Alexander Kjerulf calls himself
the Chief Happiness Officer. He advises people on how to be happy at work.
The other day Alexander wrote
that liking
your job isn’t good enough. You
should love your job. He backed up his
assertion with facts and figures about environment, productivity, and
satisfaction.
One of his readers asked:
“What advice do you have for those who want to improve things and are
consistently met with opposition?”
Since most people that
want change
are met with opposition, this is a great question!
I would advise this reader
to identify the relatively easy or isolated things that he could do on his own
that could have a tangible positive impact on the business. He should then just do them – even if they
aren’t the things HE really wants to do first.
He’ll need credibility to
get support for more involved plans and results speak louder than aspirations.
If he has already
exhausted the changes he can make individually, he’s going to need support. He needs to find an advocate or partner –
preferably one with enough organizational “clout” to remove obstacles.
Another option is a
“lateral” equivalent with whom he can partner to change something across groups
within the company (under the radar at first – until he can show some results).
If he can’t get things to
move at a satisfying pace, he needs to decide whether his job requirements are compatible
with his organization’s culture.
Sometimes moving on is the
only option.
But be careful in deciding
where to go.
Just like some of us are repeatedly
attracted to individuals that “are no good for us”, we can also be continually attracted
to cultures in which we do not fit.
What do you think he
should do?
George-
Thanks for pointing us to such a great article.
We’ve talked here before about how resistance is just one form of communication and how listening, adjusting your approach, and often changing your mind are critical to success.
This article really covers a lot – it’s a great resource.
Ann
“What advice do you have for those who want to improve things and are consistently met with opposition?”
I recommend they go read Dale Emery’s article, “Resistance as a Resource.” http://www.dhemery.com/articles/resistance_as_a_resource.html
Tim –
That’s great advice. I know I’m a lot happier when I’m working with people that value what I do. Ironically, I think I do my job better in those environments as well!
Ann
Steve Farber advises to “do what you love in the service of those who love what you do.” So, it would seem, love of job has two parts: a personal attitude of love of your job AND finding others who appreciate your skills and abilities. You can be the best widget-making-consultant in the world, but if you do not work for those who appreciate widget making, you become the lone voice crying in the wilderness. In my journey as a consultant, I’ve learned to become more selective on my clients to find those who are truly appreciative of the skills I bring to the table. Otherwise, loving my job just isn’t going to happen.
Liz, I agree completely! He should first worry about the things that he can control – show some results – and move outward from there.
While (if you read his full comment on Alexander’s blog) this person does seem to have a great attitude, change is often something we look at others to accept and allow and forget to emulate ourselves.
Thanks for the insight!
I know that some people are barriers to change because they just don’t want to, but others just can’t see the benefit, Why doesn’t he try to “be” the change and let folks see the positive out come that comes of it. Even on a small scale positive change has an impact.
Thanks Michael – for me there’s nothing worse than going it alone!!!
I like your idea of finding a “partner”.
A positive fellow subversive that will seek change with you in a respectful but determined manner has often been my approach.
And by the way, Alex has a great vision for people and their work lives – it is good to see the conversation enlarged here.
Thanks stirring things up!!