In some cases healing may never be complete. The break is simply too deep. Thus, from time to time the situations come back to haunt us because of incomplete healing.
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn entries for May 2 through May 8, 2022.
Growth is messy
Career transitions are challenging. Also, they are risky.
Truly, growth is messy.
Conversely, growth is exceedingly rewarding.
However, the alternative is to stay where you are.
That is, you never change. And, you never grow beyond who or what you are at a point in time.
So, when considering where to grow, put out of your mind that you will settle for “what is.”
Today’s Observation: “What is” isn’t fine! Especially when you have the capacity and capability to be more and do more in your career.
The Precept: Proverbs 13.12 says that hope deferred makes us heart-sick, but when desire is accomplished it’s like a tree of life!
What’s your career risk story like?
Things didn’t turn out as expected!
Ever found a job but still “failed” in that job search?
Well, No Planning, No Reflection means replacing one problematic job with another just as problematic.
Years ago I was energetic and threw myself into a job search, but I didn’t take time to reflect on WHO I was or where I should be going at that point in my career.
Things didn’t turn out as I expected!
Today’s Observation: Major life changes must be paired with time for serious reflection and careful planning.
The Precept: Proverbs 3.5 warns against leaning solely on our own ability to make sense of things.
Where have your career efforts been misdirected due to a lack of foresight and self-evaluation?
A leaders first 90 days!
There are lots of ideas about what new leaders must do in their first 90 days.
Some say an early win; others a listening tour.
I suggest that getting to know direct reports and other key influencers is critical.
Unfortunately, this activity is often limited to the leader’s first 90 days.
Today’s Observation: One-on-one contacts are an ongoing process that leaders must master. Why? Because life and work situations among employees are constantly changing.
The Precept: Proverbs 18.24 states the widely-repeated principle that before we can have friends we must be friendly!
As a leader, how have you maintained personal contacts during the press of business?
Let’s ignore that!
Well, no, you cannot. Not as a leader.
For example, some suggest the U.S. focus solely on its own needs as a country, to the exclusion of needs outside our borders.
However, human decency and integrity demand we not remain silent. That we don’t endorse godless behavior.
Today’s Observation: For some business leaders and politicians, I suspect the only stakeholder risk they are willing to assess is the perceived risks to their own career!
The Precept: From Proverbs 24.11-12 we learn that being accountable to God excludes us from using the excuse “I didn’t know that” when in fact we were aware of the severity of the situation.
How do you balance internal and external pressures as you take a position on issues/events not related to your organization’s products and services?
The secret to success!
You’ve heard “nothing succeeds like success!”
My view is that early wins fuel present success.
That said, based on my personal experience, here’s my take on success:
Today’s Observation: Nothing succeeds like persistence! Yep, grit overcomes a lack of talent!
The Precept: Proverbs 21.22 talks about the outcome of perseverance in terms of overcoming long odds.
What’s your “secret to success”?
You’ve heard this question!
WHAT would you do if: “You weren’t afraid?” Or, alternatively “You couldn’t fail?”
It eliminates excuses for not acting on our heart’s desire.
The question clarifies WHAT we want.
Today’s Observation: I believe that when I’m mindful and purposeful about how I live, my answer to this question is: “Exactly what I’m doing right now, this very minute, today, this week!”
The Precept: Proverbs 4.25-27 instructs us to stay focused, be deliberative, and execute persistently!
What’s the next step you could take toward acting on WHAT you desire to do?
Incomplete healing
In some cases healing may never be complete. The break is simply too deep.
Thus, from time to time the situation comes back to haunt us.
In those times we have hope because of how we have:
1). Moved forward to this point.
2). Healed, at least somewhat.
3). Succeeded despite our past set-backs in life.
4). The support of those who are driven by the same things we are.
Today’s Observation: When we focus on where we are now, who we are now, and how far we have come, we have hope for our continued progress.
The Precept: From Proverbs 16.3 we learn that our thought life is settled when we submit what we do to divine guidance (“commit your works to the Lord”).
What helps you when you are haunted by the past?
