at the end of each day to update them on your progress toward those steps.  They don't need to do a thing other than encourage you.  Did you do it?  Good.  See, isn't it way better to be taking steps forward than stewing in your unhappiness and sucking the energy out of the room?  

 

Now, do me a favor.  Tell us what steps you are taking and your progress.  We will cheer you on and be your fellow travlers in the journey toward being gainfully engaged in your work!  

Posted by Nancy Ballinger at 6:25 pm
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