What Are the ABC's of Your Dream Job?

What are the ABC’s of Your Dream Job?
Sheri A. Callahan, President, Horizon Consulting Group, LLC
Keynotes, Training and Performance Consulting
803-606-3650 www.onthehorizon.net

“How’s work going?” Where does this question come from? Why do people ask us about our work? Don’t they have enough of their own work issues? The irony is that we usually don’t give a real answer to this question. How would it sound if we said, “My job really stinks!” Today’s world isn’t quite prepared for that kind of honesty. We tend to like responses that are simple, happy and successful. Am I referring to you? How about your neighbor? When you meet in the yard do you simply reply, “My job is going fine.”? Or do you say, “Let me tell you about
the horrors of my job.” I doubt that is your response, because generally we have simply become conditioned to put up with the daily grind and keep smiling. CAN IT CHANGE?

The employment decisions that we made today, a month ago, a year ago or even a decade ago can certainly impact our everyday life for years to come. Stop right now and think about your job. Do you wake up each morning and throw the alarm clock across the room? Are you frustrated before you even get to your desk? Are you sick and tired of feeling like your world is spinning and you can’t get off? Is you personal life affected by the elements of your employment? CAN IT CHANGE?

In today’s world of non-stop pressure we often forget that true success doesn’t come in a paycheck or in the prestige of a job title. If you ask people what makes them content in their job it usually is a reflection of the overall components of their 8 to 5 life and the flexibility of their employer. As a Headhunter, people tell me daily that there are many responsibilities in their job that they love and succeed in completing. They say they love their location, their duties, management style, salary and many others. Unfortunately, they also tell me that their employers don’t realize that those elements aren’t always enough to keep great employees. The misunderstood needs of employees are not as concrete as “Here are your five responsibilities, Kathy.” Things like making it to their son’s baseball game on time, telecommuting, and understanding life issues or even casual dress Fridays are often elements that are important to employees. After all your life is supposed to be more than where you work. So why can’t you have these elements in your job? What is important to you? Have you ever made a formal proposal to your boss to make your job the “right” job? If your job had the “right” elements would you stop throwing that alarm clock each morning? How nice that would be! YES IT CAN CHANGE!

The steps to creating your dream job are as easy as ABC. However, you must be realistic, forward thinking, and cautiously determined in order to make this dream job happen. I also give you this word of caution; not every employer will choose to make changes so that you can be a more rounded employee. Every industry, government agency, and corporation is different; not to mention the uniqueness of one’s Boss. So it is up to you to get out that pen and paper, brainstorm, and make it happen.

Follow the ABC’s for creating your dream job today!

1.“A” Assess Your Dream Plan. What are the factors that would make you most happy in a job? Is it specific duties, money, location, hours, environment, dress code...etc? List them all then weed out the highly unlikely. Make a list of the pros and cons of your job. Determine the cons you can tackle with a reasonable alternative. For example, can you do that extra work from home so you can get to the baseball game on time? Are these changes possible in your current job or would you need to seek employment elsewhere? Make a list of the easy changes that would allow you to stay in your present job. If they look reasonable select only one or two primary objectives to propose to your Boss. Always be realistic about what an employer can accomplish with those objectives.
2.“B” Build a Plan of Action. Once you have written down your objectives then it is time to build support for your success. The first key is to identify the benefits to the employer than will come as a result of your job changes. For example; telecommuting will allow you to work at any hour necessary; casual dress would help lighten the tone in the office; a raise that included an additional key responsibility for you would lighten your boss’s workload; a half day on Friday would reduce stress; flextime would allow for the phone lines to be open for additional hours…etc. The second key is to research related success stories of other employees, departments or companies. Ask other Managers if they have heard of related changes in other departments and the level of success of that change. Also check with employees that have more knowledge about the company. If you still need backup, look to positive changes within other companies of your type. This may take some phone calls to Human Resources Departments, but it will be worth it. And the third key is to identify the direct reasons that this change will enable you to do a better job for the company. In other words “How will these changes make you a better employee for us?” The last key is to be fully prepared to address any and all questions and concerns relating to the changes. You must develop clear, direct responses that diminish the concern immediately. For example, “If we are allowed casual dress on Friday, we will have a much better outlook, but if you find it to be distracting we can always return to the old ways.
3.“C” Communicate Your Proposal. Preparation is the foundation to any sales proposal. You will be selling the benefits of your job change to your manager and the company. This has to be a strong sell for a change for one employee. First, if possible, present your proposal in general terms to another trusting manager for feedback and suggestions. Be sure to follow those suggestions as closely as possible and refer to that Manager’s input regarding the change. Secondly, set the stage for your manager. Begin by giving him/her a strategically written note requesting a meeting to discuss your current position and desired changes. Also request an appropriate amount of time, so that you are not interrupted. Upon meeting with your Boss, wear your best attire, your brightest smile, feel your confidence and believe in your well-developed plan of action. Thirdly, be prepared and secure in addressing any questions and/or concerns that may arise. Hopefully, you are prepared for this. Never become defensive, as this may appear that you are not being fully honest. Lastly, thank him/her
for their time and inquire as to when you will speak with them again.

Once you have followed the ABC’s and successfully presented your proposal it is time to celebrate. Hopefully, your employer will see the value of the changes and your frustrations will ease. However, don’t be discouraged if “no” is the answer, as it simply calls for you to reassess your situation. Remember that regardless of the outcome, you have proven that you have the ability to take control of your life. Stand tall and remember that you are always your own best advocate.