What is good about your job?
Robyn asks “how do you find joy in your work?”
This is such an interesting question as I speak to so many people who struggle to tell me what is good about what they do to earn a living.
Now I believe that part of this is because here in the UK ( or certainly in Scotland) we are not used to using language like “joy” in relation to work. In coaching sessions I ask my clients what they are passionate about – and then we explore how they might find a job that allows them to indulge that passion. But is has raised and eyebrow or two.
I think Robyn’s choice of the word “joy” is great. I also will continue to ask about passion. Neither should be mutually exclusive to work.
So here’s a challenge for the first full working week of 2008. Think about what you really like – even love ( there I go again) – about your work. If you can’t truly think of anything that is really sad ( another one). I think though that many of you will be surprised!
I would love it if you would share what you find out.
Hi Jackie, I like your use of “love” in relation to work.
Here’s where my idea originated. Alfred North Whitehead says we have lost the “joy of learning.” In fact he said that quite a few years ago.
As I work with business leaders, time and again I hear about toxic work environments. In fact, I just had a manager friend who went to work only to find a pick slip. This man had been commended by his company within the year for great improvements in employee safety on the job.
Many people today seem disillusioned. I truly would like to see more people find joy in their work as you and I do. So I am currently writing a follow-up post that will interest you.
Ah – the joy of learning too! So often the suggested “solution” to a work related problem is
“training”. So often “training” means “going on a course” and little emphasis is put on using what has been learned. So “training” has somewhat become something to beat an employee with.
Now you have inspired a follow up post too Robyn.
Thank you!