Creating genuine Career Connections

No, I’m not talking about networking. Nor am I referring to your job title.

I’m talking about YOU being congruent with who you are and what you value.

Several times a week as a career coach, I walk through a core values exercise with my clients because if you can’t be authentically who you are at work most of the time or if your work values are in conflict with who you are as a human at this point in time, you’re going to always experience this inner strife and never be able to bring your best self to work and truly create authentic, career connections at work- no matter what your job title is.

The grass is greener where we water it.

Now, some of you reading this may be thinking, 'Julie I have a ton on my plate. I don’t have time to create connection with people I work with. I just want to come in do my job and leave.' That's fine- and remember- fine is not good nor is it great.

I would challenge you to think about this:

How did you get to this point in your career today?

Who helped you along the way?

There is a time and a season for you to grow as a person. When we shift our focus from ourselves to others, we can create genuine connection. But genuine connection takes time and effort. You have gifts that are needed by others. So, why ae you holding back? Shy- sure, but we are social beings meant to interact with others on some level. There isn't ANY JOB that does not require some amount of human interaction.

Here are my five steps for creating genuine, career connections:

1. Be vulnerable. No matter if you are the leader or a team member, lean into your role. Don't be afraid to EVER say- 'I don't know', or 'I was wrong,' or 'That wasn't the best decision'. Lead by example from where you are.

2. Remember the small things. I know we all have a gazillion things on our minds and on our plates between work and personal obligations; however, that is the beauty of technology. Schedule a task to check in; schedule a call. Record birthdays. Record an employee's or co-worker's hard moment to follow up with them. Is it a doctor's appointment? Was it a child’s big basketball game? Is it an ill parent's surgery? Write it down check in and follow up.

   
   

3. Be there consistently. Even when you don't feel like it, show up each day, especially when it's hard. Be all in and arrive with the best intentions. Whether you realize it or not, you are modeling the way for others. It's kind of like working out... some days you feel it and some you just don't. What matters, though, is that you still choose to show up even on the hard days.

4. Surround yourself with positivity. Evaluate where you should be spending your time and with whom. If you’ve been on boards or are a member of associations just because you feel like you have to, but you’re getting no value out of it - in other words- you can't share the value or pay it forward- then remove yourself. Because if you can’t be yourself, you’re not going to be able to create genuine connections.

   
   

5. Listen to your values. Who are you today and who do you want to spend time with? What do you stand for? For instance, if you are spiritual in nature or not, just because you join one group doesn't mean that has to be your entire identity. Try it.

If you have been struggling with leveling up in your career, figuring out your next career move or just have been disengaged for far too long, let's talk.

I have several complimentary Career Strategy Sessions available each week.

Schedule Now!

Who do you want to be next? Who do you want to serve next? How?