Summer's over and millions of people are back to work after a season of vacationing, barbecues and let's-forget-those-job-hassles-for-a-while. If only we could start the new season with a newfound attitude. If only we could blast the myths that keep us frustrated and unhappy in our chosen profession.
We can! Now is the ideal time to make a fresh new start to reinvigorate your career, help you find balance between your personal and professional experiences, and introduce an exciting new chapter in your work life. Whether you've been at your job for a few weeks or a few decades, it's very likely you have some workplace misconceptions that are eroding your self-confidence, limiting your income, and damaging your relationships. Believing such stress-inducing myths could put your company out of business--and you out of a job.
Let's look at and dispel widely-accepted inaccuracies that are probably keeping YOU from enjoying the career satisfaction and topflight salary you deserve:
Myth #1
You can't teach an old dog new tricks
Truth: Programming is not permanent! Now is the ideal time in your life to seek education and training, cultivate hidden talents, practice newfound skills and advance beyond your workplace doldrums.
Myth #2
You're better off concentrating only on the positive.
Truth: Ignoring and resisting negative or fearful thoughts and behaviors won't make them go away; it actually makes them stronger. Instead use negative emotions to accelerate your transformation.
Myth #3
Work isn't supposed to be fun.
Truth: If you believe that, you're bound to be resistant, defensive, disengaged and disillusioned. ANY job can offer fulfillment and enjoyment. You're rewarded not only with salary and benefits, you contribute to the economy and help other people, as you sharpen your lifelong skills.
Myth #4
There aren't enough resources to do my job.
Truth: That thinking breeds turf wars and mistrust in the workplace. Look for creative strategies to find the right people, funding, supplies, information and talents.
Myth #5
Sometimes it's best to shut up.
Truth: A company is in trouble when it's populated by yes-people who won't take risks, share ideas or voice opinions. Speaking up can make your career.
Myth #6
Getting ahead means getting noticed.
Truth: Your work will naturally shine if you contribute to the overall team.
Myth #7
You can train unengaged individuals to work together.
Truth: Training (and in effect, forcing) individuals to cooperate as teams doesn't work. You make much more progress by first removing the layers of fear that make us believe we are separate. True and effective teaming becomes the natural result!
There are other misleading beliefs and doubts leading to workplace mediocrity, back-stabbing, dissention and even corruption. It's your choice to break free and be open to the possibility of a grander design. As we escape the boxes we have put ourselves and our organizations into, an amazing freedom is present. Performance becomes fun, exciting and drives itself. It is remarkable to watch as each organization steps into its authenticity. Workplace evolution is the key to innovative workplaces that attract the best talent!
Gayle Gregory has co-authored the critically-acclaimed book THE GRAND EXPERIMENT: An Expedition of Self-Discovery, a selected textbook at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.