T.G.I.F. (and a couple thank you's)

Before I dive right into this post I wanted to say thank you.

Thank you to my friend, Stef, who discusses Career Civility with me. Thank you to my partner, Kevin, for listening and supporting all my crazy ideas. Thank you to my sorority sisters, and best group of girlfriends, for giving me a look inside their workplaces so I can discuss it on my platform.

For each person who has contributed to any of my posts, or any of my future work, thank you.

A big part of communication is community. Personally, I have always found identity in my immediate community. Identity in my soccer team, student government, waterski team, sorority, and now that I’m in the workplace, in my organization.

At the end of every post I ask for contributions, thoughts and/or new ideas to discuss. And I mean it. I value the engagement and the community in Career Civility because no one taught us how to navigate the work force. So let’s talk about it.

Thank you, Stef, for sharing your career experiences with me. It is because of your help, your perspectives, and your openness that we are -- together -- able to dissect the nuances of the workplace and make it a better place. One career move at a time.

Let’s get started! Do me a favor and think about the last time you were up for a promotion, were stuck in between two positions at work, decided to make an industry move, or quit.

Who had influence on that decision? Who helped you think through the pros and cons of that move?

At home, we work with our family, our partners, our cats and our dogs (yes, pets matter too) to make the best decision for their future and for ours.

But at work… who helps you with that decision? Do you have a manager or a leader who is productive in helping you navigate your career? Or do you work in a toxic environment that drives you to make a decision for the betterment of the business regardless of your personal well-being?

Family aside, let’s talk about how corporations, organizations, and the workplace can be a toxic pressure to your career.

One of my favorite parts about the workplace is the vastness of opportunity. We aren’t even aware of half of the industries and occupations available to us. It is overwhelming, but it is so damn exciting.

One of my least favorite parts about the workplace is the limited mobility you have once you are in a role. People depend on you, routines are built, insurance is stable, and the anticipated income is necessary to sustain a life.

I’ve been a part of an organization where my path was already built for me. I’ve also been a part of an organization where I was told I had the opportunity to build my own path within the organization.

Which one did I feel most empowered and supported in? Neither.

It is not about the organization’s EVP (aka employee value prop) and it is not about the promise made to you about career opportunity.

It is about your own personal value prop and how your leader supports your value.

Both organizations gave me the opportunity to build my own book of business – but only within management’s parameters. Within the idea of what success meant to them. Within the experience of what my manager did in their own experience.

I got caught within the lines someone else drew for me.

Great leaders see potential in their greatest human assets without stifling that potential. They appreciate the work contributed during their time on the clock and they realize when it is time for them to move on.

Toxic career environments are created when individuals stay longer than their expiration date.

Productive workplaces are created when great leaders help their peers learn, grow, and move on.

For better or for worse, people come first and organizations come second. We need to adapt our workplaces to putting the people first, communicating effectively, and supporting career growth over revenue growth.

End of story.