Dare You to Move

It is entirely possible to start a job in your sweet spot, but gradually find yourself out of place as the organization evolves, changes or grows. The ground can shift beneath your feet.

You'll know it when it happens. You'll repeatedly wake up unenthusiastic. You'll find yourself straining to be one of the effective ones at work. Your job will be a stress, not a pleasure.

Trouble is, you won't want to let other people down by leaving. You'll continue to struggle in an effort to "be faithful." And you'll unknowingly hold back the organization from all that it could be.

But worst of all, you'll miss out on the feeling of being the best at what you do... the sweet taste of effectiveness... and the joy of going to work every day.

Comments

[getvision]

I completely get that! As someone who has worked for a few, "annointed and called," leaders, i am always straining: "do I stay here and borrow? or do i go out and build?'

[Camron Ware]

Well said; that hits home for me my friend.

[bob.bickford]

Dead on-great stuff Ben!

[Steve Brown]

Ben you are killing us man. Tell us what we want to hear. Have you been reading our (my) mail? Give us one of those "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" posts
;>))

[Anne Jackson]

This is exactly what happened when I was at LC, although it was me who changed after the Africa trip. What is important is being honest and open with those around you so you can process it with your team together...maybe there's a better fit within the org, and maybe not. The only way to find out is to talk.

[karen]

Have you been watching me? Seriously...

[KM]

Yea Ben, sometimes I think you have found a way tap into my MAC Cam. and are watching and listening to me, posting my feelings and thoughts. Scary the technology you Catalyst guys are able to accomplish these days :)

[Jenni Catron]

Great, great thoughts. I think that when we find ourselves in this spot we are afraid we're admitting defeat by acknowledging it's no longer a good match. You are right, we are holding the organization back as well as ourselves. Ouch!

[Daniel Decker]

So the million dollar question is... is this an observation / warning from Ben to others or one of Ben to himself?

[Justin Browning]

I think you have some magical insight into my life... these are the words that describe everything I have been feeling. I'm afraid it will make me seem like a weak leader if I leave, but I honestly think it takes more leadership to acknowledge that I am not in my "fit" and move on. Have any insights?

[John Snyder]

Love and hate this post because I can totally relate in my life right now. I just read The Dip by Seth Godin and it talks a lot about this.