The following article appeared on Inc.com today as a part of my column, “Behind The Desk.” Look out for new columns every week!
Do you need a “workover?”
You’ll know a “workover” is right for you if:
- You want to spruce up your reputation with clients and co-workers.
- You want to improve the value you provide.
- You’re looking for a new job, a new position, or a new company.
You’ll know you need a makeover if you love the idea of reinventing yourself or elevating yourself to a whole new level. Showing up differently. Stronger. More compelling. You…. only better.
So what, exactly is a workover? It’s a new take on the old model of you. Think of it as a work makeover. A positive calling-out of your very best traits to show you in your very best light. And who knows what can happen from there! New opportunities, new challenges, new successes.
Everyone needs a workover eventually. No one wants to be caught in last years’ shoes or a hairstyle from their high school days. But it happens anyway. You get settled in a routine and become satisfied with the status quo. Don’t let that happen – you’ve got to keep current.
If you’re in the market for a new job altogether, as many people are, the workover is absolutely essential, and the time is now.
Once you’ve had your workover, you’ll discover how much more is possible for you at work–a sense of fulfillment, the opportunity to do what you’re passionate about, and the ability to rise above the fray to land (or create) the job of your dreams–not just the job you’re most qualified, or whatever job come along first.
It’s a win-win situation for many entrepreneurs: you’re jumping out of your comfort zone to face boundless growth, and at the same time you’re aligning yourself with your passion.
In my workover series, I’m looking forward to helping you to discover–and follow–your passion, and turning that passion into your next career move! Later, in an upcoming column, I will be walking you through the process of giving yourself a workover, but for today, let me start you off with an assignment to get you thinking.
Try these five questions to decide if a workover is right for you:
- Are you ready to refresh your reputation with clients, co-workers, the market or your bosss?
- If yes, what specifically appeals to you about a workover?
- What will change for you when you have overhauled your professional “look and feel?”
- What, specifically, do you want to change or improve?
- What would you want to retain and not change–the part of your work and work ‘presence’ you already love?
Anthony Smith, author of The Taboos of Leadership: The 10 Secrets No One Will Tell You About Leaders and What They Really Think, calls this his 3 C’s model: What can you celebrate? What would you like to change? And where are you coping with what you’ve got? Gaining this level of clarity will focus your workover and position you to quickly become the new model of success you have in mine. Get ready for a professional transformation.
This is the first part of a three-part series. Next time we will focus on the three things you must do to shed the old you and come back, new and improved.
Related: Breaking Down Your Roadblocks: The 4 People You Need To Help