Photo by: Pioneer Library System via Flickr
In coaching, we speak often about perspectives: the concept that there’s more than one way to look at something; more than one truth. In working through an issue, being strategic in one’s work or planning for the future, we can turn to mentors, peers, friends and partners to uncover new ways to look at things.
I encourage my clients to consider various perspectives on their own, too, by looking at something through someone else’s eyes or from the point of view of themselves in 20 years, for example.
This blog will focus on the oft-mulled-over concept of career success, and my aim is to offer you an entirely fresh perspective: that of my nine-year-old daughter. Even if you have one of your own at home, you probably wouldn’t turn to her for guidance on this topic. However, in reading the interview below, I invite you to take it as seriously as you would any other advice from a trusted source. That is, rather than skim the words for entertainment value, or get stuck sympathizing with her naïveté, challenge yourself to consider that, just maybe, there’s something important for you to hear.
“Out of the mouths of babes…”, as they say.
***
Hi M.
Hi Mom.
Can I interview you for my blog?
Sure.
I think grown-ups can sometimes learn things from kids.
I think so too.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
An anthropologist or a mechanic. Or maybe both.
It’s an unusual pair. How did you pick?
Different people and the places they come from and that history is really cool, and then I also like to learn about fixing things.
So how should other people choose their careers?
If you think something’s interesting, go try it!
My teacher said he was working for an advertising place and he just didn’t like it so much. Another teacher introduced him to teaching and when Mr. K helped as a teacher, he liked it. Then he went back to school to learn more and now he’s been at my school for 8 years.
That’s a good lesson. So once you pick, how do you know it’s a good fit?
You’d sorta just feel it. If you feel like you’re schlepping everyday to work, you know you don’t love it so much. If you’re excited to go to work – and you’re just like, “yippee”, then I think it’s a good fit.
Do you have to be like that everyday?
Sometimes it might start off like a bad day. But if you have a great job once you get working it can turn that upside down!
How does a grown-up know if they’re successful in their career?
People comment on your good work and you know you tried your best.
What is the best thing about being an adult with a career?
You feel good because you can support your family with money.
And if you’re doing a job you love, it’s fun to go to work everyday.
And if you have nice co-workers it’s fun to see them everyday.
What do you think is the most stressful thing about adults working?
Waking up!
If you do a good job working for someone else, sometimes they give you more responsibility and more money. It’s called a promotion.
I’m not stupid.
Sorry. What’s the most important thing to do to get promoted?
Work your hardest and stay on task. Then they’ll see you’re getting everything done and give you a promotion. It’s kind of like sitting in the classroom and if you work, work, work then you’ll get a star on the board.
What makes a good boss?
Somebody who encourages you, somebody who teaches you if you have trouble, someone who compliments you and goes easy when you make a mistake. He pairs you up with people who have experience and can help you if you don’t know how to do something. And he finds a way to solve problems.
Why “he”?
It can be a “she”!
Just checking.
Most people have a boss and also have others they work with. What’s important about working well with people?
At school we call it collaborating.
Good word.
At school we collaborate in table groups to get work done faster. But it’s hard if you don’t get along. You can’t get work done.
So what if you don’t like the people you work with?
Just try to bond with them. Find things in common. That’s what we do. ‘Cause if we all work together it’s more fun.
What else do you think makes a grown up have a great day at work?
Everything all together: they feel like they tried their best, they got work done, they stayed on task, worked together well with their co-workers and had fun in the process. And they just feel great about what they do as a job.
What do you think makes someone have a lousy day at work?
Maybe feeling under pressure with too much work. Then your desk gets messy and it’s stressful. Or maybe if something is frustrating you like your computer isn’t working or someone isn’t there that you need, or someone showed up late to a meeting.
Then what should you do?
I guess just do one thing at a time. Just breathe.
Have you heard of the term “work/life balance”?
No.
It’s how we refer to –
Oh yeah! We talked about this in school. It’s about balancing play and work. We have Wellness Wednesdays and I love it. If you just play, play, play you’re not going to work and learn stuff. But if you only work, you won’t have time to play and you’ll get grumpy. You need to balance it out. Sometimes you need to clear your mind.
How do you think adults can achieve a good balance?
Meditating, yoga, telling people how you feel. You can play with your kids if you have kids, or you can just, like, snuggle and read in your bed. You can try to complete lots of stuff in your workday so that you can play at home.
What should you do if your boss gives you too much work?
Just try to finish as much as you can and then go home.
What’s the best advice you have for my clients working hard at their careers?
If you’re working hard, you’ll probably succeed. Don’t overthink things. Just do your work and look it over it and finish it. Then go and play.
***
How would it serve you to take on M’s perspective – even just sometimes?
What would your inner 9-year-old say about your career?
