Today, I said goodbye. It was a cheerful farewell to someone I guided this summer towards a new job. He will soon start in a new position that suits him perfectly. With that, his coaching journey is complete and successful.
We looked back together at how he had started new jobs in the past. To learn from it. And to avoid old pitfalls.
In previous jobs, it had been difficult to deal with pressure and expectations. His own expectations even more than those of the people around him. It caused insecurity, making him no longer function optimally.
Eventually, he left his employer.
The period without work really caused insecurity. He quickly stepped into the next job.
Not a good choice and a job that didn’t suit him.
That’s how he crossed my path. Or maybe I crossed his path.
There are many millennials in similar situations. Not to say this only happens to them.
Today, we looked forward to his new job. And we came up with three things needed to be healthy and effective in a demanding environment.
1) Check your assumptions
Our brain is programmed to remember negative memories better and longer than everyday or positive events. This can lead us to see our own performance much more negatively than the view people around us have of us.
2) Ensure guidance and support
Many organizations have a buddy or mentor system. It’s a good idea to also ensure your own support and guidance. Think of colleagues and your relationship with your manager. But also at the level above your manager and even outside your own organization, you can find a mentor. This way, there is always someone who can reflect neutrally. For example, by having lunch together once a month.
3) Keep yourself sharp
Working on your own development is always a good idea. You gain new knowledge and skills. But something else happens.
By taking action and working on a topic that is important and challenging for you, you also increase the sense of control or grip on the situation. It’s a double-edged sword. You work on your skills. And it becomes easier to deal with uncertainty.
