BEWARE WORK-BASED EMOTIONAL TRAPS!
by Don Phin
Career coaches and psychiatrists tell us that their clients suffer from a familiar set of traps when it comes to progressing in their careers. In this document, Don Phin explores some of the most common work-based traps.
The Job Misfit Trap. This often occurs when an employee takes the first available job. Any relationship begun out of desperation is doomed to fail. The question shouldn't be 'can the employee work at this job,' but 'should they work at this job?'
The Career Plateau Trap. We all want to keep moving forward on the job. When we fail to progress, we find ourselves in a deep rut. This frustration concerns employers because it's one of the main causes of job turnover. To what degree have you and your employees charted a career path that empowers rather than stifles?
The Victimization Trap. Chances are that every employee and manager has felt victimized in the workplace at one time or another. In these situations, it's natural to think that we have no control over our environment and that our only choice is to blame others. We'd rather identify with Dilbert than do anything to change the circumstances. Managers need to recognize this trap and encourage employees to 'own' their success by instilling a sense of personal responsibility through education and leadership.
The Financial Mismanagement Trap. This complaint is another sign of individual irresponsibility that all too often spills over into the workplace. Once again, the answer is education and leadership. Have financial planners visit your workforce for lunch meetings to teach the basics of money management. Purchase the Accounting Game or Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad board game so employees can learn how to do more with less.
The Fatigue Trap. If you feel worn out on the job, when's the last time you did anything to invigorate or inspire yourself? What about your dietary and exercise habits? Stress creates burnout and burnout leads to personal and business failure. As employers, we have to realize the dangers of workaholism for ourselves and for our employees.
Learn to recognize the warning signs of these traps so you and your employees can steer clear of them.